Scan barcode
hannahrose_fgc's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, and Sexual assault
fkshg8465's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Alcohol
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.75
"Always remember that the only wishes ever granted are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing even when it seems no one is listening because someone always is. Someone like me. Keep wishing. I’m listening."
I kept hearing fantastic things about The Wishing Game, and after I saw it was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards I decided to give in and finally read it as I hadn't read ANY of the fiction nominations yet. I'm glad I did, because I can definitely understand the love for this story now! Whimsical, heartfelt, sad, hopeful... It is hard to put this story in a neat little genre box, but I can guarantee it will win over your heart and take you on the most incredible journey. There is a lot to love in The Wishing Game... I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but what I can say is that if you love a bookish story, you will be in for an absolute treat. Both the Clock Island books, its author AND illustrator play a key role in the plot, and I loved how it showed the power and importance of books for children and adults alike. The descriptions of the Clock Island itself are wonderful, and it gave the whole story that whimsical and magical realism feel without overpowering the plot. The story was a lot heavier and sad than expected, but this was balanced with moments of hope and even a dash of romance. The characters are a true delight, and part of the reason this book works so well... This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
dhh08's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, and Grief
l_piller's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Miscarriage and Pedophilia
momloves2read's review
- 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
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction and Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcoholism and Miscarriage
sustainably_lucia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Chronic illness, and Death of parent
chronologically_charlie's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
A really slow start. Really weird character relationships. Like...really weird. And I like weird! But this was weird. A really slow and predictable plot. The writing felt flat. I just ugh...
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse, Chronic illness, and Miscarriage
Minor: Cancer, Drug abuse, and Pedophilia
notbrhymes's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
What a beautiful, beautiful story brimming with love and whimsy and so much humanity. My heart was broken and repaired multiple times throughout this novel and I think it is such a feat when an author can accomplish that while also having an otherwise interesting story.
I read this in one sitting and I couldn’t be happier that I decided to ignore the other books that I had due back to the library much sooner & I picked this one up instead.
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer
yarnarh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
- The way Lucy was so obsessed with Christopher. It doesn’t scream I love you, more like I’m obsessed and I can’t live without you.
- The age gap between Lucy and Hugo. 8 years age gap is quite a lot. I mean it make sense that Hugo have to be 21 to make his own decision and live on an island with an old man. But 13 and 21 feels like a huge gap.
- luring kids to his clock island. He is an adult. He should know how gullible and naive little kids are. And if a Hogwarts letter come to my house as a kid I would have do whatever I can to get there.
Other than that, I love the book. Heartwarming, and magical
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Minor: Incest