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What You Wish For: A Novel

3.63 of 5 stars 3.63 · rating details · 156 ratings · 41 reviews

Having a baby is . . . complicated.

Dimple knows. She's a successful actress who is turning forty--though her agent and her resume insist she's only thirty-six--and she figures it's now or never. Certainly it's not a good time for an intriguing director to show up at her door with a great script.

Eva, fabulous agent to the stars, doesn't want kids--and never wanted kids. Why...more

Paperback, 432 pages

Published July 3rd 2012 by William Morrow Paperbacks

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Dec 31, 2012 drey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, fiction-contemporary

Children. Dimple wants one, before she’s too old to have them. Maryn does, and Wyatt, too. Eva doesn’t.

Dimple has to balance child vs. career, especially when the role of a lifetime seemingly lands in her lap. I loved the “auditions” she has to go on for the role, the quirkiness brought smiles to balance the heavy topic. Maryn has to get her ex-husband’s approval to use the embryos they had frozen, but he’s leery of having his genes running around (without him) so he’s been avoiding the issue. I...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Lydia Presley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, comedy, contemporary, chick-stuff, fiction

I remember the day it hit me that I was in my mid-30's and unmarried with no children on the horizon. It was a blow to me, I'm not going to lie. I'd grown up the eldest of nine and, even as a child, fully expected to be married by 21 and a mother by 22. I envisioned a house filled with childish laughter and a white picket fence out front. Now, at 35, I'm wiser and older (although the two did not happen concurrently) and have accepted the very real likelihood that motherhood is not in the works f...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Luanne Ollivier rated it 4 of 5 stars

I adored Kerry Reichs' previous book - Leaving Unknown. (review here) So, I was eager to dive into her latest release - What You Wish For.

We are rapidly introduced to the characters who populate Reichs' tale - and they all have one thing in common. Children. The desire to have them or in some cases - to not have them.

Dimple was first up. She's a moderately successful actress, closing in on the the end of her ticking biological clock. Can the role of a lifetime beat out her desire to have a chil...more I adored Kerry Reichs' previous book - Leaving Unknown. (review here) So, I was eager to dive into her latest release - What You Wish For.

We are rapidly introduced to the characters who populate Reichs' tale - and they all have one thing in common. Children. The desire to have them or in some cases - to not have them.

Dimple was first up. She's a moderately successful actress, closing in on the the end of her ticking biological clock. Can the role of a lifetime beat out her desire to have a child? I did find her opening chapter a bit frenetic and didn't really warm up to this character until midway through the book.

Eva has no desire to have children. Will this end her relationship with the man she loves? Or will she change her mind?

Maryn has battled breast cancer and won. Before her treatment, she froze eggs with her then husband. They've since divorced and she needs his approval to use the eggs. But his new wife says no. Will he change his mind?

And my favourite character - Wyatt. He's the principal of a high school, single and straight and he wants to have a child of his own. He's headed down the surrogacy route. Wyatt was just so warm, caring and innocent. But at the same time he's wise to the ways of his high schoolers. These were some of my favourite chapters.

And these four main characters' lives all intersect in the most interesting fashion....

Loved it! Once I had the characters and their lives straight in my head, What You Wish For was an easy, breezy read. Reichs is a clever writer. The amount of puns she worked in between two characters was truly funny. (and some of them were emminently groan worthy!) The banter is light, some situations are quite comical, but there is a depth to What You Wish For that transcends everyday chick lit. Reichs explores the desire to have children from four very different viewpoints with candor and thoughtfulness, allowing the reader to share in each character's decision making - and think about what really consitutes a family.

Reichs utilizes Hollywood as a backdrop for her novel. Her sly skewering of televison dramas and starlets made me laugh out loud.

Fair warning - have the tissue box close by for the ending. My husband looked at me and asked - are you really crying over a book? Umm - yeah, I got that caught up in the story. Thanks Kerry for yet another great read. Pop this one in the beach bag this summer - you won't regret it.(less)

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Jul 02, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-literature, contemporary-fiction

Take the lives of four unique individuals at different stages in their lives and see where life takes them is what you will find in the latest novel from Kerry Reichs. The common thread running through them is often times family, marriage and wanting a child.

Agnis Dyemma Bauskenieks will never be known by that name expect by the parents who decided it would be fun to name her after her grandmother while trying to repair their own fractured relationship with her mom. She instead goes by the name...more Take the lives of four unique individuals at different stages in their lives and see where life takes them is what you will find in the latest novel from Kerry Reichs. The common thread running through them is often times family, marriage and wanting a child.

Agnis Dyemma Bauskenieks will never be known by that name expect by the parents who decided it would be fun to name her after her grandmother while trying to repair their own fractured relationship with her mom. She instead goes by the name Dimple Bledsoe, who vows never to become fifty years old. One can not be fifty as an actress in Hollywood if she wants to continue to work. So her only other outlet is her agent, Freya Fosse, who she confides in about all her latest break ups while searching for her next job.

Wyatt is forty-eight, a busy teacher who insists on making sure that he will leave this planet a much greener one, taking his bike to work while sorting through his own issues. Losing both of his parents within six months of each other, and is now working through starting his own family with Ilana. He is loving living in Los Angeles where the average temperature never wavers much from 70 and never has a fall.

Maryn finds herself alone during this stage in her life, and gets upset when people take their own lives too casually. Dealing with the aftermath of a divorce to her ex husband Andy, and his current wife Summer who insists on trying to get him to go by Andrew because it's less childish. Maryn is dealing with age and not being young anymore, dealing with wrinkles, a belly and the transformation of her hands into her mothers hands. She knows she can't compete with the younger women and tries to age gracefully, even purchasing a wafer thin bottle of face lotion for $98 and has successfully waged a war against breast cancer. It's dealing with happiness that makes her rage bubble over now and now dealing with infertility that cancer had robbed her of. She and Andy had undergone the procedure prior to her cancer treatment to freeze fertilized eggs, and the only thing holding her up is Andy's consent.

Andy Knox is not sure he wants to sign the consent forms for Maryn to use the fertilized eggs for her to have a baby. Now that he is working on a new marriage with Summer, this kinda complicates things. He can't exactly allow Maryn to have his child now that they are no longer married. They only have seven eggs to use to help Maryn have a child of her own, she has no other choice to become a mom. But with it comes a responsibility that Andy would have a child out there, he'd become a father and he wasn't sure he could do this.

These are the characters the reader will encounter in the novel, What You Wish For by Kerry Reichs, as the chapters alternate with what is happening in the lives of each of them as they move forward. I think this makes for an interesting read but it can be confusing keeping track of who goes with whom and how their own personal stories are being told. In fact, this is almost like getting four books in one! I love how Kerry spent the time crafting each one and where their stories go, you'll have to check this one out for yourself.

I received What You Wish For compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publisher for my honest review. Keeping a note card inside this book enabled me to remember what characters were dealing with what issues until I felt comfortable I no longer needed it to move forward through the book. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars due to some language and subject matter that might bother some readers. Overall I think the novel was well thought out and the author really spent time creating believable characters we can all relate to. (less)

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Jul 14, 2012 Sara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Even though I was incredibly stabby and frustrated that yet again I somehow pick a book in this type of format and it's hands down the most annoying format for a book because it's so hard to end it. Really. It's very difficult to round up every character's story well enough to feel like it's finished. And this book didn't end every story line the way it really should, but I was able to get through it. The book started perking up half way through (I know.. it takes awhile) and by that point I had...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Carley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Love, love, love!!! Really, that's all I can think after just finishing this. I loved it. Every single character was well-thought out and developed. The story wouldn't have been the same without each one. At first I wasn't digging the writing style; the flow was off to me and I'd have to reread it before it clicked. But once I got into it, I had no problems. I ended up feeling every emotion these characters went through, especially when it came to Wyatt. Oh Wyatt! I was just rooting for him thro...more

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Jun 08, 2012 Nada rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: other-review-copies

Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com...

What You Wish For is the quest for parenthood - the desire to have children, the desire to not have children, and the lengths to which people will go to to get what they wish for. The book follows a set of characters on their journey.

Dimple is the single successful actress contemplating her biological clock. Maryn is the divorced childless woman looking to get her husband's permission to use embryos frozen while they were...more

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Jul 16, 2012 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dimple Bledsoe is a well-known television actress facing a dilemma: although her resume says she's 36, Dimple is closer to 40 and fears that if she waits much longer she'll miss out on motherhood. She'd hoped to meet Mr. Right and start a family the traditional way, but it looks as though that may not happen. Meanwhile, Wyatt Ozols had also hoped to settle down and have a family and, like Dimple, it just hasn't worked out. Wyatt's not one to let that get him down, he's ready for kids and has dec...more Dimple Bledsoe is a well-known television actress facing a dilemma: although her resume says she's 36, Dimple is closer to 40 and fears that if she waits much longer she'll miss out on motherhood. She'd hoped to meet Mr. Right and start a family the traditional way, but it looks as though that may not happen. Meanwhile, Wyatt Ozols had also hoped to settle down and have a family and, like Dimple, it just hasn't worked out. Wyatt's not one to let that get him down, he's ready for kids and has decided to go the adoption route. Unfortunately, the atypical situation of a single man looking to adopt may not work out in his favor.

Maryn Windsor is a survivor. She beat breast cancer all on her own -- her husband left in the middle of treatment -- and now she wants to be a mom. Maryn and her ex proactively froze embryos in the event that the cancer treatment left her unable to conceive, but now Maryn needs her ex's permission to use them and the situation soon becomes the focus of a heated political debate.

Eva Lytton is a highly successful agent facing a much different situation: she doesn't want kids. The problem is that every man Eva meets does.

Each of them is facing tough decisions and odds that seem to be against them, but each of them is determined to win out in the end. And some of them will find connections with each other that may prove to be additional challenges or provide them with much needed support.

WHAT YOU WISH FOR features an ensemble cast of characters each facing the issue of children. They each have their own problems, their own unique needs, and their own coping mechanisms. At various points in the book, I found myself siding with and rooting for each one. I really don't want to give away too much though since getting to know each of them yourself is the best part.

Reichs also cleverly links the characters in some unexpected ways. Yes, Wyatt and Eva are cousins. Yes, Eva works in the same industry as Dimple. But the unexpected ways they each come together are part of the fun of the story.

WHAT YOU WISH FOR is an emotional read filled with lovely and loving characters. Definitely a heart-wrenching read given the subject, but also a fun one that remains mostly upbeat throughout.(less)

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Aug 03, 2012 Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-for-mmbbr-s

My Review:
Well, where do I start? I actually started this book once before and stopped on page 42. I was just not feeling it. When I came back the second time I ended up LOVING it and devoured it in about 24 hours time. I fell in love with all the characters and their individual stories. The way that Reichs bring the stories together to create a tight, well written story is masterful. I related to the love, hurt, anger and joys that jumped off the pages and right into my heart. I laughed and I...more

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May 30, 2012 Star (The Bibliophilic Book Blog) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

In all honesty, I picked up “What You Wish For” by Kerry Reichs because I love her mother’s books and I wanted to see what Kerry’s writing was like. “What You Wish For” is about children – people who want children, those who don’t, and the struggles and triumphs on the way to their goal. Personally, I have no desire to have children of my own. I’m happy being an aunt and godmother. I know others who wish desperately for a child. Ms. Reichs explores the feelings and challenges regarding having ch...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Andrea at Reading Lark rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, 5-stars, adult, arc, favorites, contemporary

Review Posted on Reading Lark 7/9/12: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2012/...

The definition of family is something that has evolved throughout time. In America, for a large portion of our cultural history, the nuclear family was deemed the ideal. I would argue that even during the time of the nuclear family that there were far more families out there that didn't meet the definition of this ideal than those that did. In modern society, there are so many different types of families. Kerry Reichs...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Susan O'Bryant rated it 1 of 5 stars

After years of on-and-off baby hopes and considering all the options, I thought this book would strike a chord with me when I requested it through another website. Maybe it was just too personal of a thing for me, but the fictional account of these people and their quests for a child somehow didn't touch me at all. The characters seemed shallow and one-dimensional; I didn't like a single one of them. I read about half the book and had to give up on it.

