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pandaorb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Graphic: Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Death
2catmom's review against another edition
When she talk to the guy at the beach and had that awful conversation, and then started crushing on him, despite the fact that he turned her beautiful school into a prison and painted over to murals and held her in his arms…. Gag gag gag. It’s not even believable for a fantasy or sci-fi book. I just lost all interest. Other authors do the enemies to friends troupe better. Way better.
Graphic: Death
n_heraty's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Mass/school shootings
readingwithmeredith's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
What a unique and emotional story! I laughed, I audibly gasped, I teared up, and just fell in love with this story. It was so much deeper of a story than I expected and I really enjoyed it. The only thing was that a few moments I really got mad at the characters and their choices and that kept it from being a 5 star read, but it definitely was a great book. Definitely some heavier themes in this that are spoilers.
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mass/school shootings, Gun violence, Death, and Abandonment
Major PTSDyesdnil'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
nadiamasood'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
5.0
While the romance is OTT, I loved the school setting and the eccentric and quirky characters!
This is the kind of book you read simply for the pure pleasure of reading. The narration by Thérèse Plummer made this audiobook such a pleasure to listen to!
Moderate: Death, Mass/school shootings, and Chronic illness
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