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cheriejanette's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.5
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Drug abuse, Child death, and Chronic illness
Minor: Child abuse, Bullying, Physical abuse, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Incest, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, Cancer, Drug abuse, and Mental illness
sarahlreadseverything's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Chronic illness, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, and Child death
l1brarygirl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I wasn't too aware of what this book was about and I read so many thrillers, that I kept expecting a twist that never came. I could NOT connect with the MC Lucy at all and it made it very difficult to stay engaged. I also just was creeped out by a lot of the adults actions in this book.
Graphic: Abandonment, Child death, Bullying, Child abuse, Medical content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cancer, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Chronic illness, Miscarriage, Adult/minor relationship, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcoholism, Incest, Pedophilia, and Pregnancy
maddiehansen's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Minor: Pedophilia, Cancer, Death of parent, Child death, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Abandonment, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Rape, Toxic relationship, Miscarriage, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, and Death
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.75
"Always remember that the only wishes ever granted are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing even when it seems no one is listening because someone always is. Someone like me. Keep wishing. I’m listening."
I kept hearing fantastic things about The Wishing Game, and after I saw it was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards I decided to give in and finally read it as I hadn't read ANY of the fiction nominations yet. I'm glad I did, because I can definitely understand the love for this story now! Whimsical, heartfelt, sad, hopeful... It is hard to put this story in a neat little genre box, but I can guarantee it will win over your heart and take you on the most incredible journey. There is a lot to love in The Wishing Game... I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but what I can say is that if you love a bookish story, you will be in for an absolute treat. Both the Clock Island books, its author AND illustrator play a key role in the plot, and I loved how it showed the power and importance of books for children and adults alike. The descriptions of the Clock Island itself are wonderful, and it gave the whole story that whimsical and magical realism feel without overpowering the plot. The story was a lot heavier and sad than expected, but this was balanced with moments of hope and even a dash of romance. The characters are a true delight, and part of the reason this book works so well... This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
Graphic: Abandonment, Death of parent, Death, Gaslighting, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Chronic illness, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Miscarriage
karapillar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Grief, Violence, Death, Drug abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Drug use, Child death, Chronic illness, Addiction, Cancer, Emotional abuse, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Classism, Misogyny, Alcohol, Pedophilia, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Eating disorder
kitausu's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Grief, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Self harm, Rape, Pedophilia, and Medical content
infjkiki's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I highly recommend it to anyone who found solace in books to escape childhood trauma.
The author does a beautiful job of highlighting the role that books can play in a person's life especially during their darkest points. I've said it before and I'll say it again, books saved my life. This book shows the life changing effects that a book can have on many people's lives and I just think that is so amazing.
I cannot count the number of times I cried while reading this book. It was so beautifully written and I cannot wait to read another book by this author.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Child abuse
Moderate: Miscarriage, Cancer, and Child death
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Homophobia, and Rape
morethanmylupus's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love books about mysterious children's book authors, and this one did NOT disappoint. I stayed up reading this until 3am (on a work night!) because I couldn't put it down.
Jack Masterson is mysterious, full of little riddles, and more than a little kooky. He's a recluse who lives on a circular island that he's designed to match the places in his Clock Island series. But Jack has a big heart and he tries to help the children who write to him. That's how we end up with a big contest with 4 children he helped in the past competing to win the rights to a brand new, long-awaited, Clock Island book. The have to solve riddles, prove their knowledge of the books, and face their biggest fears to win.
Lucy Hart is our main character and while she loves Clock Island, her true purpose in competing is to make some money so she can adopt Christopher, a foster child who already sees her as family. This found family theme carries throughout the book in so many ways for a number of characters. It's beautifully done and doesn't feel forced (as can often happen with found family themes).
If you like riddles, stories about found family, and mysterious children's book authors I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to review this book ahead of publication. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Graphic: Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Bullying
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death