The Wishing Game - Meg Shaffer

Title: The Wishing Game
Author: Meg Shaffer
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.5/5
# pages: Audiobook ~9hrs
Date read: November, 2023

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.

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.

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.


Basically "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" for grown-ups :-D
- A sad backstory for the main character? Check.
- The main character really needs money for something noble? Check.
- A mysterious recluse suddenly reappears after many years' silence? Check.
- Same recluse invites a bunch of people to an exclusive contest on his island/factory? Check.

It was heartbreaking in places though... hearing about Lucy's childhood just made me want to snatch her up myself and hug her close. Some 'parents' just don't deserve that honorific.

But fortunately, there was a lot to love about it too... I loved (most of) the characters, I loved the riddles (and guessed most of them ahead of time too! Go me! ;-) ), I loved Clock Island, and I really loved Christopher. He was utterly adorable! The ending was a tad too quickly/easily tied up, which is what subtracted the last half star - but up until then it was a clear 5-star read, and I definitely understand why it was nominated for Goodreads' book of the year.

Delia Suits Up - Amanda Aksel

Title: Delia Suits Up
Author: Amanda Aksel
Genre: Chick-lit
Rating: 3.5/5
# pages: 287
Date read: November, 2023

Just once, Delia Reese wants to be the one calling the shots—not the one waiting to be called. Despite her stellar resume, hiring managers at the big banks won’t give her a chance.

Following yet another failed interview, Delia commiserates with her roommates and drunkenly finds herself wishing she had the advantages that come with being a man. If society wasn’t locked into gender roles, she’d be climbing the corporate ladder in designer heels with no apologies. By morning, her mirror reflects a surprising makeover.

Now that the world sees her as a man, Delia’s determined to double down on society’s double standards. With a smart suit and powerfully pink necktie, she hits New York’s financial district with a big gamble in mind.


Getting my complaints out of the way first... The writing had some issues. Delia's bag was constantly referred to as "her gucci". "I picked up my gucci...", "I put my gucci down next to me..." etc. I almost wish I had an ebook version so I could do a search for the word 'gucci', because it was mentioned FAR more often than it had any right to.

Also, there were a few scenes where the second-hand embarrassment was so severe that I had to put down the book for awhile and pretty much psych myself up to continuing the scene. I get that Delia hadn't tried to be a man before (that sentence makes sense when you've read the book, I promise!), but had she forgotten how to be human. Good grief!

And of course everything happened to be just a biiiit too convenient for it to ring true... even within the book's own universe.

But with that said, I did find the book extremely readable. It pulled me in right away and was very difficult to put down. I finished it in just two sittings - getting to bed way too late last night, as I really wanted to know what happened next. It's an easy read - doesn't require much from the reader, and with great return for the investment. So not at all high literature - but very entertaining.