Third Wish

by Robert Fulghum

In fairy tales, the third wish is the last one left when the first wish was foolish, and the second wish was used to undo the first wish. Now the remaining wish must be used wisely and well--with the help of co-conspirators. The main thread of Third Wish --like Ariadne’s string guiding Theseus into the labyrinth with the Minotaur--begins at a table on a terrace on the Greek Island of Crete, winds its way into the center and back out to the same table, passing through Greece, Japan, France, England, and Seattle. Its main characters are Alice, Max-Pol, Aleko, Wonko, Zenkichi, Polydora, Alice-Alice, and Dog. Woven into the fabric of the novel are cultural history, art, philosophy, archeology, poetry, theater and music. The mode of the novel is contained in the words Slowly, Surprise, and Witness. More than anything else, Third Wish is a long love story--not in the usual sense--but the story of people who love life and will go to great lengths to find a flourishing Way onward.

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Novels

936 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Robert Fulghum is an American author, primarily of short essays.

Reviews

[Christie Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flat-out, full-on, no-holds-barred LOVED this book. Now, to people who normally like the books I like and so on, I don't expect you to like it. It's not like the normal books I love. I'm not even sure that it's good literature. Somewhere deep down I suspect it is not. But I love it. Here's why:

*It looks at love from all kinds of unusual angles. It is a love story, but not just a love story.
*I fell in love with every single place in this novel just because of the author's powerful descriptions. And these are places I had never cared about in my life -- Monet's studio in Giverny? a canal boat in England? the island of Crete? Never cared about a one of them, and now I feel my life won't be complete if I see them before I die.
*Its characters are totally original. I have never seen these people before.
*The elements of whimsy, serendipity, and imagination are completely interwoven throughout the whole book.
*It is a serious novel, but it is also a joyful novel AND it also managed to surprise me!

I don't know if soulmates exist, but I don't see how, if they do, my soulmate would NOT love this book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This book has quitttte a staccatto to this, that I cannot entirely place. But it's clearly a book by a writer, but whose vehicle is not primarily ficiton. It feels like a book written by a male philosophy professor who creates "characters" to mouth and espouse his various views of life, relationships, love, etc. It has decent world building

As such, it comes of as a colossal gimmick. It's unsuccessful, but just a few degress off in all of its efforts. It's production/appearence is nice, but not quite interesting enough to be ergodic. The paper stock is high quality, but also reminds a bit of cardboard.

The accompanying CD is a nice idea--but doesn't feel like anything but a mediocre and slightly forced gimmick that slows the pace of the story by making you put out a CD player (or read by your laptop).

Yet, it's got a lot of keen ideas in--but just never reaches actualization. It's like a more cheekingly postmodern version of Sophie's World.

The loved story is relatable (and touche a few neves, as I know a woman like Alice).

It's also clearly a love story by a dude--and Alice is his "manic pixie dream girl" and Max-Pohl, Alex and Wonko are all aspects of the AUTHOR. And he can't give a proper, real resolution with genuine pathos, so instead does the "opt-out" meta commentary.

As such, the ending is such a cheat--it feels unwarranted, and unearned and unclever. It's the kind of shit I'd have pulled as a freshman in college, or Grant Morrison in the 80s.

[Jona Novak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Původně jsem měla v plánu se kousnout a prostě to dočíst, ale pak jsem si vzpomněla, že si svého času vážím. Nebyla jsem ještě ani ve čtvrtině, a už se mi do toho fakt nechtělo, těsně před půlkou jsem to pak zabalila úplně. Ono to není marně napsané, ale nějak mi uniká ten smysl knihy a strašně mě to nebavilo, vyprávění o všem a o ničem 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book, right up until the end of volume 4. Then I was pissed at the author. Things didn't get better when I got into volume 5 either. Why build up those fascinating characters and create such a beautiful story, and then end it with a book that didn't belong in the series? I am definitely not a fan of that ending. So, in the grand tradition of Fulghum's characters, I have imagined my own ending and will never read the author's ending again. His characters deserved better.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked these books and at the same time I did not. (the novel is written in 5 books which are physically housed in 2 books) I felt certain aspects really spoke to me. It was to me kind of a waking meditation about living an artful life, bringing art to your life; being present and creative and open to possibilities. The characters in this book travel and meander while living and talking about life, art, history, archeology, surprise and silliness, all things I really enjoy. At times I felt this was a book written just for me and other times I found the certain characters trying. The author did a few things that, to me were crazy and to be true I really have not reconciled the ending in my mind yet. This is a hard book to characterize. I enjoyed it, but at times grew tired of it, all and all I have to say I liked it, because while hanging out in these books with these somewhat eccentric characters and following along with all of their stories, it was a helpful reminder of the magic within everyday life.

