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The Wishing Game
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Rachel L. Jacobs, Paul Boehmer
- Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
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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.
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What the critics say
“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
What listeners say about The Wishing Game
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Nicole
- 2023-11-22
Absolutely Adorable
What a moving story…I loved it so much! The accents aren’t amazing (especially the Canadian one and I can say that because I am Canadian), but the storyline itself was truly beautiful.
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- Sarah
- 2024-04-03
Really great read
I enjoyed this book very much! Kept a good pace and the performance was good. Sometimes I wanted to shake the main character for her naïveté, but it helped with the plot.
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- Lori-Ann Paige
- 2023-07-26
A classic!
Sure to be a classic!! Bravo!! a captivating story line.....it brings me through all the emotions! well done!
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- Ralph Emmanuël Faraggi
- 2023-11-06
Great story! Not so great narration!
Story is heartwarming & well written!
The narrator did not do some of the characters justice!
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- Anonymous User
- 2024-06-03
Tick Tock…time is something we can’t buy
Wow….this story captured me from the beginning….it took me back to all the books I loved as child / teenager…..I especially appreciated the way “our fears are handled” what facing them can do….that each of us are made to be loved & cherished, that life is NOT fair but we can never lose HOPE. The fairytale ending so fitting….calling all those who have lost site of their dreams! Never give up…..it weaves love and adventure and forgiveness together….challenges us to look deeper within….TIME is a gift….make each day count!
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- Lorraine Stover
- 2023-07-19
Sweet story
Sweet story , lovely characters . Fairly predictable . Somewhat long winded when coming to the end . Enjoyable.
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- Jackie Greenizan
- 2023-09-23
Great story, Iffy narration
I loved this story. It was fun, up beat and interesting. The narrator did some characters well, but others were not great. I found the British accent on one of the characters particularily distracting as it was not consistent.
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- Shelby
- 2024-07-10
Comfort Read
Very sweet story. Nothing overly stressful in the plot. A great read to help you relax.
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