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karapillar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Addiction, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Eating disorder
scarlettrogue's review
4.5
Moderate: Cancer, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Miscarriage
blackbookishbabe89's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse
itschelseaw'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
3.0
Cute, easy to read, simple to understand, very much a "you're just taking your first steps into adulthood" book.
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
kedalrymple's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Medical content
Minor: Miscarriage and Pedophilia
jashanac's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I loved Lucy as a character and that first chapter with her and Christopher hanging out and talking got me teary-eyed right outta the gates.
The only reason this isn't a solid total 5 star book for me is that there were a couple of things that I wish hadn't been as surface level as they were. I kind of understand why they were more surface level, but I still wish it had been different.
The main focus of the book, however, was very well explored in my opinion. And that was the theme/message of childhood trauma and children simply needing to feel and be LOVED. To be provided with safety, consistency, healthy discipline, and loving attention. All of that was heart-breaking at times and then heart-warming all the other times.
The things that I wish had been touched on a BIT more were just
All-in-all, a truly lovely story!
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Medical content, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, and Toxic relationship
sarahflanders's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
kelly_e's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Author: Meg Shaffer
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5.00
Pub Date: May 30, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Comforting • Whimsical • Hopeful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents.
When Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. he decides to hold a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy. For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher.
💭 T H O U G H T S
There are times when the perfect book falls into your hands at exactly the right time, and that is exactly what happened to me with The Wishing Game. I was in need of a feel-good, warmhearted, and fun book, and that is exactly what I got! I picked this book up while my nieces and nephews were here for the week, yet I instantly knew it was the type of book that needed my undivided attention. So, I set it aside until I could do just that, and then devoured it.
From very early on this story gave me The House in the Cerulean Sea vibes. There is sufficient character development in order for each unique one to worm their way into my heart, especially the ever-grumpy Hugo. The special bond between Lucy and Christopher made me smile.
Yes, aspects of their relationship were unrealistic when you take into consideration legal aspects of teacher/student relationships, yet I was unable to suspend my belief on this manner. I love Jack was an author and the concept of the puzzles and riddles was just so much fun. Clock Island was such a magical place and I cannot blame Lucy for wanting to escape real life to live there.
Jack and Hugo
The Wishing Game is a beautiful reminder of the healing power of books. With themes of courage and found family, it's one of those book I'll remember for years to come. I wouldn't say fantasy is a genre I gravitate towards, and despite being fairly predictable, this novel had just the right fantastical elements to capture my heart. Perfect for all ages, it's highly likely it will be making an appearance on my 2023 Favourites list comes years end.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• T.J. Klune enthusiasts
• fans of the found family trope
• readers in need of a feel-good story
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"The stories write us, you see. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us, and it…it changes us."
"Sometimes the thing we want most in the world is the thing we’re most afraid of. And the thing we’re most afraid of is often the thing we most want."
"When you gotta scream, you gotta scream."
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Child death, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
foster care, adoptionmamawantsbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Cancer, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Alcohol
alastaire's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, and Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness