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Title details for The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer - Available

The Wishing Game

A Novel

by Meg Shaffer
Rachel L. Jacobs
Audiobook
1 of 4 copies available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 4 copies available
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.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    May 30, 2023

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780593740064
      • File size: 306370 KB
      • Duration: 10:38:16

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from March 6, 2023
      Shaffer blends tragedy and triumph in a whimsical and gratifying debut romance about what makes a family. At 13, Lucy Hart ran away from home to escape neglectful parents, wishing instead to live with Jack Masterson—the bestselling author of her favorite children’s books, the Clock Island series—on the real-life counterpart to Clock Island. That dream didn’t pan out. Now, 13 years later, she’s a kindergarten teacher’s aide desperate to adopt seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, an orphaned former student of hers, but she needs more money and greater stability in order to make it happen. Hugo Reese, Jack’s illustrator and surrogate son, is concerned when Jack abruptly comes out of a six-year retirement to invite Lucy and three other former runaways and superfans to Clock Island, where they’ll compete for the only copy of a brand new Clock Island book. Jack puts the contestants through a series of challenges and riddles designed to mimic the adventures in his books, and along the way, readers will come to root for all four to succeed—and for Hugo and Lucy to fall in love. Shaffer doesn’t shy away from the darkness in her characters’ backstories even as she delivers childlike wonder in spades. This is wish fulfilment in the best way. Agent: Amy Tannenbaum, Jane Rotrosen Agency.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Rachel Jacobs delivers an emotionally connected performance of Meg Shaffer's tender story. Teacher's aide Lucy finds love in Christopher, a young orphan she wants to foster. But, sadly, she is too poor to qualify as a foster parent. Jack Masterson, author of a wildly popular children's series known as the Clock Island books, suddenly stopped writing years ago. Hugo Reese, the talented illustrator of the series, has demons of his own. The three come together when Masterson unexpectedly writes another installment, starting a contest for rights to the book. Jacobs uses tone to good effect, distinguishing between young and old, male and female. She highlights the characters' affection and heartaches in a warm, unhurried narration. Paul Boehmer somberly interjects chapters from the original Clock Island book. S.G. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      November 1, 2023

      Debut author Shaffer charms with this inventive literary escapade. Kindergarten aide Lucy Hart is grasping at straws. She needs more money to get her own place and buy a car, but working in a school and having a side hustle on Etsy isn't cutting it. Lucy desperately wants to adopt seven-year-old Christopher, but no caseworker will even consider letting her foster him when she has roommates. Just when it appears that all hope is lost, celebrated children's author Jack Masterson announces a competition that could make Lucy's wishes come true. She is selected as one of four contestants competing on Clock Island, the famous setting of the children's book series, and things seem to be looking up. In Jack's books, kids almost always get their wishes granted, but Lucy is no longer a kid. Does she even have a chance? The audio is terrifically narrated by Rachel L. Jacobs, who imbues the story with tenderness, and Paul Boehmer, whose childlike glee strikes precisely the right tone. VERDICT Whimsical, hopeful, and fun, perfect for fans of Robin Sloan's Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. Shaffer is sure to gain a following after this stellar debut.--Erin Cataldi

      Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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