A review by blewballoon
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

If you love the idea of a story where the kids who toured Willy Wonka's factory as kids get to return as adults, then this might be for you. Replace Willy Wonka's chocolate factory with a private island owned by a famous children's book author. Replace the character flaws and fantasy punishments with real, hopeful children who are seeking love and support in the face of genuine human struggles. Replace the physics defying candy factory locations with riddles, logic games, and self growth. If you're still on board for a story that is overtly about confronting trauma and learning to move forward through your fears, then I think you'll really like this.
SpoilerI will admit that I did find some of the trauma aspects  to be hammered a little too hard, and the resolutions to be a little too quick and easy.
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