Hi there! I’m here to talk about a slow-moving character-driven story perfect for readers who imagine themselves planted in their favorite fantastical worlds. **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
Occasionally, if I’ve reviewed titles from specific publishers, their marketing team will reach out about upcoming books I might enjoy based on my reads. So late last year, a marketing manager from Penguin Random House sent me a widget offering the chance to read a book called The Wishing Game, a debut adult contemporary by Meg Shaffer, with the pitch that “it’s perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of meeting their favorite author or entering the magical worlds in childhood stories.” I knew next to nothing about it at the time, but past me decided to add it to my NetGalley library, and I decided to pick it up this month since it’s releasing at the end of May. Well, let me just say that I owe past me, and that Penguin Random House marketing manager (hi Megan!) a huge thank you, because I felt like this book was just the perfect read for me.
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked with loneliness and neglect, she found solace in books, particularly a fantasy series, Clock Island, written by the elusive Jack Masterson. He may have stopped writing the series years ago, but Lucy, now twenty-six and a teacher’s aide, can share the magic of reading with her students, especially seven-year-old Christopher who, now an orphan, deserves to escape reality and dive into a fantasy world more than anyone. Lucy dreams of being able to adopt Christopher, but as the days go by and she’s no closer to the funds and stability necessary to be a mother, it’s starting to seem impossible. Until Masterson comes out of retirement, has written a brand new Clock Island book, and invites four contestants – including Lucy – to his home to compete for possession of the sole copy. Lucy wants more than anything to win, to guarantee a future with Christopher, but to get there she must contend with worthy (and wily) opponents, slimy book collectors, shady publishers, and grumpy Hugo Reese, illustrator of the Clock Island books. And all the while, Masterson “the Mastermind” is planning an ending with enough twists to change all of their lives forever.
**Please be warned that while none of the following occurs on-page in the novel, there are prominent discussions about parental neglect, emotional abuse, death of a parent, death of a sibling, siblings who’s sickness leads them to the hospital, child abuse, miscarriage, and child death. This book is sweet and gentle but does not shy away from having deep and emotional conversations, so please be careful if any of the above may be sensitive or triggering to you**
The Wishing Game is a slow moving character-driven story that I didn’t know I needed in my life. As readers, we all want our favorite author to be like Jack Masterson – a kind-hearted man who gives kids a good world they can go to in order to escape their sometimes bad realities. The four contestants competing for the unpublished manuscripts are individuals who, as children, found their way to Jack’s home, the real Clock Island, for their own personal reasons. Even now they have their own reasons for wanting to win, and it was lovely seeing their interactions with Jack. Lucy is such a headstrong character who will do anything in her power to ensure Christopher is taken care of, and eventually in her care permanently – she has seen him at his worst, on the day he found his parents dead in their beds, and worked to make sure he feels loved and appreciated and supported. The Clock Island series is something that they can bond over, and when Lucy is invited to the island he cheers her on at every turn, and even when Lucy considers giving up all she has to do is think of him and all she’s fighting for. In addition to Lucy and Christopher, I loved seeing how strong other character relationships were, especially between Hugo and Jack, and Lucy and Hugo. Hugo won a contest to be Jack’s illustrator years ago, and remained on the island caring for Jack during his hiatus. Jack acknowledges that Hugo is the closest thing he’s had to a son, and the two understand each other better than anyone else. Lucy is surprised to find Hugo when she arrives on the island, and while he puts up a grumpy front she’s able to break down those walls to reveal the kind man underneath who would do anything for his friend. I loved how throughout the novel, Lucy learns that it’s ok to ask for help, and she doesn’t need to do everything alone – she comes from a childhood of having to rely on herself, as her parents gave all their attention to her sister who was sick, and therefore she doesn’t take anyone’s aide when offered. But asking, or receiving, help is not a sign of weakness.
Most of the narration follows Lucy in third person, but there are skillfully crafted moments when we get to see events unfold through another character’s eyes, including Hugo’s, and other characters I won’t reveal due to spoilers. I appreciated how at the beginning of each of the five parts, there is an excerpt from a Clock Island book, as it almost makes the series feel real. I will acknowledge that there is not a lot of action, and a lot of scenes can be described simply as characters talking to each other – but honestly I need books like sometimes, where I can sit down with my hot chocolate (because they have tea in the book, but I don’t drink tea) and be in the moment with these characters as they learn to overcome their past obstacles and be better than those who told them they’d never amount to anything.
In conclusion, I’m glad I took a chance on this read, because it became one of my favorite reads of the year. It’s beautiful and lyrical in a way that simultaneously warms my heart and brings me to tears. I can’t wait to see how other readers find solace in its pages. The Wishing Game is set to be released on May 30th, 2023, which is the day this post goes live, so please join me in *wishing* it a happy book birthday and consider picking up a copy for yourself if you’re interested! *Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Ballantine Books, for the early copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Where to find The Wishing Game:
Bookshop
Amazon
Goodreads
Storygraph
Penguin Random House
Meg Shaffer’s site
Thoughts About Things 