Author: Literary Insights Team | Date: October 2023
The Wishing Game: A Modern Fairytale for Dreamers
Meg Shaffer’s The Wishing Game (2023) has taken the literary world by storm, blending magical realism with heartfelt storytelling. Set on the mysterious Clock Island, the novel follows Lucy Hart, a 26-year-old teacher’s aide, as she competes in a life-changing game orchestrated by reclusive children’s author Hugo Reese. Shaffer, a screenwriter-turned-novelist, crafts a narrative praised by Kirkus Reviews as “a love letter to readers and the power of imagination.”
Key Themes:
- Hope and Resilience: Lucy’s quest to adopt a child drives her determination.
- The Magic of Stories: Hugo’s riddles mirror the transformative power of literature.
- Found Family: Bonds formed between competitors on Clock Island.
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The Wishing Game Summary: A Quest for Dreams and Redemption
H haunted by a troubled childhood, Lucy Hart enters Hugo Reese’s legendary Wishing Game for a chance to win adoption rights for orphaned student Christopher. Joined by four rivals, she solves cryptic riddles tied to Hugo’s book series while confronting her past.
Key Plot Points:
- The Invitation: Lucy receives a golden ticket to Clock Island.
- The Challenges: Riddles involving clocks, mirrors, and hidden libraries.
- The Twist: Hugo’s regrets about abandoning his daughter decades prior.
Bullet Points:
- Setting: A whimsical island with sentient gardens and labyrinthine mansions.
- Conflict: Balancing cutthroat competition with empathy for rivals.
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The Wishing Game Book: Publication Details and Accolades
Published by Ballantine Books (ISBN: 978-0593598820) in May 2023, the novel is available in:
- Hardcover ($28.00)
- Ebook ($13.99)
- Audiobook (Narrated by Imogen Church, known for The Thursday Murder Club).
Awards:
- Goodreads Choice Awards 2023 Nominee (Best Debut Novel).
- Indie Next Pick (June 2023).
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The Wishing Game Meg Shaffer: Author Bio and Inspirations
Meg Shaffer is an Ohio-based writer with an MFA from the University of California, Riverside. Before writing novels, she wrote for TV shows like Criminal Minds and The Flash. In interviews, she cites C.S. Lewis and Diana Wynne Jones as influences.
Fun Fact: Shaffer’s idea for Clock Island arose during a walk through Portland’s Powell’s Books, where she imagined a “library that breathes.”
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The Wishing Game: A Novel – Genre and Audience
Categorized as magical realism and upmarket fiction, the book appeals to:
- Fans of Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea.
- Readers who cherish middle-grade nostalgia with adult depth.
Why It Stands Out:
- Dual Timelines: Flashbacks reveal Hugo’s fractured relationship with his daughter.
- Interactive Elements: Riddles readers can solve alongside Lucy.
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The Wishing Game Book Club Questions
Spark lively discussions with these prompts:
- How do Hugo’s riddles reflect his emotional journey?
- Is Lucy’s desire to adopt Christopher selfless or selfish?
- What role does forgiveness play in the story?
Bonus Activity: Create your own Clock Island riddle!
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The Wishing Game Movie: Adaptation Buzz
While no studio has secured rights yet, Netflix and Disney have expressed interest. Fan-casting suggestions:
- Florence Pugh as Lucy.
- Tom Hiddleston as Hugo.
Director Wishlist: Guillermo del Toro for his mastery of fantastical worlds.
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The Wishing Game Age Rating: Is It Suitable for Teens?
Recommended for ages 14+:
- Mild Language: Occasional use of “damn” or “hell.”
- Themes: Abandonment and grief are explored gently.
Ideal For: Teens who enjoy Harry Potter-style puzzles and emotional depth.
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The Wishing Game PDF Details: Legal Reading Options
Avoid pirated copies! Legitimate sources include:
- Amazon Kindle ($13.99).
- Google Play Books ($14.99).
- Library Loans: Check Libby or Hoopla.
Note: Physical copies include exclusive riddles in the margins.
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The Wishing Game Riddles: Puzzles That Captivated Readers
The novel features 12 riddles, including:
- “I speak without a mouth and cry without eyes. What am I?” (Answer: A clock).
- “The more you take from me, the larger I grow. What am I?” (Answer: A hole).
Shaffer collaborated with puzzle master David Kwong (Enigmatist) to design them.
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The Wishing Game Quotes: Lines That Stole Hearts
- “Stories are wishes, too. And sometimes wishes come true.” – Hugo Reese.
- “A family isn’t a thing you find. It’s a thing you fight for.” – Lucy Hart.
Reader Favorite: “Clocks don’t measure time. They measure hope.”
Author Details:
- Meg Shaffer: Born in Kentucky, resides in Ohio. Follow her on Instagram (@megshafferwrites).
- Book Reference: The Wishing Game (ISBN: 978-0593598820), Ballantine Books, 2023.
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