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blackbookishbabe89's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Chronic illness
Minor: Drug abuse
eriinmaureenn's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
5 beautiful stars. This book was magic. I resonated so much with Lucy, Christopher, and the other contestants who used books to escape into a new world as a kid. Books have always been my second home and a way to leave the current reality & distract me from things happening in the real world. This book and the descriptions were beautifully written, and I felt like I was transported into Lucy's life in California and on Clock Island.
I experienced a ton of emotions while reading this and cried both happy and sad tears near the end. Absolutely loved this book!
I experienced a ton of emotions while reading this and cried both happy and sad tears near the end. Absolutely loved this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Addiction
Moderate: Chronic illness, Miscarriage, Abandonment, and Child abuse
kedalrymple's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
This was a delightful and easy read. I couldn’t get over the Willy Wonka plot, and at times it felt like the author was just piling on trauma and grief for character backstories because there isn’t a lot to the plot. Even so it’s a gentle book that’s perfect for a beach or a rainy day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse, Medical content, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
Minor: Miscarriage and Pedophilia
caseylovett's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Child death, Abandonment, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Miscarriage
jashanac's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This was such a sweet, sad, uplifting, heart-warming book!
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 justthe relationship with Sean that Lucy had. I didn't want to see the relationship, necessarily, but there were little hints at emotional manipulation and abuse there, that weren't really delved into much at all. I know thematic content wasn't the focus of the book so it's not that I wanted us to suddenly shift gears and have that be the focus, but just to get a slightly clearer picture of what went on there. I've been in an abusive relationship and as I said, I saw the hints... but there was nothing that really jumped out and spoke to me emotionally in all of that. And I just wish there had been. A line or two, ya know? And then Lucy and Angie's reunion... that was SO lovely, but it felt a bit quick that we got that one reunion, and then next thing we know, Angie is sick & about to die right about the same time that Lucy officially adopts Christopher. I just wish Angie had been around a bit longer... a year or something, to get some good memories between them.
All-in-all, a truly lovely story!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Abandonment, Medical content, Chronic illness, Child abuse, and Child death
Minor: Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Miscarriage, and Drug abuse
elise_is_writing's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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
Reading this book feels like every child's dream coming true all at once somehow, and I loved every second of it. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but for book lovers — so basically replace all the candy with books? Just read it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Medical content, Miscarriage, Mental illness, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Addiction, and Abandonment
kelly_e's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
Title: The Wishing Game
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."
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."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Grief, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Terminal illness, Child death, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, and Cancer
foster care, adoptiondoreneemi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
A whimsical, feel good story about found family and beloved childhood books. This book may have been written specifically to make me cry. I loved it.
I also think this found me at the right time. I am ace/aro and I am trying to figure out how to have a child as a single adult in a responsible way. In some ways, I have never related more to a character than to Lucy.
I also think this found me at the right time. I am ace/aro and I am trying to figure out how to have a child as a single adult in a responsible way. In some ways, I have never related more to a character than to Lucy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, and Mental illness
This book was so validating for me in dealing with ace/aro adulthood, despite not mentioning it at all.sydoodle's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
This is one of my favorite books of all time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Child abuse, Abandonment, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Miscarriage, Death, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Abortion, Pedophilia, Terminal illness, Cancer, and Medical content
mlottermoser's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is not what I imagined. It’s a heartfelt look into the power of stories and making a wish. It’s a great example of found families and working toward your dreams with faith. Light romantic storyline. Foster care problems. Children looking for solace in books.
Favorite quotes included: “Kids with hard lives deserved gentle words. Some people like to talk about how resilient kids are, but these were people who’d forgotten how hard everything hit you when you were a kid.”
“The only wishes ever granted—’” “‘—are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing even when it seems no one’s listening because someone somewhere always is.”
Favorite quotes included:
“The only wishes ever granted—’” “‘—are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing even when it seems no one’s listening because someone somewhere always is.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness and Abandonment
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
A woman’s attempt to recover from her rough childhood and help a boy in need.