The Wishing Game

A Novel

By: Meg Shaffer

Narrated by: Rachel L. Jacobs, Paul Boehmer

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Meg Shaffer (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Our list of must-read fiction books wouldn’t be complete without a novel that reminds readers of the power books hold between their pages. Meg Shaffer’s The Wishing Game may not contain any magic—this is a whimsical tale, but it’s grounded in reality—yet there’s something magical about the book.”—Reader’s Digest, in “Best Fiction Books of 2023”

“Shaffer blends tragedy and triumph in a whimsical and gratifying debut about what makes a family. This is wish fulfillment in the best way.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Meg Shaffer’s beautiful novel is part Willy Wonka, part magical realism, and wholly moving. It broke my heart and patched it over and reminded me that even as an adult, if you look hard enough, you can find the child still inside you.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling co-author of Mad Honey

A little too simple

The plot and writing style felt very YA except for maybe two sentences throughout the whole book.

Cute story just an ok narrator

It took me a little bit to get into the story but once I did I was hooked and found it heartwarming and cute. However the narrator was not great on the male voice and absolutely did not do a British accent as someone who lives in the UK. That dampened my enjoyment of the book somewhat.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

This book was full of hope and love, and the message that we can choose our family and choose to be brave and love. I absolutely love this book I would recommend her to anyone.

Magical and Mysterious

I hate books that make me cry, but sometimes they're worth it. This was more than worth it. Lucy, Christopher, Hugo and Jack were well worth it. This was such a compelling bookish read. If you love riddles, mysterious masterminds and cleverly named ravens, this one's for you.

Mixed feelings

I enjoyed the rather predictable story, but the reason I wrote a review is that the narration is horrible. The narrator of Lucy is overly dramatic and pauses constantly in places where you wouldn't pause if you were speaking. The narrator of Hugo mumbled and the editors didn't make sure the sound was consistent, so if you were to hear Hugo you would need to be blasted by Lucy. Unfortunate. I would like to return the audible book due to such poor narration.

An absolute delight!

I want the Clock Island books to be real so I can read them! Such a sweet story. It’s a testimony to how books can change your life.

Narration is uneven

I had such a hard time with this audio - it was hard to understand the narrator when she was using accents, and it was so uneven volume-wise. I would want to keep the audio level fairly low, but then I could hear certain “voices” and other voices would be too loud. Very frustrating to listen to.

Brilliance

This called to my inner child so badly. I felt like it may have been written just for me. I believe we are shaped by our childhood and carry it on throughout our lives. It felt like going through therapy, even though I have never ever been to one. Every word, every page called to the deepest part of everything I went through as a kid. That tug hurt and needed to be cut open. I was actually able to forgive many things in my past a put them away, before this book and now through reading this beautiful piece, I’m able to start the rest of my therapeutic journey!
The book is brilliant for anyone like me and those who love a great happy drama. I love the Harry Potter references and so much more. The struggle and the love is so great. Found family is the best. Highly recommend!

Too familiar

This was a nice story, but it screams Willy Wonka. That could be a turn off for some readers.

Such a Heartwarming Story

This book was so wholesome and fun to listen to. It was happy, sad, and everything in between!