The Wishing Game - Meg Shaffer - Top Book Pick!

Fiction

Rating: 9/10

Spoiler Alert! Happy endings are within reach in this utterly charming book!

Years ago, Jack, a bestselling and much adored children’s book author stopped writing. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life.

Lucy had a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, finding solace in the magical and adventurous Clock Island series. Now as a grown woman she longs to ensure that Christopher, a young boy who lost his parents, doesn’t suffer the same fate. In every way imaginable she wants to be his mother, but love isn’t going to be enough, it’s going to take money. When she’s invited to Clock Island to play the wishing game, the possibly of winning enough to change her circumstance is impossible to resist.

Waiting for her and the other participants is a series of riddles to solve, puzzles to piece together and games to win, all of which the reader gets to play along with.

I fell in love with every character in this whimsical book. Jack, a playful genius with a huge heart. Christopher, a sweet and affectionate little boy whose only desire is to have a family again. Lucy, a loving woman with a generous spirit. And Hugo, my favourite, a handsome artist with a quick wit and protective nature.

At its heart the book has a lovely message, that no wish is too big if you are willing to work for it and brave enough to hope for it. And the sweet parallels to the classic Charlie & The Chocolate Factory are an absolute joy!

Book Pairing(s): Storied Life Of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, Bookshop Of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson, Miss Cecily’s Recipes For Exceptional Ladies by Vicky Zimmerman