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Mar 27, 2013 Corene rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-fiction, 2013-read

It took me awhile to get into this book; I kept picking it up and not remembering who any of the characters were. About halfway through I finally felt invested in the multiple story lines, and the individual dramas relating to embryos, pregnancies, cancer, politics and show business. The often humorous dialogue and sunny California setting makes for great escapist reading, yet the serious issues, both legal and personal, keep the story from being too frothy.

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May 02, 2013 Marisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This read would be ranked one of my top ten, it was a fantastic. Emotional, it had me tears more than I care to mention, both funny and overwhelmingly sad tears. There were characters I love and hate intensely.

I loved, Maryn, Wyatt, Eva, Swayer, Dimple, Julian and Linda

I hated with a passion: Andrew (Andy) and his wife Summer....character flawed.

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Sep 12, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kerry Reich's novels are always delicious to read to pleasure, but they also speak to the struggles and experiences of many around me. She has a unique way of making a simple story also a lesson on life, politics, career, health... and in this case, mostly Motherhood. So many of my friends should read this book for perspective!

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Nov 20, 2012 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a tad deeper than your typical chic-lit, BUT very corny. Every character in this book was full of one liners and snappy come backs which made them seem less relatable and kind of annoying. That being said, I would be willing to try one of her other book.

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Sep 08, 2012 Kelly Freir rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was my first Kerry Reichs novel but I'm a fan of her mom's books so I was interested to see what her writing was like. I really enjoyed this book - it was fun to follow the different characters in the book and see where they end up and how they interconnect.

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Oct 10, 2012 Leslie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was different from Kerry's previous books. The jumping between characters kept me on my toes and the subject matter was very very thought provoking. Wow Kerry well done. Loved it and had many contradictory thoughts but would recommend it highly.

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Sep 13, 2012 Billie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I found the characters in this book very likeable. The story line held my interest. The book follows the experiences of five people and how their lives intersect as they approach parenthood in traditional and non-traditional ways. The ending chapters brought me to tears.

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Jul 12, 2012 Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kritter-reviewed-2012

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

A book full of interesting sides on the conversation of children and the pursuit of family. Between a single male who is trying to become a parent and an actress who is realizing that her time is limited in having children, this book covers all aspects of the children topic. It was really fun to see how the different plots would intersect, some were not even on my radar!

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Aug 28, 2012 Leeann rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. The characters were well drawn and I was glad to find time to pick it up and read it.
I was moved to tears at the end.
Be sure and read the Q and A with the author because she elaborates a bit on what happens after the story ends.

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Aug 08, 2012 Anita Johnson rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a touching, humorous and sometimes very sad story of people who want children so much (and one who doesn't). It will make you want to hug your own kids.

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Mar 31, 2013 Scoody rated it 4 of 5 stars

Classic Reichs - quirky characters that somehow are larger-than-life yet recognizable in our everyday lives. A bittersweet mix of tragedy and humor.

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Nov 21, 2012 rae rated it 5 of 5 stars

i'm a huge fan of kerry reichs and this book was really beautifully written. read with tissues, as the stories converge- well, i dare you to not cry!

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Feb 23, 2013 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

It was exciting to see how all of the individual stories started to weave into one another, to form a tight net of characters I felt I knew.

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Aug 06, 2012 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

A little predictable near the end but still a good read of interesting characters. Liked it better when I could sit and read a longer stretch to stay with the characters rather than a chapter at a time.

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Oct 01, 2012 Tina rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a decent beach / rainy Saturday read. I've read this author before, a book with a similar style, so I knew what to expect and it met my expectations. Nothing remarkable.

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May 16, 2013 Sandy Pierce rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book brought to the forefront what people would do to have children and also the guilt that a woman feels for not wanting a child. Great subject, great book.

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Jan 26, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Unique characters facing the many options and obstacles to becoming parents.

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Oct 04, 2012 Heidi Leary rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick and easy read, with likable characters.

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About Kerry Reichs

Kerry Reichs graduated from Oberlin College and Duke University School of Law and Institute of Public Policy. She practiced law in Washington, D.C. for several years until she took a sabbatical and discovered that sabbaticals agree with her. She now writes full time, splitting her time between Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, and is still trying to convince her two cats that driving across countr...more

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61 Hours / Small Change / Nowhere to Run / Leaving Unknown

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