The Wishing Game

1. The Wishing Game revolves around the Clock Island books that so many children loved when they were growing up. Did reading this book remind you of when you fell in love with reading? What was your favorite book (or book series!) as a child?

2. The themes of "family" and "parenthood" are woven throughout the novel. Discuss each character's experiences with family and how this impacts their decisions and motivations.

3. Lucy, Hugo, Christopher, and Jack all struggle with deeply rooted fears. How does each character face and overcome these?

4. Why do you think Jack Masterson recreated Clock Island in the real world? Why do you think it wasn't finished before the game?

5. The author sometimes pairs scenes from the Clock Island books with chapters of The Wishing Game. Discuss how these two stories connect and why the author made this stylistic choice to help tell her story.

6. So much of the novel deals with family, especially the idea of "found family." What do you think of the idea of "found families"? What do you think defines what "family" really is? Who is in your family of choice?

7. Were you surprised by the outcome of the contest?

8. What do you make of Hugo's comment to Jack that he "can't save the world"? How does Jack try to save everyone around him?

9. If you could travel to any fictional world, what would it be?

10. Who would you cast as each character in a movie adaption of The Wishing Game?

Book Club Talking Points:
The Wishing Game offers themes and characters that lend themselves to engaging and thought-provoking discussions - especially for book clubs that enjoy a little whimsy. It touches on universal themes such as hope, loss, second chances, and the power of imagination. Lucy's journey of self-discovery and personal growth will also resonate with many.