Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - The Wishing Game

It felt like a warm hug. Willy wonka meets Peter pan with a therapist. Love the nuanced approach to dreams and encouraging children’s spirits, while not promising life is fair. The letters from Christopher to the mastermind had me 😭

I think the critique of Lucy’s relationship with Christopher is fair, but also think the difference of one person who really cares can make in a child’s life. I also didn’t like that her love interest meets her when she’s underage.

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bluz19's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book by far gives “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” vibes! I think this book has a very whimsical feel to it and falls under the themes of quirky, puzzle, and an underdog story. Basically Lucy, a woman very down on her luck and with childhood trauma, has grow up and meets a kid that she knows she could give her love to but all that’s missing is the money to take care of him. She is given that opportunity when Masterson invites her to his island for a contest that if she wins she can sell the book and finally be able to adopt the sweetest and brightest boy Christopher. I liked the premise of the story, it was something that was a quick read and easy to absorb and fly through. There were some deep themes that this book tackled like child abandonment, feeling unwanted, running away, and the foster system, but there are lighter ones too. I don’t think this book was meant to be a lot of twists and turns, just a nice story about how we bring bad things from our childhood but also some good things that help us become who we are and who we’re meant to be. I think this book was very healing as well, it made me think back to the books that I read as a kid that fully changed me. i loved how this book shows that even adults get scared and have problems, and want to believe in magic. This book helps them to face their fears and see that there can be a light at the ned of the tunnel.

There were points in the story that I felt were unnecessary and forced but because of all the points I did love, I was able to overlook some of the not so wonderful parts. I think this would make a very relaxing read, there’s no real twists, no violence, no horror, just feel good vibes. The story is ultimately about a love and appreciation for books and their ties on people. The character have their downfalls, especially impulsive and stressful Lucy, but only because she wants to offer what she never had, love. I’ve read a lot of reviews of people who didn’t like the book simply because of the relationship that Lucy builds with Christopher but we also must acknowledge this this book is supposed to be the best case scenario of what is horrible circumstances.

I think if you enjoyed Willy Wonka, are looking for a more lighthearted story break, or you just love books, riddles, and writing then you would enjoy this story. I think I was pleasantly surprised with what I actually read because I didnt have high hopes for this book. It quickly brought me in and I flew through the book even if I could mostly tell the ending. This book made me want to live on Clock Island too!

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emmakchapman's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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karina_dreamsinwords's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I’m happy to report my 5⭐️ drought of July is OVER!!

I think I read this story exactly when I needed it. This had me crying many times, with a constant stream of tears for the last 25%. I can’t quite explain the hope & joy Meg Shaffer weaved into this delightful little gem, but this was an absolute pleasure to read.

This gave me the feels similar to one of my favorites— The House in the Cerulean Sea, so if you also loved that book, give this one a try.

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haileyhardcover's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The Wishing Game is perfection. A perfect blend of heartbreak and hope, wit and whimsy. I laughed, I cried. I raced to solve riddles and braved my own fears. I had so much fun on Clock Island.

I love stories that make you fall even more in love with stories. Books have been such an important part of my life, and I love when authors not only acknowledge what books mean to us, but write whole new stories just to honor and celebrate them! Who would we be without the books we’ve loved? I don’t care to know the answer.

The Wishing Game is like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory but for adults whose inner child is ready to come out. For a book set in the “real world” without any actual magic, it felt like I was reading a fantasy. Clock Island truly felt magical and is certainly a place where wishes do come true if you’re brave enough to ask.

I connected to this story personally on so many levels. You know a book was meant to find you when, halfway through, you’re already thinking about getting quotes and images tattooed on your body forever, because having them branded into your heart just isn’t enough.

The Wishing Game is perfectly paced and easy to binge-read if that’s your thing. It’s a quick read at just under 300 pages. Most of the chapters are quite short and even the longer ones move quickly enough that you don’t notice the difference. If you appreciate a good floppy paperback like I do, the publisher nailed this one - so easy to break in and then lays flat like a dream even from the first page! Also the cover?! Stunning! No notes.

In short, I highly, highly recommend The Wishing Game.

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chris_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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mj_86's review against another edition

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hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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