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The Wishing Game: A Novel Hardcover – May 30, 2023

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 7,478 ratings

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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.
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Popular Highlights in this book

From the Publisher

Make a wish. Turn the page.

“Part Willy Wonka, part magical realism,” says Jodi Picoult

“This is wish fulfillment in the best way,” writes Publishers Weekly

“One of my favorite books of the year,” says Sarah Addison Allen

“A love letter to reading,” says V.E. Schwab

Editorial Reviews

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

“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”

“A heartwarming, page-turning story of found family, love triumphing over indifference, and the world-changing power of a good book.”
—Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood

“A dreamy, inventive novel about how books can not only change lives but save them too. Full of the power of imagination, it’s one of my favorite books of the year.”
—Sarah Addison Allen, New York Times bestsellingauthor of Other Birds

“A magical ode to storytelling, imagination, and the mystery of the creative life . . . Wildly imaginative, clever, and inspiring,
The Wishing Game is for anyone who has found light in a story just when they need it.”—Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea

“Meg Shaffer’s debut establishes her as one of the best.
The Wishing Game sees the secret child hidden inside all of us, and it takes us on the thrilling, magical journey we all long for—where we might end up with everything we want but only if we risk it all.”—Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds

“A work by turns clever, dark, and hopeful, Shaffer’s debut is a love letter to reading and the power childhood stories have over us long after we’ve grown up.”
—V. E. Schwab, New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

“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)

“A meditation on the power of hope when all else seems lost.”
Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Meg Shaffer is a part-time creative writing instructor and a full-time MFA candidate in TV and Screenwriting at Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri. Find her online or at home, watching Hitchcock films and/or writing Star Trek fan fiction when she should be doing her homework.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballantine Books (May 30, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593598830
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593598832
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.11 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1 x 9.52 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 7,478 ratings

About the author

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Meg Shaffer
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Meg Shaffer is a part-time creative writing instructor and a full-time MFA candidate in TV and Screenwriting at Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri. When not watching Hitchcock films, she's reading Star Trek novels. When she's not reading Star Trek novels, she's napping. Her debut novel "The Wishing Game" is available now from Ballantine.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
7,478 global ratings
A Magical and Mysterious Book-Lover’s Version of Willy Wonka
5 Stars
A Magical and Mysterious Book-Lover’s Version of Willy Wonka
4.5 stars out of 5 (rounded up) for The Wishing Game by Meg ShafferWith a childhood love for Ronald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, author Meg Shaffer has created a novel with similar atmosphere, mystery, and magic!In The Wishing Game, 26-year-old Lucy Hart has been chosen to compete in a contest for the chance to win the only copy of Jack Masterson’s long-awaited continuation of his popular Clock Island book series. If she can win, the profit from selling the novel will be life-changing for both her and 7-year-old Christopher, who Lucy is hoping to adopt once she sufficiently improves her living environment.The clever Clock Island landscape where Jack lives in seclusion seems like a place right out of a *isney movie or Nancy Drew novel, with a bit of wonder and mystery creating an exciting backdrop for the contest.The relationship between Lucy and Christopher is endearing, and there’s some romance thrown in as well with the handsome and charming Hugo Reese, a longtime illustrator for the Clock Island books. The depictions of Hugo’s colorful and whimsical paintings are so glowing, I wish I could see them myself!There was general agreement in my book club, which includes a former foster parent who did adopt, that some of the novel’s details about fostering to adopt are unusual and possibly inaccurate. It also seems like rather poor judgment for Lucy to talk to Christopher about adopting him when she believed she was years away from being financially stable enough to do so.On a positive note, my book club also agrees that the descriptions of the Clock Island book series are so good, we hope Ms. Shaffer will actually create the Clock Island series for readers!The Wishing Game is sweet and fun, mysterious and magical, and though the ending might be a little too predictable for some readers, most will enjoy the happy ending.I not only recommend this novel for those who enjoyed books like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory or the Nancy Drew series, but I hope it gets made into a film. It would be wonderful to see Clock Island and Hugo’s paintings brought to life!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2024
Wow! Oh wow! Oh wow! I loved this book so much.

Fast paced and engaging, with diverse characters who are trying to navigate their imperfect lives. These are not the boring, broken characters so often seen in contemporary fiction. These characters are interesting and dynamic, each with their own quirks and eccentricities, their own hopes and dreams.

I even enjoyed the games in the book. They were fun and interactive, and I found myself playing along, trying to solve the puzzles.

And oh my, what a tearjerker—and not just at the end of the book. I found myself intermittently on the verge of tears starting around the halfway point. Then by the end of the book I had a full-on cry.

