The Wishing Game: A Novel
May 2023 · Ballantine Books
4.8star
16 reviewsreport
Ebook
320
Pages
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About this ebook
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. 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 in this absorbing and whimsical novel.
“Clever, dark, and hopeful . . . a love letter to reading and the power that childhood stories have over us long after we’ve grown up.”—V. E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Washington Post, She Reads, Bookreporter
Make a wish. . . .
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.
But be careful what you wish for. . . .
Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. Even better, he’s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.
For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.
. . . You might just get it.
“Clever, dark, and hopeful . . . a love letter to reading and the power that childhood stories have over us long after we’ve grown up.”—V. E. Schwab, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Washington Post, She Reads, Bookreporter
Make a wish. . . .
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.
But be careful what you wish for. . . .
Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. Even better, he’s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.
For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.
. . . You might just get it.
Ratings and reviews
4.8
16 reviews
Naomi Novak
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November 1, 2024
In the author's note at the end of the book, Meg mentions Willy Wonka. I've never read the book but I've seen bits and pieces of the movie. From the moment I started this story, that was the parallel my brain made. It made me want to read Willy Wonka. This book was phenomenal. It's a genre that isn't really anything I've read before but I love a happy ending and this one ties everything together so damn nicely. Not a single lose end left. Aces.
Paula Pugh
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May 30, 2023
A gem of a novel, enjoyable from the first chapter. Hard to put down with its wonderful characters and storyline. A series of children’s books impacts the lives of the children who read them. The author is reclusive on his island in Maine. For four children, the island and the stories represent a way to have their wishes granted and they travel alone to the island. Now as adults, they are called back to the island for a game and a chance to win the first book in six years. The riddles in the books are modeled in the game and each player has the opportunity to win. Each one has current problems that the money from the sale of the book would solve. The story is really about Lucy and her wish and her deepest desire as an adult. It is just a lovely novel. I voluntarily read an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own,
Linda Dossett
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May 30, 2023
First let me say, I searched for the Clock Island Adventure books, to purchase for my Grands, just in case they did exist. Loved this story! Deeply moving in places, yet light and fun throughout. “When you gotta scream, you gotta scream.”. I sincerely hope all those who truly need a wish, get that wish. Excellently done.
About the author
Meg Shaffer is the USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Story and The Wishing Game, which was a Book of the Month finalist for Book of the Year, a Reader’s Digest and Washington Post Best Book of the Year, and has been translated into 21 languages. Meg holds an MFA in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats. The cats are not writers.
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