The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer - June 2024 Theme BOM - GAMES (starts 16 Jun)

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Make a wish. . . .

Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.

But be careful what you wish for. . . .

Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. Even better, he’s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.

For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.

. . . You might just get it.

=======
nominator: Laurie B

Official Page Count: 320

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapters 	%age		MPDQs
16 Jun		prologue - 5	21%		Laurie B (D6)
17 Jun		6 - 11		39%		Christina (D11)
18 Jun		12 - 17		58%		Sammy (D1)
19 Jun		18 - 23		78%		Melissa (D9)
20 Jun		24 - end	100%		Rosina (D3)

Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?

Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

DQ Volunteers

District 6 - Laurie B (nominator) (backup Cass, Lisa AG)
District 8 - Judith
District 12 - Amanda (backup Insiyah, Beth, Jade aka MrsTosh)
District 10 - Pat (backup Cat)
District 7 - Teddie (backup Catherine, Vicki)
District 1 - Sammy (last day) (backup Keli, Jenny, Angie)
District 2 - Alisha (backup Truitt_T)
District 9 - Melissa
District 9 - Melissa (extra entry)
District 8 - Lexi (backup Cordelia)
District 3 - Rosina (backup Kaley)
District 11 - Fiona (backup Christina)
The Capitol - Preeti (backup Keeley)
District 1 - Angie (extra entry)
District 13 - Erin PBH
District 4 - Rina
District 1 - Sammy (extra entry)
District 8 - Judith (extra entry)
District 11 - Christina (extra entry)

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Randomiser:

D6 nominator not put in the randomiser

There were 18 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

District 11 - Christina (extra entry)
District 1 - Sammy (extra entry)
District 9 - Melissa (extra entry)
District 3 - Rosina (backup Kaley)
District 8 - Lexi (backup Cordelia)
District 11 - Fiona (backup Christina)
District 9 - Melissa
District 7 - Teddie (backup Catherine, Vicki)
The Capitol - Preeti (backup Keeley)
District 13 - Erin PBH
District 8 - Judith
District 12 - Amanda (backup Insiyah, Beth, Jade aka MrsTosh)
District 4 - Rina
District 2 - Alisha (backup Truitt_T)
District 8 - Judith (extra entry)
District 1 - Sammy (last day) (backup Keli, Jenny, Angie)
District 10 - Pat (backup Cat)
District 1 - Angie (extra entry)

Timestamp: 2024-06-11 15:27:04 UTC

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Participation Verified

Brigia
Sammy
Judith
Teddie
Lisa (Aussie Girl)
Beth
Fiona
Ashleigh
Angie
Tammie
Judy
Christina
Preeti
Keli
Melissa

[Judith]

I'm in for DQs, District 8 :)

[Amanda]

In for DQs, District 12 :)

[Insiyah]

I'm in for backup DQs, for District 12

[♞ Pat]

I have a copy and am in for DQ's, District 10.

[Beth]

DQ volunteer from District 12! (backup #2)

Official page count? Thx

[Teddie]

I Volunteer! (district 7)

[Cass☀️]

Volunteering for DQs or to be back up - District 6

[Catherine]

I can help with DQ's or backup (District 7)

[Sammy]

Volunteering for District 1, but would prefer final day.

[Keli]

I volunteer for DQs or back up for District 1.

[Alisha]

Volunteering for District 2!

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I'll be reading for District 6. (Backup, backup for Laurie and Cass)

[Melissa]

In for DQs District 9 and I’d like to use an extra entry please!

[Jenny]

Once again, backup for District 1 please.

[Angie ☯]

Volunteering as backup for District 1

[Lexi]

I'm in for DQs, District 8

[Rosina]

I have a copy ....volunteering for District 3

[Fiona]

I volunteer for district 11

[Christina]

backup for 11 :)

[Preeti]

I volunteer for the Capitol, please and thanks!

[Angie ☯]

I'd like to use an extra entry, please. (District 1)

[Truitt_T]

And, again, I volunteer as backup for Alisha from District 2.

[Kaley]

Volunteering for DQs for District 3

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Signing us as back up for District 12

[Cat]

I'll be backup for Pat, D10

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

I'll volunteer for District 13

[Rina]

I'll volunteer for District 4

[Keely]

I'll be a backup for The Capitol

[Vicki]

I can volunteer for DQ's or as a backup, but it would need to be June 18, 19, or 20 since I'll be on vacay prior to that.