This is a beautiful story about the power of kindness. Uplifting and inspirational. I have been infused with a new joie de vivre.
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024
I would highly suggest this book if you're looking for an easy read. Feel good story With a little mystery involved.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
This was such a wonderful book full of joy and heartbreak. Gorgeously written, so many quotable lines, it made me want to live on Clock Island too!! Do yourself a favor and read this immediately! It will make your heart so happy.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
I originally thought it was going to be a big fluff book. Was I wrong!! Great storyline, with such well developed characters and a great "twist" at the end!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
This is the second book I have read within the last year that centers around a foster child. This is an interesting, heart-warming story. Recommended with 3 and a half 🌟 stars.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
This is a good book, but not a great one. I doubt that I would have read its iff it hadn't. been a book club choice. There were not any twist or turns in the plot, and the outcome was predictable. I enjoyed it and so did the bookclub.
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
Reading this wonderful book by Meg Shaffer made me feel like a kid again. Famous children's author Jack Masterson came out of a self-imposed hiatus to offer up ownership and all the proceeds of a new Clock Island Series Book to one of his true fans who could answer a perplexing riddle. This brings the prospect of a fortune to four young to middle-aged adults who met Masterson when they were children, including protagonist Lucy Hart, a kindergarten teacher's aide who desperately wanted to adopt a seven-year-old boy named Christopher, an orphan in foster care. Lucy couldn't qualify as a candidate for fostering or adopting because of her income and living circumstances. Winning Jack Masterson's contest would be a dream come true for herself and Christopher. Shafer portrayed the fictitious author as a master of riddles and wishes, who could hold children spellbound as they read his books about adventures on Clock Island over and over. Masterson wrote that brave children who could overcome their fears could see their wishes come true. Hugo, the artist who painted book covers for Jack's books, had stayed with the despondent author through thick and thin, but had decided to go in a new direction until the contest required his presence on Clock Island (the name of the private island where Jack actually lived). Meeting the other three contestants, learning their backgrounds, fears, and wishes made for fun reading, as did the contest itself. The book took turns I didn't expect, but I will leave the magic of discovery to each reader.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023
‘23 - 5 STARS

DESCRIPTION :
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.

REVIEW :
Debut book by this author. Sale $10.99 (13.99 less $3 Kindle Rewards). Also earned triple points!

Friend @hutchfan “stunning novel; easy 5 stars”, “I was hooked from the beginning, cried sad tears, cried happy tears and loved the characters”. Her review and book description grabbed my attention. Another friend @pjaye tried to read the following week and said “I DNF at 30%”, writing didn't grab her at all; “odd characters saying weird things written in a juvenile voice; felt like I was reading a children's book”. Let’s see where I land.

Part fairy tale, part mystery, part life lessons, part dreamer; and that’s in the first 20%. Can’t wait to see where this goes. I’m not a “riddle” person but I’m sure enjoying “watching” the contestants figure it out. Found my reading speed slowing down because I didn’t want this book to end. Our childhoods can help create our destination in life. Stirred various emotions in my heart and I will never forget this book.
7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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cherieblossum
5.0 out of 5 stars delightful
Reviewed in Canada on August 5, 2023
This has not only been added to my 5 star reads list……..but it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. I love that there were no predictable choices made through the middle of the novel to create conflict. So lovely I’m going to start to read it again right away
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars No words to describe this fantastic book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2024
Had me in tears after reading a few pages. Great, mysterious, touching story. Devoured in couple of days. All characters are fantastic and feel very real.
One person found this helpful
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R. Hardie
2.0 out of 5 stars Saccharine YA novel
Reviewed in France on January 6, 2024
I’m struggling to understand the rave reviews about this book. Poorly written, ludicrous plot, unbearably cringe, and dunked in about 3 litres of syrup. Every character is one dimensional with a sob story and the dialogue is atrocious (for some reason all the characters do away with a subject at the start of every sentence). I love a feel good ending but this was feel good, with sweets and ribbons, tied together with honey and bashed over the head with a golden sugar brick. A bit much. I was very glad to get to the end of it, and I struggled.
2 people found this helpful
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beluguita
5.0 out of 5 stars La mejor lectura de lo que va de año.
Reviewed in Spain on July 13, 2023
Me ha encantado este libro.
El debut de Tiffany como Meg Shaffer ea una auténtica delicia. Un homenaje a los niños cuyas vidas han sido marcadas por los libros de su infancia. Una historia llena de aventuras, emociones y magia que deja el corazón calentito. Espero que pronto podamos leer más libros de esta autora. Lo volveré a leer de nuevo en breve para no perderme ningún detalle. Si te gustó Charlie y la Fábrica de Chocolate no dudes en leerlo
Debbie Banks
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in Australia on February 26, 2024
I think that this was one of the hardest books for me to read ... initially, but once I got into the right frame of mind ... it was like eating your favourite meal. You couldn't stop eating it and you never wanted the meal to end.
Loved this story ❤️