📘 The Wishing Game: A Novel
Author: Meg Shaffer
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Magical Realism
Published: 2023

Overview:

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a heartwarming novel that blends elements of magical realism with contemporary fiction. The story revolves around Lucy Hart, a woman who has faced hardships and unfulfilled dreams, and her encounter with a reclusive children's author who offers her a chance to turn her life around. The book explores themes of hope, dreams, second chances, and the magic of childhood wonder.

Plot Summary:

Lucy has always found solace in the books of Jack Masterson, a famous author of a beloved children's series called The Wishing Game. As a child, his books were her escape from a challenging life. Now an adult, Lucy's life feels stagnant. She works as a teacher’s aide, living with the heartache of a troubled past, and yearns to create a better future for herself and a young boy named Christopher, whom she cares about deeply.

Out of nowhere, Masterson emerges from his long literary hiatus with a life-changing opportunity: an invitation to compete in a game, where the prize is one unpublished manuscript from his famous series. For Lucy, this is more than just a game—it’s a chance to change her life and the life of the boy she wishes to adopt. The novel follows Lucy as she navigates this whimsical, yet emotionally charged competition, where dreams and wishes may come true, but at a cost.

Key Themes:

• Dreams and Aspirations: Lucy’s journey is about reclaiming her lost dreams and finding hope, even after life's struggles.
• Second Chances: The novel shows how life can offer unexpected opportunities for redemption and new beginnings.
• Childhood Wonder: Through Masterson’s books, the story captures the magic and innocence of childhood, and how it can continue to inspire even in adulthood.
• Family and Love: The relationship between Lucy and Christopher is at the heart of the story, exploring the bonds of chosen family and the lengths one will go for love.

Why Read This Book:

• Uplifting Story: This is a feel-good novel with a touch of whimsy that reminds readers of the magic of dreams and second chances.
• Relatable Characters: Lucy’s emotional journey is deeply relatable, especially for those who have ever faced setbacks in life and held on to hope.
• Unique Concept: The idea of a literary competition that offers not just a prize but the potential to change a life makes the plot intriguing and original.

Suitable For:

• Fans of magical realism and uplifting fiction.
• Readers who enjoyed novels like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or Big Fish by Daniel Wallace, which mix fantasy with emotional, human stories.
• Those who appreciate stories about self-discovery, resilience, and the power of books.