NetGalley Buddy Readers discussion

We will be reading The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer. We do not have a start date yet, but will likely begin in April or early May. The book publishes May 30th. Everyone is free to join us. Please use spoiler tags as needed.



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.

"Meg Shaffer's beautiful novel is part Willy Wonka, part magical realism, and wholly moving."--JODI PICOULT

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, 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 on his private island where four hand-picked readers will compete to win the only copy. At age thirteen, Lucy fled her unhappy home and showed up on Jack Masterson's doorstep, hoping to live with her favorite author. Thirteen years later, a sky-blue envelope arrives with Lucy's name on it, postmarked "Clock Island."

For Lucy, a chance to read the first Clock Island book in years is a prize worth fighting for, but the possibility of winning, selling the manuscript, and securing a better future for her and Christopher means everything.

But first, Lucy must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, illustrator of the Clock Island books and Jack's only friend. Meanwhile, Jack "the Mastermind" Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.

. . . You might just get it.

I’m in. I’m looking forward to this one.

I loved this one! Excited to see what you all think

Hi all - It's almost April!! Did we want to choose a specific start date? Anyone have a date in mind?

I'm open! Is there a day that works best for you?

I'm pretty open too, but should really try to read The Ferryman first. I keep hoping they'll offer an audiobook of that one. lol Want to try for mid-month or so? Maybe the 17th? I'm open to changing that if it doesn't work for you or Marnie.

17th works for me…

Excellent! :)

I'm reading Adrift: A Novel starting the 15th so I'll start this one after I finish it.

Everyone still ready to start this one tomorrow?

I’m ready to start

I'll probably start on Tuesday!

Oh good! Glad you can start with us. :)

I am expecting a Willy Wonka flair based on the book’s description and then I read the dedication...(view spoiler)[ “ To Charlie and all the people still looking for their golden tickets.” (hide spoiler)] Tone set. Gosh I’m so excited for this book. Fingers crossed.

Chapter 1

Names (view spoiler)[ This seems to be an homage to my childhood TBR.
Astrid- Pipi Longstocking
Christopher ( Robin) Pooh
Lucy- Charlie Brown
Etc.

Has to be intentional right? I hope it continues... (hide spoiler)]

Haha... I went in without re-reading anything and was so confused by the feel of the prologue. Then I recalled someone saying in their review that it was as if Willy Wonka, eccentricities and all, was an author. I just didn't remember that it was a review for this book. So, I have adjusted my expectations accordingly.

I just checked and it was Shruti's review! I also reread the blurb and I had completely forgotten what the book was even about. lol I'm really looking forward to getting into it now.

I only got through the prologue and the beginning of part one this morning, up to chapter one. I'm being introduced to Lucy now. I probably won't get too far today because I have my face-to-face book club this evening and that is my typical reading time.

Hahaha oh dear. I’m glad my review stuck but oops. Enjoy!

Haha, no! It was great, not spoilery. :) The writing reminded me of it. It very accurately summed up the feel of the intro.

Chapter 2.

I am finding myself smiling as I’m reading. That is a very good sign.

(view spoiler)[ The game is afoot or “a foot.”

We haven’t met Jack yet but he is described as Dumbledore, Wonka and Jesus mixed together. I have high expectations. (hide spoiler)]

Through chapter 16

I was going to keep this as my morning book but I’m too invested now.

Puzzle 1 (view spoiler)[ I would not have been the first to figure this one out but I may have been like one of the other people swearing in frustration.

Also the blossoming spark between Hugo and Lucy. Jack sees it before they do. It’s very sweet. I’m guessing wildly that Jack has written something about Astrid getting her wish in his mystery book. (hide spoiler)]

On my best of 2023 list. I can’t wait for this to be published so I can give it to people as a gift.

Marnie wrote: "On my best of 2023 list. I can’t wait for this to be published so I can give it to people as a gift."

Yay!! So happy you loved it too!

Wow this makes me really excited to start it! Which will probably be Friday at this point. lol.

I requested this book so *fingers crossed*

I got it! So glad I get to join you!

Katrisa wrote: "I got it! So glad I get to join you!"

Awesome! I haven't started it yet.

Katrisa wrote: "I got it! So glad I get to join you!"

Yay!

Finally got back to this one. End of chapter 1: Oh my heart. ❤️ (view spoiler)[ Little Christopher, when he wished for it to be cold so Lucy could sell more scarves... ❤️❤️❤️❤️ They seem so sweet together. Me being me, I immediately thought she should try to become his foster parent until she can afford to adopt him! (hide spoiler)]

Marnie wrote: "I am expecting a Willy Wonka flair based on the book’s description and then I read the dedication...[spoilers removed] Tone set. Gosh I’m so excited for this book. Fingers crossed.

Chapter 1

Names [spoilers removed]"

Sorry I dropped off for a bit there, Marnie! Back at it now. I didn't even notice the (view spoiler)[ names bit. You are right though. I think it's an indication of the nostalgia represented in this book. I'm expecting it to be a sweet story. (hide spoiler)]

I think I am going to have to bring my work iPad home to read this. My at home iPad is too old to add apps to anymore and my 46 year old eyes can't read ebooks on my phone anymore. I hate Apple. I was still using my like 15 year old kindle until I lost it. My iPad is in fine condition - even battery - but because it won't update past iOS 12something nothing will work on it anymore

Oh, I hate that too, Katrisa. They want people to upgrade - buy new. It's so frustrating. I would be lost if I lost my Kindle! It is the original Kindle Fire, so very old, but still works great. I never use our ancient iPad. I didn't even use it when it new and useful.

I lost my Kindle Paperwhite so now I'm using my OG Kindle with the keyboard! lol. It's great, still gets the job done, I just wish it was backlit. I do read on my phone and my iPad Mini as well but have been trying to use my Kindle again as my main source of e-reading.

ya my birthday is next week so I just asked for a kindle fire for e-reading.

It's so messed up that Apple makes their devices unusable just because of their software!

I got an email about my Kindle that it was too old and wouldn't have all the functions it used to. I panicked a bit and almost bought a new one. Turns out the only thing it can no longer do is purchase books directly from the device. I can still purchase books online and send them to the Kindle, which is what I've always done anyway (aside from NetGalley, of course). So, no changes for me!

Katrisa wrote: "It's so messed up that Apple makes their devices unusable just because of their software!"

Planned obsolescence! Why would you buy a new one if your old one always worked?

Finally was able to start reading yesterday and got 28% through (up to Ch. 8). I'm enjoying it so far. The relationship between Lucy and Christopher is breaking my heart!!!

I really need to stop trying to read this one before bed. I get through 1/2 a chapter and fall asleep! No fault of the book though. I'm really enjoying it.

I'm only at 19% (chapter 5), so a little behind you, Elyse, but I agree with you about the relationship between Lucy and Christopher. I'm already hoping they get their happily ever after. I enjoy their parts of the story better than the others so far.

Elyse wrote: "Finally was able to start reading yesterday and got 28% through (up to Ch. 8). I'm enjoying it so far. The relationship between Lucy and Christopher is breaking my heart!!!"

I know! That scene where he wishes for it to be cold so she sells more scarves.

I teach kindergarten and so I really loved the scene where Lucy was talking about having to dress like a grown-up and taking out the pigtails that the kids love when she was going to meet with child services. I dress up for kindergarten all the time and then sometimes find myself having to do an errand on the way home and having to go into stores like with a butterfly face tattoo or a bat dress and wings lol!

I finished last night and it was just about the sweetest book in the whole dang world!

Katrisa wrote: "I teach kindergarten and so I really loved the scene where Lucy was talking about having to dress like a grown-up and taking out the pigtails that the kids love when she was going to meet with chil..."

That's so cute!

I just finished part 2 so it seemed like a good spot to stop in and tell my thoughts so far. I am just adoring this story. I wish I could buy it right now on audio so I could make my husband listen to it. He is a farmer so spring is one of his busiest times and he is dyslexic so eyeball reading takes him an inordinately long time.
(view spoiler)[So Lucy just arrived on the Island. I love the stories we've heard so far about Jack. I am hoping for an all around healing for the characters - I am in the mood for a feel-good book. I related to Lucy and Theresa's convo about parents. Not having money obviously makes things harder - but so many kids grow up without money AND other worse things (and teachers see a lot). Lucy and Christopher so obviously love each other it's sad that it is money keeping them apart. I look forward to seeing how the contest effects Hugo! (hide spoiler)]

Marnie wrote: "On my best of 2023 list. I can’t wait for this to be published so I can give it to people as a gift."

I am not even done with the book yet and I already have like 3 people I am gifting this book to!

I am in the "Facing Your Fears" section right now and then the hubs came in to hang out and saw me crying with my kindle in hand. I was like "give me a minute - I can't leave the book in the spot I am in right now"

Oh no! lol I'm just picking it up again today. I don't know exactly where I am, but I'm not quite there yet.

I thought I responded to your previous comment, but I guess not... My husband is an audiobook person as well, so I may end up getting this one.

I'll pop back in with some book comments soon.

I do mostly audio books and it's funny because i get all annoyed that i have to put my book down every time i have to like fill my water bottle or something because I'm used to just having my books follow me everywhere all the time.

I was so excited to get this book as a giveaway. I just finished it. Has anyone else finished it yet?

Rosemarie wrote: "I was so excited to get this book as a giveaway. I just finished it. Has anyone else finished it yet?"

Yes and I absolutely adored it!

Yayyyy everyone is loving this book and it’s not just me. This thread is making me so happy.

I just finished. 5 magical stars for this book! I loved it like I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea.
Here's my review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...