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When your entire life has been one long search for that mysterious "something" that will finally make you happy and complete, what you want changes faster than the fashions in Vogue. But that doesn't mean you stop wishing, does it?
This is Bella Grandelli's heartbreaking, hilarious, and seemingly hopeless quest-from her days as a pudgy, insecure eight-year-old in the seventies, to a Madonna-worshipping Notre Dame co-ed in the eighties, where she tries on boyfriends as if they're leg-warmers, to a martini-sipping entertainment journalist in the nineties. The only constant through her love-life chaos is her twin brother, Bobby, whose mysterious illness has been a source of both triumph and tragedy-no matter how hard Bella tries to wish him well. But it's only when her family faces a devastating crisis that she finally realizes the painful truth about herself and her life. And no one is more surprised than Bella herself when that journey leads her to the only person in the world who holds the key to her heart.
This is Bella Grandelli's heartbreaking, hilarious, and seemingly hopeless quest-from her days as a pudgy, insecure eight-year-old in the seventies, to a Madonna-worshipping Notre Dame co-ed in the eighties, where she tries on boyfriends as if they're leg-warmers, to a martini-sipping entertainment journalist in the nineties. The only constant through her love-life chaos is her twin brother, Bobby, whose mysterious illness has been a source of both triumph and tragedy-no matter how hard Bella tries to wish him well. But it's only when her family faces a devastating crisis that she finally realizes the painful truth about herself and her life. And no one is more surprised than Bella herself when that journey leads her to the only person in the world who holds the key to her heart.
Hardcover
First published December 7, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 16, 2009
The inner self-talk is what got to me in this story. Those conversations you have with yourself before you dive in to a commitment with a huge "Yes". Those arguements and cajoling and screaming scenes inside your head and heart before you open your mouth and deny yourself what you really want but are afraid to admit to.
That is what i got from "Wish". You can see train wrecks that will happen at the next curve and are hopeless to stop them, so you just ride the coattails and hope for the best for Bella and her brother, Bobby. Love hurts and this book just brings that to light.
That is what i got from "Wish". You can see train wrecks that will happen at the next curve and are hopeless to stop them, so you just ride the coattails and hope for the best for Bella and her brother, Bobby. Love hurts and this book just brings that to light.
February 14, 2011
I so wanted to enjoy this one, but it never appealed to me. I found myself bored with the main character's romantic trials and irritated by the frequent celebrity references. I actually read "When I Forgot" by Elina Hirvonen during one of my "breaks" from this one and found it to be a similar story line, but much more realistic, deeper in substance, and much more enjoyable.
March 4, 2017
Bella is searching for that special little something that will FINALLY make her feel happy and complete... that one thing that so many of us feel like we can't quite name but we just KNOW is out there waiting for us. Bella's trouble is that her definition of happy seems to keep changing. Especially when she considers how her autistic twin brother Bobby plays into that idea. Bobby, most days anyway, has a "joy in the little things" way about him. He has a sunny disposition, a love of patterns, and a unique way of speaking, relying almost entirely on dialogue from tv shows he watches -- Star Trek / Yosemite Sam / Batman when he's happy, Bugs Bunny quotes means bad news.
Bobby's upbeat nature often puts Bella's troubles into perspective, even when she'd prefer to, you know, kinda just enjoy wallowing in those indulgent moments of self-pity. She's also always felt a sense of responsibility to Bobby, sometimes more of a parent to him than their actual parents, teaching him things like how to do acceptable eye contact (2 seconds = too short, 5 seconds = too long). All of this factors into how she defines happy, what she wants for herself, what goals she thinks she can accomplish guilt-free. She also contemplates what she needs for her own soul's happiness, regardless of what the world might say it requires of her.
Spanning from an introduction to 8 year old Bella in the 1970s to Bella as a grown female journalist in the 1990s, the format of Wish is set up in a way similar to that of Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones' Diary (author Melina Bellows even notes the similarity in her author interview at the back of this book) . At each chapter's beginning, the reader is given a rundown of what year it is, Bella's age that year, her favorite song and celebrity idol of the moment, and a noting of her best pair of shoes and prized possession for that year. The plot itself though reminded me a bit of a grown up version of Rules by Cynthia Lord.
