The Review

It is a rare experience finding a novel that you just cannot put down. When the story engulfs you so deeply, you don’t even want to stick your head up for a breath – except to scream. Cause “When you gotta scream, you gotta scream” – Meg Shaffer, “The Wishing Game”.

For me, “The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer has left an indelible mark on me as a reader, that I have to scream it’s praises from the rooftops. From the moment I cracked open its pages, I was transported into a world where dreams are made real and the power of imagination reigns supreme.

The book’s journey began for me as the “Read with ADray” January pick, a title that had been incessantly recommended by fellow bibliophiles. Despite the persistent nudges, I hesitated, until the looming return deadline spurred me into action. I found myself ensconced in its pages during the Super Bowl, and before I knew it, I had devoured the entire story, laughing and crying, until reaching the climactic conclusion at the One O’clock Picnic Spot.

At its core, The Wishing Game revolves around Jack Masterson, a reclusive wordsmith whose return to the literary scene ignites a frenzy among fans of his cherished Clock Island series. The catch? A contest shrouded in mystery and riddles, accessible only to those who can decipher the enigmatic query, “why is a raven like a writing desk?” This contest forms the crux of a spellbinding odyssey, where four individuals vie for the opportunity to claim the sole copy of Jack’s untitled masterpiece.

Meg Shaffer deftly intertwines elements of whimsy and depth, drawing readers into a realm where the ordinary blurs with the extraordinary. While the parallels to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” are unmistakable, Shaffer infuses the narrative with her own brand of magic, crafting a tale that is both familiar and refreshingly original.

Through the lens of Lucy Hart, one of the contest’s participants, Shaffer explores themes of love, found family, and the transformative power of storytelling. As Lucy and her fellow contenders navigate Jack’s labyrinthine challenges, the stakes escalate, fueling a palpable sense of tension and anticipation.

The dynamic interplay between Lucy, Jack, and the enigmatic Hugo, Jack’s Illustrator, lends depth and complexity to the narrative, keeping readers on tenterhooks until the final page. As Lucy strives to secure a future for herself and Christopher, a former student whom she yearns to foster-to-adopt, readers are swept up in a whirlwind of emotion and possibility.

The Wishing Game is more than just a novel; it’s a testament to the enduring enchantment of literature and the boundless potential of the human spirit. Meg Shaffer has crafted a masterpiece that resonates long after the final chapter has been read, leaving an indelible impression on all who dare to embark on its journey. This is a book that reaffirms the joy of storytelling and reminds us of the magic that awaits within the pages of a well-told tale.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

For me, “The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer has left an indelible mark on me as a reader, that I have to scream it’s praises from the rooftops. (“When you gotta scream, you gotta scream” – Meg Shaffer, “The Wishing Game”) From the moment I cracked open its pages, I was transported into a world where dreams are made real and the power of imagination reigns supreme.

“The Wishing Game” was incessantly recommended to me by fellow bibliophiles. Despite the persistent nudges, I hesitated, until the looming return deadline of my library check-out spurred me into action. I found myself ensconced in its pages during the Super Bowl, and before I knew it, I had devoured the entire story, laughing and crying, until reaching the climactic conclusion at the One O’clock Picnic Spot.