Aiswrya & Michelle's Empty Nest - The Wishing Game

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Aiswrya & Michelle's Empty Nest



The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

[Aiswrya]

Hey Michelle!

[Aiswrya]

I’m also going to add the links to the DQs here, so it’s easy to find.

Date Chapters
16 Jun prologue - 5
17 Jun 6 - 11
18 Jun 12 - 17
19 Jun 18 - 23
20 Jun 24 - end

Day 1 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4 -
Day 5 - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Aiswrya]

“Aren’t poor people allowed to have children”

Awwww, broke my heart!

[Aiswrya]

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 love the dynamics between Lucy and Christopher. They’re adorable together, and it’s quite clear that Lucy really loves him. Hugo didn’t make an impression. I can’t wait to know what the response from Jack was to Lucy’s last letter.

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 don’t remember this statement. Probably missed it.

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. Motivation comes from ambition. An ambitious person would never stop at their first milestone.

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?

It isn’t unhealthy. I think hopes are just dreams you dream when you’re awake. What’s wrong with that?

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 think he’s dying or something equally sad. As for the contest, perhaps a dying man’s wish for attention?

[Aiswrya]

I’m absolutely loving the book so far. The writing is so engaging, and I can’t wait to find out what the context entails. I’ll add spoiler tags to my day 2 answers and beyond, till you’ve had a chance to catch up.

[Aiswrya]

Day 2 Chapter 6 - 11
(view spoiler)[
6. Jack replied to Lucy's letter and Lucy decided to run away from home. What did you think of his letter and would you have done the same as Lucy?
I wouldn’t have run away but that’s not a fair comparison. His letter was everything a child desperate for love needed.

7. We get more insights on Clock Island. Every 'hour' is its own section like for example a beach. Would you like to visit the island? Do you find the idea of it fascinating or could you not care less?

Fascinating for sure. I love Victorian mansions, and I would thoroughly enjoy exploring the island.

8. Every part starts with a quote from Jack's book. Do you think these parts are important for the story? Just showing off Jack's work? Something else?
I think it’s a part of showing us his books, I don’t see how they would fit in the story. Unless the contest is somehow related? We shall see.

9. It seems like there will be a deeper connection between Lucy and Hugo. Do you agree? And would you approve of it given that Hugo had first met her when she was still a child
Of course! And of course!
(hide spoiler)]

[Aiswrya]

Day 3 chapter 12-17
(view spoiler)[

10. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it... it changes us?"

Do you agree with that quote? Are there any books that changed you personally?
I mostly read fiction, so I can’t say I have.

11. We finally get the first riddle. Did you guess it before Lucy did?
Absolutely. And I’m getting a little tired of Lucy’s “smartness”. Come on!

12. What did you think of The City of Secondhand and of Markham showing up like that? Is he just a sleezy lawyer, or is there something more sinister going on?
It’s weird that he was able to get to her room to slide the note under her door. I suspect this is one of Jack’s challenges, to judge everyone’s real intentions with the book and the game.

13. do you have to keep reminding yourself that the "contestants" are adults, not children?
Yes, because most of them are acting quite immature for their age.

(hide spoiler)]

[Aiswrya]

Just finished the book. Very engaging read. The writing was beautiful, got me emotional a few times. Loved it! My only complaint is that the adults didn’t always behave like adults, but I suppose that’s the theme of the story. Hope you enjoy the book too!

[Michelle's Empty Nest]

I listened to this one in one "sitting," mostly away from home, so I didn't have a chance to get to my computer and write more in-depth snipits as I went. Also, as a general rule, I just don't participate in DQs with any group.


This one was OK at best for me. I thought it was too slow in the beginning. As a former teacher, I thought the relationship with Christopher was inappropriate. I wasn't really into the riddles. I felt it was all a little too juvenile and too Willy Wonka-ish, which I have always found a little creepy. The ending was alright, but I thought it could've been different/better. Fantasy and Magical Realism aren't my favorites by a long shot, but I was hoping the Mystery aspect and the Books About Books tags would be enough to pull me in. There were some heavier topics in the story, but again, they just didn't do it for me. I am disappointed that I couldn't love this one, as I was really hoping to. Sadly, it got 2 stars from me.

[Aiswrya]

Aww, I’m sorry it didn’t work out! Yeah the mystery wasn’t really a mystery in the traditional sense, so I understand why it didn’t capture your interest.