[Cordelia]

Volunteering as backup for district 8

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Vicki wrote: "I can volunteer for DQ's or as a backup, but it would need to be June 18, 19, or 20 since I'll be on vacay prior to that."

District????

[Sammy]

Once my BOM token for Salt & Broom has been confirmed, can I have an extra entry for this one please?

District 1.

[Melindam]

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I can volunteer for DQ's or as a backup, but it would need to be June 18, 19, or 20 since I'll be on vacay prior to that."

District????"

District 7

[Judith]

I would like to use an extra entry for this please!

District 8

[Christina]

I'll use another token for an extra entry, please! D11

Carrie Soto https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
How to Sell... https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Starter Villain https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Randomiser has been spun, and was clearly loving all the extra entries!

If you can't do your date, pass to a listed backup or else it goes to the next unique team down the list!

[Laurie B]

🥳

[Laurie B]

And we start!


Discussion Questions : Day 1 (Prologue - Chapter 5)

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?

[Suzanne]

I'm getting close to the end, but am going to answer these with the mind-set I had at this point in the book.

Discussion Questions : Day 1 (Prologue - Chapter 5)

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?
I'm not sure what to think of Hugo. But I'm doing the audio version and love the accent. He seems really grumpy. I didn't think much of anything about Jack since I hadn't met him. And I adored Lucy and especially Christopher. I wanted to learn more about what happened to him, and just see more of him in general.

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?
When I first heard this I didn't pay much attention because it was a prologue and I didn't realize there would be so many riddles in the book. I now know what it means, but I wouldn't have guessed anywhere close to that.

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? I guess I don't agree with success kills motivation. But I think that success CAN change priorities and things you may have previously thought were goals just aren't anymore.

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up? Hmm...I can see both sides. I think that having hope for things is important though, and so in that sense the game is good. They both need something to wish/hope for.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book? I had no idea about that. But I kept thinking of Willy Wonka and the golden tickets.

[Laurie B]

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?

I like all the characters so far. However, until I got to the end of Chapter 5 and Lucy's memories of the week with very little communication from her parents, I had doubts about her issues with them. I still wonder about how things actually were versus her childhood perceptions. Did they really not love her, or did she just think that because they had to focus all their time and energy on their other daughter who was severely ill? That would be traumatic for them and maybe the fact that they barely spoke to Lucy that week was simply due to depression, stress, and fatigue. Did they actually give her up to her grandparents, or did she just have to stay with them because her parents just couldn't be home with her? I want more information! Obviously, Christopher and Hugo have family baggage too, so I'm sure there's a lot still to unpack as the story progresses.

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?

I'm assuming it's all related, but I have no idea how. And I assume whatever happened is what caused Jack to stop writing, but that's all I've got. 😅

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

I'm not sure I would say that success always kills motivation, but I do think sometimes what we think we're striving towards doesn't hold the same shine if/when we achieve it. Especially if it takes a long time, since we change and grow over time. But yeah, it feels good to have something to work towards and sometimes we can feel lost once we've achieved something - like, what do I do now?

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?

I think it’s sweet. And it’s fun to dream. I can see what the social worker is getting at, especially when dealing with a child. False hope can be detrimental. But in general, I believe hope is important. Plus, I don’t see it as false hope because Lucy is working towards making it a reality.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?

I’d like to think that Christopher’s wish for a new book somehow did make it happen. But Jack started writing a year before that, so maybe inspiration simply struck at last. I am super curious about his actions in starting this contest. Has he snapped, as Hugo believes? Or does he know something we don’t? Can’t wait to see if anyone else has ideas!

[Sammy]

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?

I'm with Laurie. Lucy's perceptions of that time seem very simplistic and child-like. But I'm finding that with a lot of the characters so far. To the point I am actually wondering if the author is actually a children's book author and this is her adult debut (I know nothing besides her name at this point). It's very much lacking in nuance so far.

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?

Well, I'm almost halfway, and it hasn't any bearing yet. I suppose it's possible that something related to that happened at some point, and that is why Jack stopped writing. I guess we'll see.

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

No, I think that really depends on the individual. Some people thrive on success and it just makes them want to do better and better. Some people realise their dreams and it's exactly what they wanted. some people become successful and decide they'd rather live in a cave and weave baskets all day. There isn't a blanket rule for this kind of thing.