[⋆✶∘Jin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating stories I have ever read. Overwhelmingly joyous, pensive, and artfully pieced together. It creates an immense sense of nostalgia for somewhere you have never even been. The gentle intertwining of 3 lives throughout the narrative is breathtaking. Every moment breathes life into the next. Every piece of art and every piece of music included expands the world of this epic journey.

I could not recommend this book highly enough. Robert Fulghum is most known for "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" but this 'hidden' gem of a novel is a masterfully creative read.

[Martina_H · Rating 2 out of 5]

V devadesátkách začly u nás vycházet Fulghumovy fejetony a povídky, které byly hodně populární (populárnější, než by zasloužily, si dnes myslím) a ty jsem četla moc ráda. Pak vyšel román, začla jsem ho číst o něco starší a o něco méně hltavější (rozdíl mezi náct a 20+), a pořád se to tam nějak nejasně táhlo, spíš jak lepidlo než jako med. Nějak jsem se nezorientovala a do toho vyšlo pokračování s názvem Třetí přání - zbytek příběhu /skoro/ a v tu chvíli jsem to vzdala. V představě, že budu muset přebrodit ještě dvě a půl knihy lepidla, než to pochopím, jsem uvízla.

Po letech si nevybavuju skoro nic, jen nějaou dívku v modrém a ještě mám v mozku obrázek hnědé kožené mošničky nebo kabelky.

[Yioula Ts. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Το βρήκα κουραστικό, αλλά θα αναγνωρίσω πως υπάρχουν ουκ ολίγα σημεία για σκέψη, περισυλλογή και προσωπική αναζήτηση, δοσμένα με το ιδιαίτερο ύφος του συγγραφέα.Γι' αυτό το τόσο ιδιαίτερο ύφος του κέρδισε από μένα το 3άρι, όμως αυτό δεν είναι ένα βιβλίο που ικανοποίησε τη δική μου ευχή...
Να περάσω καλά...

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this book. Books I should say, it is a 3 book collection. Don't be overwhelmed by the thought of three books. I found the characters so real and a bit of a mystery at the same time. I will read it again and I highly recommend it!

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautifully written...I hated the characters

[Lynne Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Do not be scared by its size,keep on reading, it's awesome!!

[Mandarinka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Možná že to ještě budu číst jednou a přesvědčí mě to o tom, že je to lepší, zatím se to ale bohužel nestalo:O(

[Viola Briatková · Rating 5 out of 5]

nadherne

[Cody Arn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overly philosophical but there are charming moments. There's a lot of cynicism on love and relationships, and the entire 5th part feels so deeply reductive that it draws away significantly from the first 4 portions. Still, you come away feeling changed and having made intimate friends, while also feeling deeply your departure from them. I doubt I'll read this book again, but I won't forget it soon.

[Mary Pilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely spectacular. I felt so connected to so many of the characters. I think that in many ways this book felt like my soul. Wandering around looking for a witness. How beautiful.

(This is the first book of the two that I finished, but this is listed as the complete set. I wanted them as different reviews on here)

[Debi Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

936 pages, and I never knew what to expect on the next page!

[Gabriela Štefanová · Rating 5 out of 5]

Příjemná kniha, plná zajímavých míst a informací o nich.
Všechny hlavní postavy se mi líbí a fandím jim a zajímá mě, jak to s nimi bude dál.
Odpočinkové čtení.

[April Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book save for the last part. If it had ended at part 4, it would have been 5 stars.

[Mamak]

Do ČT ČT

[Irena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Netradičně pojatý román o tom, jaké je to dělat svědka života jiné osoby. Charismatická Alice, Max-Pol a Alex, náhodné setkání a spojení cest na Krétě i v Monetových zahradách a Oxfordu.

[R.K. Cowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 3/4 stars

[Bart Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike most Novels you will ever read!

Third Wish is a multi-genre reading and listening experience that operates and works on several different levels.

The book is a novel, and yet in reading it and listening to the accompanying music CD (original music by the way, tied specifically to points in the book) it also is a work that encompasses the culture, music, art, architecture and society of a Greek Island. Add to that, a very well written and introspective moving through the lives and relationships of the protagonists and you have a feast for the heart and intellect that is rarely seen in fictional literary works.

It may seem odd, but this reviewer found the experience more than a little reminiscent of the classical volumes of Will and Ariel Durant in some ways. See particularly The Story of Civilization, Vol II: The Life of Greece by Will Durant.

Of course those elements are not the primary focus, but the background information and research that went into this book represent a similar thoroughness and attention to detail that sets the tone and context of this work to a remarkable degree that I've never observed in a formal fictional genre.

Add to these elements, Fulgham's introspective and spiritual approach to the characters and relationships he builds upon and you have again, a very remarkable and unique book.

5 Stars. I recommend it heartily.

Bart Breen

[Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is the biggest book i've ever seen in my life. it should come with a sherpa.

(later)
ok, now i've read it. Fulghum writes absolutely beautifully. sometime it's almost painfully beautiful. the story of third wish is about how a group of people's lives intertwine and cross over one another, spanning the globe, so there is a bit of "six degrees of separation" going on. at the same time, it's about living in the moment, the people who do, the people who don't, how they can learn from one another. it's about greek island life. it's about kabuki theater. it's about security. it's about theater. there's a LOT going on here. fulghum knows a LOT and spends much of the time dropping random knowledge. fortunately the knowledge is interesting and relevant to the storyline, but this is no easy read, it takes commitment!

the book isn't as long as it looks - it's printed on what sometimes feels like cardboard, super thick pages with HUGE margins. but it does impress people when you lug it around ;)

i enjoyed the story, but there were a few twists and turns i didn't love. i'm off to breakfast to meet and debate them with the recommender of said book!

[Tracy M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did, but it just felt disjointed. Fulghum spends a lot of time developing the characters, which is nice, but there are long stretches of the book that drag as a result. A plot is hinted at but never really comes together. Finally, after he's spent so much time on these characters, he abandons them suddenly for a story-outside-of-a-story about a fictional author of Third Wish who can't finish the book. He wraps it all up by suggesting that the characters were just parts of the author all along and it's him and his journey (of which you see a small part) that are the crux of the story. Rather than being provoked into thought by the message, I just felt cheated, as though Fulghum were really the one who didn't know where to take all these characters and used his fictional self as a device to tie a neat bow on an unruly mess of a novel.

[Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to Third Wish by the story surrounding the book: famous author insists on writing the "novel that he would want to read," fills it with colorful illustrations, commissions music to accompany the story, can't get it published in the U.S., has it translated into Czech, it becomes a bestseller in the Czech Republic, and he's finally able to convince a publisher in the U.S. to print it. How much of this is true and how is hyperbole is anyone's guess, but it caught my attention! More soon...

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

FINALLY finished the first (of 2) volumes. The book is good, but so big, it's impossible to carry with you or read anywhere very comfortably.

7/2011:
After about 8 months of reading a few pages now and then, and getting partway into the 2nd volume - I realized I didn't remember what happened at the beginning of the book or how some of the characters met. SO - I started over. I read it faster the second time and enjoyed it more.

The last quarter of the book though was almost a different story. It seemed like he couldn't figure out how to end the story he started with, so just totally switched directions.

Glad I'm finally done with this one.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes! Someone please remind me to NEVER, EVER again choose a long book to read that has not been proven on the bestseller lists or by someone whose opinion I trust. This book just rambled on and on, full of geographical & cultural facts/trivia. The middle of the book was a little bit interesting when he actually focused on the relationships between some of the characters. The end of the book was absolutely INANE! I kept thinking, even as I approached the end, that he has got to tie it together somehow. WRONG - what a waste of my time!

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite entertaining for the most part, but it all started to seem a bit precious to me. Every character was superlatively quirky, gifted and conveniently rich.Some interesting meanderings on art, theatre, history, but irritatingly contrived. Aesthetically pleasing in many ways,the illustrations, the soundtrack, the lovely thick paper, but kind of ridiculous to hold. Two volumes (502 and 416 pages), they were just darn ridiculous to hang on to. Part 5 was over the top for me... but Fulghum has a lovely way with words. There was just a little bit too much of everything in this one for my taste.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read this book I thought it was the best thing in the world because I read it at a time that I needed it, I guess. But now, reading it a second time, I'm just confused. It's still a grand book, still profound in moments and meaningful, but I don't feel satisfied with the ending or the last part at all. Like this whole book was a mystery but I got to the end and still didn't find the answer I was so sure was waiting there.

[Trevor Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most interesting books I've ever read. Love the fact that music sets the stage for certain parts of the book. I learned a lot of history from the book and a lot of interesting facts while reading the book. That all being said, a fantastic story has been built up and grips you right until the end of book 4... and book 5 crashes the whole thing around you. I would give it 5 stars had the 5th book been done differently. Oh well, I still sit down and read it every once and a while.