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caffeinatedbookdragon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Mass/school shootings
sarahangeline'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? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Chronic illness, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Mass/school shootings, and Grief
Minor: Suicide attempt
n_heraty's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Mass/school shootings
shelbyl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Gun violence and Death of parent
Minor: Toxic relationship, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts
yesdnil's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sam's reflections on joy and her desire to help Duncan move past his trauma/PTSD was life-affirming (despite bordering on Instagram-quote-vibes):
"...joy was the cure for everything. And the more I learned about how it worked, the more I felt like joy was cumulative. That it wasn't about finding one big thing--but about collecting as many tiny pieces as you could."
Graphic: Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts
tiqualovett's review against another edition
- 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
What You Wish For was a very heartwarming and uplifting novel that seamlessly blended humor, romance, and self-discovery into a sweet story. Center crafts a compelling narrative around Samantha Casey, a school librarian, whose life takes unexpected turns when the new school principal, Duncan Carpenter, arrives. The characters are beautifully developed, each with their quirks and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and endearing. The story explores themes of resilience, personal growth, and the power of embracing change. Center's writing style is engaging, with a perfect balance of wit and emotion that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.
This reader really enjoyed watching the characters learn and grow, as individuals and as a team. It was fun to follow the characters through the rough times and the joyous moments.
This reader did not enjoy the fact that Sam was so hopelessly obsessed with Duncan. This was off-putting for the first 25% of the book. However, as the book progressed, this seemed to work itself out to be more bearable. Several of the characters, including Tina and Kent Buckley, were almost overwhelmingly too much at the very beginning of this book.
This reader did really enjoy the pacing of the story and how Center was able to draw her readers into every intended emotion.
Definitely a 4 star read. Medium pacing, good character development, good story progression.
Graphic: Mass/school shootings and Death
Moderate: Grief
cathyo_113's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Mass/school shootings, and Death
Moderate: Grief, Chronic illness, and Bullying
marciclark's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Grief and Death
kjbreads's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Gun violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Abandonment
jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Grief and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Gun violence, Medical content, Death, and Chronic illness
Minor: Bullying, Abandonment, and Mass/school shootings