The Wishing Game

A Novel

By: Meg Shaffer

Narrated by: Rachel L. Jacobs, Paul Boehmer

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

Best book I have read in a long time

GREAT story.. a little language.. and I hope the author writes more.. it reminds me of Willy wonka and the chocolate factory

Stop everything and read this one now

I’ve had this book in my library for several weeks and hadn’t gotten around to listening to it. I’m so sorry. I wasted all that time. This book had me laughing and crying (unfortunately while I was driving). I thought I would be disappointed with the ending and was so terribly wrong. This book is a wonderful feel good story that shouldn’t be missed.

All the feels

What an adventure and great story telling. Laughed, cried, joy, happiness and surprise. Loved the ending.

Love it

Absolutely delightful. A wonderful novel I enjoyed from start to finish. The puzzles were a lot of fun too.

Magical!

Best book I have read in 2023! Captures all the magic of childhood and drive them into adulthood!

Amazing

I loved every second of this book. I did have a good cry as well while reading it. So so so good.

Slow Start but Brilliant Story

Get your tissues ready.

This book made me tear up more than any book I’ve ever read.

Def takes a bit to get into, but once you’re in, you’re in.

Great but predictable

I feel as an adult this book was very predictable. But as a middle schooler or YA reading it I feel it would be more fitting and exciting. I really did enjoy the story line.

Grows on you

This has a slow start for me. But it got better and overall, I enjoyed the story. It is easy & whimsical. It was just hard for me to love the reader, especially when she was narrating Hugo. It was a very bad brit accent. He sounded like an old man. That took away from the story for me.

Do we ever really grow up?

Both the child’s perspective and the adult’s are revealed in The Wishing Game. (But we are never just one or the other.) Complex characters who face their fears because of love.Truth is freeing. Wonderful story!