When Wish was first released back in 2005, I remember seeing it here and there on a few recommended reading lists in magazines I would casually peruse. Since then, I've heard a fair share of less than stellar reviews about it, so it quietly got pushed further and further down on my own mental "to get to one day" reading list. So glad I decided to finally take it home after finding it in a local used bookstore recently! I went into it hesitantly (those reviews in the back of my mind) but came out completely moved by this little story. I saw SO many parallels to my own life in Bella's journey it floored me.
Some of those neggy reviews mentioned how cliche it all is and how predictable the romances play out but real life does play out that way too sometimes. Sometimes it IS the most obvious answer once you get out of your own way! But it wasn't even the romances that resonated with me (though I was very much entertained seeing the various situations Bella gets herself into!). For me, it was Bella's inner monologues and overall thought processes that bonded me to her, faulty though they may be sometimes! I loved watching her go through the process of figuring out the reasoning behind ideas like taking care of yourself so you can be better for others, or as Bella's therapist puts it at one point, "Inside every rescuer there is a victim." Bella realizes she doesn't really know how to define herself outside of various levels of caretaker roles within her own family. That's something I struggle with myself to this day so I was definitely rooting for her on her journey and cringing when I knew how badly some of her choices would end up (having been there myself).
If you've ever felt overwhelmed with being "the responsible one" in your family (who is then maybe unfairly and harshly judged when you just try to freakin' live a little) then Bella's story may be for you. Hers is a reminder that we're ALL here just trying to figure it all out the best we can and yes, every one of us is going to get the proverbial pie in the face now and then, but we push through and keep going anyway, don't we? :-) I'd also recommend this for anyone gearing up for Autism Awareness Month in April!
Bobby's upbeat nature often puts Bella's troubles into perspective, even when she'd prefer to, you know, kinda just enjoy wallowing in those indulgent moments of self-pity. She's also always felt a sense of responsibility to Bobby, sometimes more of a parent to him than their actual parents, teaching him things like how to do acceptable eye contact (2 seconds = too short, 5 seconds = too long). All of this factors into how she defines happy, what she wants for herself, what goals she thinks she can accomplish guilt-free. She also contemplates what she needs for her own soul's happiness, regardless of what the world might say it requires of her.
Spanning from an introduction to 8 year old Bella in the 1970s to Bella as a grown female journalist in the 1990s, the format of Wish is set up in a way similar to that of Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones' Diary (author Melina Bellows even notes the similarity in her author interview at the back of this book) . At each chapter's beginning, the reader is given a rundown of what year it is, Bella's age that year, her favorite song and celebrity idol of the moment, and a noting of her best pair of shoes and prized possession for that year. The plot itself though reminded me a bit of a grown up version of Rules by Cynthia Lord.
When Wish was first released back in 2005, I remember seeing it here and there on a few recommended reading lists in magazines I would casually peruse. Since then, I've heard a fair share of less than stellar reviews about it, so it quietly got pushed further and further down on my own mental "to get to one day" reading list. So glad I decided to finally take it home after finding it in a local used bookstore recently! I went into it hesitantly (those reviews in the back of my mind) but came out completely moved by this little story. I saw SO many parallels to my own life in Bella's journey it floored me.
Some of those neggy reviews mentioned how cliche it all is and how predictable the romances play out but real life does play out that way too sometimes. Sometimes it IS the most obvious answer once you get out of your own way! But it wasn't even the romances that resonated with me (though I was very much entertained seeing the various situations Bella gets herself into!). For me, it was Bella's inner monologues and overall thought processes that bonded me to her, faulty though they may be sometimes! I loved watching her go through the process of figuring out the reasoning behind ideas like taking care of yourself so you can be better for others, or as Bella's therapist puts it at one point, "Inside every rescuer there is a victim." Bella realizes she doesn't really know how to define herself outside of various levels of caretaker roles within her own family. That's something I struggle with myself to this day so I was definitely rooting for her on her journey and cringing when I knew how badly some of her choices would end up (having been there myself).
