The Wishing Game

By Meg Shaffer,

Book cover of The Wishing Game

Book description

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…

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Why read it?

3 authors picked The Wishing Game as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I am a sucker for characters who find themselves through books.

In this novel, a girl enters a contest to meet her favorite author and win the only copy of his latest book. But first, she has to go to a mysterious island and compete with a band of ruthless opponents. I was never quite sure of anyone in this book, but that is a good thing when you are going after your greatest wish. It keeps you on your toes.

This is not a story of “be careful what you wish for”; it is a “keep wishing” story. 

The Wishing Game is a heartwarming mystery about a reclusive author who invites a few (now adult) fans to secretly come to his private island and compete in a contest to win a prize worth millions: a new unpublished book in his world-famous children’s series. A young teacher desperate for money to adopt the child she loves, accepts the challenge, and her life is changed forever. 

I especially loved this book because I write, read, and collect children’s series. In fact, a fan letter I wrote when I was 13 led to a life-long friendship and a co-written book with…

Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved riddles and puzzles, even the ones I can’t solve.

The imagination and magic woven into The Wishing Game, along with the actual riddles in the story, make it feel like a children’s book for adults—the perfect thing for a story lover and puzzler. Lucy’s perseverance, Christopher’s courage, Hugo’s wonderful artistry, and Jack’s ability to see the goodness in everyone rounded out this lovely book in the most wonderful way.

Meg Shaffer has conjured a world of trouble and trials offset with hope and joy and a heaping barrel of love. You’ll be…

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