When I was a little girl, I went through a phase of reading every Roald Dahl book I could get my hands on. When my girls were little, we went down that rabbit hole together, spending many glorious hours reading James and the “Giant Peach”, “Matilda”, and their very favorite, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. This week, I have a book that brings a heavy dose of Willy Wonka-esque nostalgia for a more grown-up reader, exploring the power of childhood stories and found family.
The main character of our story is Lucy Hart, a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide whose difficult childhood was made brighter by the beloved Clock Island book series. Now, she’s desperately trying to adopt Christopher, a sweet seven-year-old orphan she’s bonded with. Unfortunately, with her meager savings and unstable situation, adopting him feels like an impossible wish.
Then, a miracle arrives. Jack Masterson, the reclusive author of the Clock Island books, announces he’s finally written a new, final installment—and there’s only one copy. Even better, he’s holding a contest on the real Clock Island to award the manuscript to a lucky winner. Lucy is one of four contestants chosen, and she sees this as her only chance to get the money she needs to give Christopher a permanent home.
Once on the mysterious island, Lucy and her competitors, who are all deeply connected to the Clock Island series, must participate in a series of whimsical, elaborate games and riddles inspired by the books. It’s a race against ruthless opponents, including an unscrupulous book collector, all vying for the ultimate prize.
Adding a spark of romance (and plenty of tension) to the mix is Hugo Reese, the handsome but initially grumpy illustrator of the Clock Island books. As Lucy navigates the challenges, she finds herself drawn to Hugo, and they form an unexpected alliance.
The entire competition is Jack Masterson’s cleverly plotted “Wishing Game,” which turns out to be about much more than just a book. As the four contestants progress, they confront their past and their deepest wishes, learning about healing, forgiveness, and the meaning of true family.
“The Wishing Game” by Meg Shaffer is a charming, escapist read that celebrates the idea that no wish is too big if you’re willing to work for it. It’s a beautiful story about finding the light in the darkest times, the enduring comfort of books, and the heartwarming reality of a found family.
That's all I have this week, but I'll be back next week with more book talk… that is, unless I get invited to a mysterious book island or find a golden ticket to a magic chocolate factory. In that case, please pop over to my Instagram @allison.the.reader for more recommendations and book-talk.
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