A review by bluz19
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

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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