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?

Again, it depends on the individual. I agree for some people it could be extremely harmful, but at least Lucy is going some way towards showing that just wishing isn't enough, you have to work for what you want (but only a very little way, in all fairness).
But again, some people thrive on visualising their dreams in this way. completely different for different people.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?

Not sure. So far it's trying very hard to put itself forward as the next Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but I kinda think it's trying a little too hard in that respect. I'm hoping for a complete subversion of expectations at some point. Fingers crossed!

[CB]

Day 1 DQs

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?
Lucy seems sweet, hard-working, and full of heart. Her relationship with Christopher is well written, and had me pulling for them from the beginning. Not sure what to make of Hugo yet, but the story Lucy tells of the letter Jack wrote to her as a child made me an instant fan of his.

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?
Honestly, I have no idea on this.

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
I don’t agree. Success is what you make of it, and it sounds like Hugo’s been unhappy because he doesn’t know what to do with his life now.

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?
I think Christopher’s childhood has been tragic, and Lucy’s intentions with the wishing game are to help give him hope that life will get better. I don’t disagree with the social worker’s comments, but Lucy’s intentions are good and come from a place of love.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?
This set up has an obvious parallel with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I feel like this is Jack’s last hurrah (maybe he’s dying?) and maybe wants to give something singularly special to someone he feels is worthy of it before he dies or disappears.

[Lexi]

Discussion Questions : Day 1 (Prologue - Chapter 5)

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?
This is MPG Romance, which I was sad to see when I was checking page numbers, so I assume Hugo is the male love interest for Lucy. The foster care plot line is not my favorite so far as it seems very dismissive of the off-page foster family. Lucy seems very young.

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?
I figured it was connected because otherwise it would not be in the prologue, but I don’t have any guesses.

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? I think that once obtainable what was nice about it was that it was a goal and not the place itself. I think success can kill motivation if they only motivation was to keep a roof over one’s read and not starve but not if other motivation is involved.

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up? I think it is kind of dumb as wishes are fun but not like this which is very much focused on money and can be crushing. Especially to a child of seven.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book? If this is going to be a Willy Wonka retelling, preferably without being utterly horrible, then likely he is giving away his fortune or whatever. I am so far not appreciative of the Willy Wonka vibes.

[Angie ☯]

Discussion Questions : Day 1 (Prologue - Chapter 5)

1. We have been introduced to a few important characters - Lucy, Christopher, and Hugo. Plus the off-page persona of Jack. What do you think of the characters so far?
The characters are okay, but I want to know more about all of them especially Jack, Lucy and Christopher. I too think that Lucy's memories from childhood may not be the complete picture. I don't dislike anyone so far, but I need more.

2. We get a riddle right away in the Prologue:

"Two men on an island and both blame the water
for the loss of a wife and the death of a daughter
but neither ever married, and neither's a father.
What is the secret of the girls and the water?"

Then Hugo thinks to himself that "Five years ago, it [the ocean] had brought low the small, strange kingdom of Clock Island." Do you think the riddle is related to what happened five years ago? Any speculations on what it all means, assuming you haven't read ahead?
At this point, I have no ideas really. Only guess that it is probably tied into something that happened along the way.

3. At the beginning of Chapter Two, Hugo says that he used to dream about living in Greenwich Village, but now that he can actually afford it, it doesn't hold the same appeal. He basically says that success kills motivation. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
I disagree. Success may change what motivates someone or change what the person wants after they are successful. But all in all I think that success and motivation are unique to each person. If success killed motivation, there would be no hugely successful people or people successful for more than one thing - because once they achieved success there would be no more motivation to do anything else.

4. What do you think of the wishing game Lucy plays with Christopher? Do you think this game and mindset are healthy? Do you agree with Lucy that it gives them hope, or do you agree with the social worker that it just gets their hopes up?
This could go either way, and depends on the person. For most people it is probably a good thing to have hope and to wish
(knowing that nothing will actually be gained from a wish alone) but for some the wishing mindset can be very bad and harmful.

5. Why do you think Jack finally started writing again? And what might be his motive in holding a contest for the only copy of the new book?
No idea really; it's too early.

[Christina]

just a heads-up, Fiona is gonna write DQs for District 11 today as my copy hasn't come through yet from the library