If you've ever felt overwhelmed with being "the responsible one" in your family (who is then maybe unfairly and harshly judged when you just try to freakin' live a little) then Bella's story may be for you. Hers is a reminder that we're ALL here just trying to figure it all out the best we can and yes, every one of us is going to get the proverbial pie in the face now and then, but we push through and keep going anyway, don't we? :-) I'd also recommend this for anyone gearing up for Autism Awareness Month in April!
June 1, 2026
It’s not my genre. If you want something super light and predictable that doesn’t go deep this book will be great did you. I found it easy to read, but disappointing that the story stayed so on the surface. Lots of cultural references but they were the stereotype of each time period. And not realistic that the character receives a three carat diamond and interview, connects with and gets advise from many A list stars. I’m sure there are many people who would love this, but did me it’s too surface level predictable.
September 24, 2022
I grew up in the same era as Bella, so the walk down memory lane was fun. But this is mostly about Bella's search for love and her failed relationships. It also focuses on her relationship with Bobby, her autistic twin brother. Her parents drift in and out and really don't do much in the way of support or anything else. I think if she'd left the autistic brother bit out, it might've made for a better read. That angle just felt awkward and thrown in as a "soup of the day" idea.
July 15, 2023
The book has some good wisdom mixed in with the life story of a woman whose twin was born with Autism while she was not. At times frustrating and others heartwarming, it's a good quick read. The ending felt a little rushed but was still good nonetheless.
October 7, 2024
Fun, funny, very (very!) light reading but well-structured plot. Enjoyable characters.
March 29, 2012
Melina Gerosa Bellows erzählt die Geschichte von Bella und ihrem autistischen Zwillingsbruder. Zum ersten Mal begegnet man Bella im Jahr 1974 und begleitet sie von dort an durch ihr Leben und durch verschiedene Situationen. Man erlebt wie sie älter und auch reifer wird und erlebt, wie sie sich verändert. Die Thematik der Selbstfindung steht hier eindeutig im Vordergrund. Und obwohl die Autorin dabei nicht wirklich oberflächlich bleibt, kam es mir dennoch oberflächlich vor. Ich habe keinen Bezug zu Bella aufbauen können. Bei einer solchen Lebensgeschichte finde ich es jedoch sehr wichtig, einen Bezug zum Hauptprotagonisten zu haben, da mich die Geschichte sonst schnell langweilt. Und genau dies ist auch hier geschehen. Ich fand es hat sich alles unheimlich in die Länge gezogen und ich hatte gar keine richtige Lust, das Buch zu lesen.
Ich habe Wunschgeflüster dann für ein anderes Buch unterbrochen. Und dann habe ich noch ein anderes gelesen. Und noch eines. Und nun kann ich mich einfach nicht mehr aufraffen, weiterzulesen. Somit hake ich es nun als abgebrochen auf Seite 162 ab. Ein bisschen schade finde ich das schon, da mich die Geschichte wirklich interessiert hat. Aber darauf, mich durch ein Buch zu quälen, habe ich auch keine Lust – denn dafür gibt es einfach zu viele schöne Bücher.
Fazit:
Eine interessante Geschichte, welche aus meiner Sicht einfach nicht gut umgesetzt wurde. Mich hat das Buch nicht wirklich angesprochen, was vor allem daran lag, dass ich keinen Bezug zur Hauptprotagonistin aufbauen konnte. Somit habe ich das Buch abgebrochen.
Ich habe Wunschgeflüster dann für ein anderes Buch unterbrochen. Und dann habe ich noch ein anderes gelesen. Und noch eines. Und nun kann ich mich einfach nicht mehr aufraffen, weiterzulesen. Somit hake ich es nun als abgebrochen auf Seite 162 ab. Ein bisschen schade finde ich das schon, da mich die Geschichte wirklich interessiert hat. Aber darauf, mich durch ein Buch zu quälen, habe ich auch keine Lust – denn dafür gibt es einfach zu viele schöne Bücher.
Fazit:
Eine interessante Geschichte, welche aus meiner Sicht einfach nicht gut umgesetzt wurde. Mich hat das Buch nicht wirklich angesprochen, was vor allem daran lag, dass ich keinen Bezug zur Hauptprotagonistin aufbauen konnte. Somit habe ich das Buch abgebrochen.
