Book Summary and Reviews of The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

Reader Reviews

Write your own review

PhyllisE

Heartwarming magical story of found family
Thanks to Random House & NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This book checks all the boxes – heartwarming story, loveable and realistic characters, clever premise, magical realism/fantasy, a book about books, a bit of romance, and a buddy-read with Val. I was surprised this was a debut, as the writing and plotting were smoothly professional.

The story juxtaposes the fantasy of a world-famous reclusive children’s author who lives on mysterious Clock Island - five miles outside of Portland and reachable only by ferry - with the world of foster care. Author Meg Shaffer explains how she “chose to focus on the hopes and dreams and wishes of a child in foster care more than the intricacies of a very complicated system.”

There are themes of family, both birth and chosen, and how books can bring comfort to those “who, in dark times, find a light shining from the pages of books.” Also themes of bravery (and courage), integrity, and creativity.

Clock Island is the setting of the fictional children’s book series and is also where this story takes place. This mysterious spot is reminiscent of those other fantasy locations Hogwarts and Narnia. The author credits Gene Wilder’s Willie Wonka for influencing her as well and I found myself making comparisons as I was reading.

This was a feel-good novel I encourage you to read. I’ve had this brilliant book for almost a year and am glad I finally read it.

ladyjoe0807

The Wishing Game: A Novel is a captivating and enjoyable read, earning a 4 out of 5 star rating.
The Wishing Game: A Novel by Meg Shaffer is a great read that I recently finished. It centers on Jack, a young man who is having a hard time living up to his father's expectations. Jack sets out on a quest to learn the mystery behind the fabled wishing game with the assistance of an enigmatic woman. He gains valuable life, love, and family lessons during his travels. The Wishing Game: A Novel is a gripping tale with detailed descriptions of the locales and characters that give the reader the impression that they are actually a part of the action. Meg Shaffer has a fantastic writing style; her narrative is imaginative, and her prose is captivating. Jack, the primary character, is likable and relatable; his journey and struggles are genuine.

Elizabeth @Silver's Reviews

Elizabeth @Silver's Reviews - A sweet, uplifiting read
Did Lucy's wish come true? She needs a very big wish to come true.

Lucy had met Jack Masterson, children's author, who lived on Clock Island when she was a young girl.

Lucy and three other contestants are called back to the Clock House for a game to win his latest and last book.


Will a contest on the famous Clock Island with the famous Jack Masterson and with the prize of Jack’s last book worth six figures if you sell it save her so she can have enough money and a suitable life to adopt Christopher?

The house and the game Jack had for them on Clock Island was very clever, and the book was a magical one filled with books, love, hope, and lovable characters.

THE WISHING GAME is a different read that at times was a bit odd, but you will love Lucy and Christopher and their journey to become a family.

In the beginning, I was curious about the plot, but soon enough you will be part of the warm feelings flowing from the characters and will be rooting for Lucy to achieve her life-long dream of winning the contest and becoming a mother.

A sweet, uplifting read that also addresses the difficulties of the child foster program. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Shetreadssoftly

very highly recommended mystery/family/romance novel
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a very highly recommended mystery/family/romance novel. This is for adults who always dream of finding a golden ticket.

Lucy Hart grew up without parents who cared and found escape through the Clock Island book series by Jack Masterson. When she was 13 she ran away to the real Clock Island and met Masterson. Now she is twenty-six and a teacher's aide. She wants more than anything else to adopt seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, but she doesn't make enough money for proper housing or a car so she is unable to qualify to foster to adopt.

Then author Masterson announces a contest. He is inviting four contestants to Clock Island to compete in a series of games/riddles. The winner will receive the only copy of his new novel, worth a fortune, and can do what they please with it. Lucy is one of the lucky contestants. While on the island she must also deal with the curmudgeonly but handsome Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books.

The Wishing Game is an excellent debut novel and is going to appeal to all Willy Wonka fans. It's compelling, engaging and held my rapt attention from beginning to end. It could be a YA book, or certainly appropriate for YA readers, but as an adult reader it resonated with me too. There are some heavy themes in the plot but they are handled circumspectly. The narrative is mainly told through Lucy's point-of-view, with excerpts from one of the Clock Island books interspersed between the chapters. There are also several chapters from Hugo's perspective.

We don't have in-depth character development of everyone, but we do have Lucy, Hugo and Masterson developed to some degree, enough that readers will care what happens. The ending is absolutely perfect in every way. This is a novel about hope and the power of books in a life. The Wishing Game would be a wonderful choice for summer reading!
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Random House via NetGalley.