As You Wish by Chelsea Sedoti has blended contemporary fiction and fantasy in a curious, yet heartbreaking tale about the power of wishes. I was really intrigued by this "coming of age" story. In Madison, you get one wish on your 18th birthday. Most families want their children to wish for money. For them, it is the solver of all their burdens. However, if you don't wish for money, what will happen to you in 10 or 20 years.
I enjoyed Sedoti's writing style and how the book was mapped out. As the story was told through the main character, Eldon, it counted down to his wish day. Interspersed was a "wish history" of several supporting characters. I looked forward to those segments because it brought a deeper understanding of the power these wishes held. For some it was their only means of escape, for others it was a mistake, or some held selfish desires. It helped solidify the plot, while also giving a strong story arc to Eldon.
This book was a good read. It went fast, but like many contemporaries, the conflict that arises brings out either an ending you are hoping for the one you didn't see coming. I am still torn with the ending. It did affect my overall rating of the book because in my eyes Madison still won. These small towns can be suffocating. Even though I understand the choice as to why Eldon made the choice that he did, I felt the story would have a bigger meaning of freedom if he had chosen a different path.
For one last thought - I liked the ARC cover much more than the final cover. While I understand the symbolism behind both, I feel that the first cover really paid homage to the underlying humor and hope of Madison and the wishes.
I enjoyed Sedoti's writing style and how the book was mapped out. As the story was told through the main character, Eldon, it counted down to his wish day. Interspersed was a "wish history" of several supporting characters. I looked forward to those segments because it brought a deeper understanding of the power these wishes held. For some it was their only means of escape, for others it was a mistake, or some held selfish desires. It helped solidify the plot, while also giving a strong story arc to Eldon.
This book was a good read. It went fast, but like many contemporaries, the conflict that arises brings out either an ending you are hoping for the one you didn't see coming. I am still torn with the ending. It did affect my overall rating of the book because in my eyes Madison still won. These small towns can be suffocating. Even though I understand the choice as to why Eldon made the choice that he did, I felt the story would have a bigger meaning of freedom if he had chosen a different path.
For one last thought - I liked the ARC cover much more than the final cover. While I understand the symbolism behind both, I feel that the first cover really paid homage to the underlying humor and hope of Madison and the wishes.