February 19, 2014
Wish is a book I re-read almost every year. It's unique in that the book is in a quick-fun-read format of flashbacks and journal entries, but some of the material is surprisingly heavy.
Bella is easy to relate to because she, like every teen, just wants to fit in. She clearly blames her family issues for coloring her personality one shade too dark to be carefree like the popular girls she desperately wants to be. Her family problems give depth to what may otherwise be considered an outwardly shallow character. She struggles with body image, depression, an eating disorder and unhealthy romantic relationships, but written in a way that the reader doesn't pity her and experiences everything just like Bella, as it's happening.
The pacing of the book is great and you don't feel as if there are huge time gaps. Character development is realistic and refreshing as the book goes on...when you meet Bella, she pretends she doesn't have a brother; and at the end of the book, she's done a total 360.
If you feel like you'd be an easybreezy fun type if only you didn't have family issues, you'd probably enjoy this book. It's a summer read with substance.
Bella is easy to relate to because she, like every teen, just wants to fit in. She clearly blames her family issues for coloring her personality one shade too dark to be carefree like the popular girls she desperately wants to be. Her family problems give depth to what may otherwise be considered an outwardly shallow character. She struggles with body image, depression, an eating disorder and unhealthy romantic relationships, but written in a way that the reader doesn't pity her and experiences everything just like Bella, as it's happening.
The pacing of the book is great and you don't feel as if there are huge time gaps. Character development is realistic and refreshing as the book goes on...when you meet Bella, she pretends she doesn't have a brother; and at the end of the book, she's done a total 360.
If you feel like you'd be an easybreezy fun type if only you didn't have family issues, you'd probably enjoy this book. It's a summer read with substance.
June 22, 2010
The author had me from the second she mentioned Swatch watches. A cute, uplifting story that follows one woman's journey to finding that "something" to complete her. A twin to an autistic brother, her whole life has been lived in the shadow of her brother's needs and under the proverbial black cloud cast by exhausted, overstretched parents. Full of touching moments and inspiring passages. Ultimately, she learns that all the hardships in her life have taught her something. When she takes the time to look back at all of her life lessons she finally finds what she has been looking for. Loved this book.
September 29, 2013
Navigating life as a twin can be hard enough, throw in the fact that your twin brother is also autistic and so begins the life long journey of Bella Grandelli. I found as I was reading this book that I was on an emotional roller coaster with Bella as she struggled through her relationships with her parents, food, men, work, and especially her brother. Happiness vs. depression, Bella must come to decide which! Far fetched relationships with famous people could have been cute, but for me fell flat. One redeeming quality were the throwbacks to the era in which I grew up and bringing a flash flood of fun memories!
January 23, 2008
While this book has no real literary value, it was easy and enjoyable to read. Bella, the main character searches and searches for ways to "fit in" by dating a long stretch of horrible men. In the end, it is her brother, who is a pretty high-functioning autistic (but still difficult to communicate and live with), who teaches Bella the most about herself. I recommend this book to anyone - you'll be sure to like it and come away with a very pleasant feeling about how there are always happy endings.
October 5, 2009
This book is completely adorable and also manages to be true to life. It has been on my bookshelf (real bookshelf in my home) for two years and I finally started reading it and am loving it! It is about a girl who was a child in the 70s; a Notre Dame coed in the 80s; and an entertainment journalist in the 90s and all the hilarious life and love lessons she learns. It would be just a typical book if not for her twin brother, Bobby, who is autistic. He throws a whole new--and hilarious spin--on this done-before storyline.
May 13, 2010
I am totally overwhelmed by the story, the style and above all: the lesson. I don't know why or what it is that cheers me up but only by this novel I understand how lonely I really am - though on the other hand it encouraged me to keep going and never again doubt in myself for this is the most important thing to be able to become happy.
I am absolutely sure, for when there will be any bottom or low point reached, I will take this novel and re-read it until I remember what I've got to do.
The most encouraging novel I've ever read, I'd guess!
I am absolutely sure, for when there will be any bottom or low point reached, I will take this novel and re-read it until I remember what I've got to do.
The most encouraging novel I've ever read, I'd guess!
