One of my favorite parts of the book was the wish history that Eldon creates when trying to determine the success of past wishes. He tracks down Madison locals to see how they chose their wishes and how they turned out. From lighthearted wishes to heavier ones, Eldon sees that many people regret their choices. Their wishes have influenced their lives in ways they could never imagine and some wishes have devastating consequences, even resulting in altering other people’s lives. Sedoti’s wish based world becomes an interesting study in the way that teenage choices can affect the rest of your life. Wishes are irreversible and Eldon doesn’t want to make the wrong decision. Making your big birthday wish is seen as the gateway to ultimate happiness but Eldon has yet to find an adult who actually seems satisfied with their wish. He starts to wonder if you can actually wish your way to happiness.
Told in short chapters with a countdown to Eldon’s wish day, As You Wish is a page-turner. Readers will never be quite sure of what’s really happening in Madison and teen readers will appreciate the element of suspense. Eldon’s deliberation about his wish keeps you guessing. The Wish History from the perspective of other Madison residents provides a nice interlude between Eldon’s story. Both with lighthearted and serious scenes, As You Wish is a well-rounded book with a realistic teen voice.
This is a great readalike for We Are the Ants and other speculative fiction. Teen readers looking for contemporary with a unique spin will love As You Wish. It would also make an excellent book club choice where readers can discuss if they would want to wish and how wishes changed so much in Madison.
Told in short chapters with a countdown to Eldon’s wish day, As You Wish is a page-turner. Readers will never be quite sure of what’s really happening in Madison and teen readers will appreciate the element of suspense. Eldon’s deliberation about his wish keeps you guessing. The Wish History from the perspective of other Madison residents provides a nice interlude between Eldon’s story. Both with lighthearted and serious scenes, As You Wish is a well-rounded book with a realistic teen voice.
This is a great readalike for We Are the Ants and other speculative fiction. Teen readers looking for contemporary with a unique spin will love As You Wish. It would also make an excellent book club choice where readers can discuss if they would want to wish and how wishes changed so much in Madison.