A review by apriltrepagnier
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I suppose this was exactly what I thought it was going to be. While this is my first Sparks read, I have heard the discussions and watched The Notebook; I knew what I was getting into, and I was excited for it. I do a lot of heavy reading, so the beachier novels are a treat I enjoy. I don't want to give away any spoilers here (but you will probably figure it out anyway). I will say a small edit at the very beginning of the novel could have salvaged the whole thing for me. As it was, I nearly threw it across the room and tried to return the purchase. My reaction probably wouldn't have been that strong if it had been 100 pages or so shorter (which it definitely could have been). 

However, if you enjoy quick reads and are little bothered by slight inconsistencies, this one is for you. Full of the emotional heartstring pluckers Sparks is known for, this one delivers on all the fronts. I appreciated the cast of characters that covered the spectrum of stereotypes; while some were suspect in their character, there were counterparts that demonstrated that folks come in all flavors. A generous treatment of humanity that is always welcome, even if the novel itself is not my jam.