September 18, 2007
This was a very good book. Unique writing style with each chapter with a list of favorites related to a time period in her life. I liked to see the character grown and learn things. There was an author interview with the reading guide in the back of the book. I was struck by this comment that the author wrote: "What I want Women to come away with is that everything that happens is an opportunity to learn. That's really the key to life."
March 6, 2008
Well written in the sense that it has substance but is still an easy read. Being nearly the same age as teh character, I could relate to the pop culture references at the beginning of each chapter. Chick lit w a twist - more meaty but still a gentle read. be sure to read the author's note at the end - but only after you've finished the book. Interesting what she said about Bobby and Bella. I also liked the first and last pair of shoes - but don't want to give it away.
August 7, 2011
what is not to like about a book that starts : " I would like to acknowledge all of my boyfriends, from the jerks to the saints, who loved me , dumped me, and left me no choice but to embark on a joyride of self-discovery." It had a few dull spots but most of all I enjoyed it- saw a little bit of myself in it- specially the parts about the jerks- for there were more of them then the saints- just glad I ended with a saint
October 7, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It starts when Bella is 8 during the 70's and ends a few decades later. Bella is searching for the someone special in life. And she had a few boyfriends in her life. Bella is a twin and her twin brother is autistic. This story explores her relationships with her parents, brother, guy friends, boyfriends and career in her search for happiness. I recommend this book to my friends. I might even suggest it for my bookclub next year even though I have read it.
November 30, 2008
It was a quick read. I think it would have made a great beach read. I loved the little snapshots on who were her idols and what her favorite possessions were. It told a nice story about a girl and her bond with her twin, a boy with Autism, and the affect his presence and her family had on her life. The end of the story was okay , and at times I did find it a bit unbelievable.
March 10, 2009
There is a strong and steady lesson to be learned from this book. I can honestly say that anyone who wasn't completely moved by this story just had way too easy of a life. I wish it were a longer book! I could have kept reading for days! It needs to be a movie imo. In a way, we're all a little bit "Bella".
April 9, 2009
I sometimes had trouble keeping the guys straight, and sometimes when I picked up the book, I couldn't remember which guy this was she was with. I sort of anticipated the ending, but it happened really quickly. Overall it was a good read and I think there was a good balance and length to each part of the story.
January 28, 2010
Wonderfully charming :) It details Bella's transformation from childhood to adulthood as she struggles with her weight, boys who abuse her, and her brother's illness. Her relationships are tangible and real, and will relate to almost any female reader. It draws you in, and I found myself learning from Bella's experiences. A deliciously decadent comfort read.
February 16, 2012
I loved this book! It made me relive my ackward teenage years and my 20's living in a large city (opposite coast) and trials and tribulations of finding love. The extra fun stuff of celebrities interspersed made it even better. Love the fact that Matt Dillon was "discovered" in her Jr. High. Very good quick read.
August 5, 2013
Wish is an amazing story of self discovery and real life events. This story really captures what happens in life that are uncontrollable. So many people can relate to the uncontrollable things in her life as well as their own. Find the meaning in each is a whole other thing that leads you on more journeys.
March 17, 2009
Decent chick-lit with a main character that will grow on you as the story progresses. The storyline involving her autistic brother doesn't seem completely authentic, but does allow for the book to end on a hopeful note.
August 25, 2009
I don't know. I just couldn't get past Bella's troubled relationships with her family, or her failed relationships with her many boyfriends, to enjoy the good parts of this book. I don't think I like books where the main character is really, really depressed.
September 4, 2016
Each chapter in this book is a snapshot of a time in the life of the main character, from the time she is a young girl through her 30s, as she deals with boys, her autistic twin brother, and figuring out who she is. A quick read, good but not great. 3.5 stars.
March 19, 2011
If you enjoy chick lit, then this book is for you. I only stuck with it because the brother has Autism, and I thought the relationship between him and his sister, Bobby and Bella, was well written. The rest was a throw away piece of crap.
April 23, 2015
What an unexpected delight. I really enjoyed the raw emotion and honesty that was shared through this story. I found myself encouraging our protagonist and other times wanting to comfort her. A good life story that will bring you laughter and some thoughtful moments while reading.
November 6, 2007
This book was ok. An easy read but not very engaging.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews