The Wishing Game

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• The Wishing Game contains elements of magical realism, tragedy, and romance. What did you think of the way Shaffer combines these genres? Which elements interested you the most?
• Consider other books and films you’ve encountered that revolve around a game or contest. How does The Wishing Game compare and contrast with these stories in terms of tone and its use of the central narrative device?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Parenthood is at the heart of The Wishing Game, but the author doesn’t shy away from examining abuse and neglect. Shaffer argues that not everyone with biological children should be a parent while portraying adoptive parents like Lucy and Jack in a favorable light. How do you feel about the novel’s presentation of parenthood? What do you consider the most important requirements of a good parent?
• In the novel, Jack’s stories offer his readers a haven to the point that several children attempt to join him on Clock Island. Has there ever been a time in your life when a story helped you by offering escapism or inspiration? 
• Part of why Jack’s children’s books are so acclaimed is because his stories emerged from his own difficult experiences as a child. What books resonated with you when you were a child and why?
• Shaffer argues that the true power of wishes is their ability to inspire hard work and personal growth. Share a time when a dream or goal helped you persevere. What obstacles did you face, and what was the outcome? 

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• At present, there are hundreds of thousands of children in the United States foster care system. What insights does Lucy and Chrisopher’s story offer in terms of improving this system and the adoption process?
• Many of the novel’s characters have abusive or neglectful parents. How does The Wishing Game contribute to the conversation around how society can support survivors of child abuse?

4. Literary Analysis 

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does Lucy change over the course of the novel? How do specific characters and events contribute to her growth? What lessons does Shaffer offer her audience through the protagonist’s transformation? 
• The phrase, “Cite your sources,” emerges as a motif for the theme of the value of stories. How does this phrase influence the narratives that characters create about themselves? How do characters like Lucy find the power to rewrite their life stories?
• The protagonist sells hand-knitted scarves and later gives two to her love interest and sister. What do Lucy’s scarves represent? How does this symbol contribute to her character development and to the novel’s overall examination of concepts like art and hard work?
• The Wishing Game contains several interludes that are excerpts from Jack’s Clock Island series, weaving together fiction and reality. How does this structural choice impact the novel’s plot and characterization? What message is the author trying to make about the value of stories? 
• Consider Jack’s role in the novel. How does he serve as both an antagonist and a mentor? How does he assume the role of the Mastermind, one of his own characters, and what does this reveal about him and his motivation?

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Imagine that The Wishing Game is being adapted as a film or television series. What techniques would you use to convey shifts between the “real world” and the Clock Island series? Who would you cast as the lead roles? Would you have the same actor play both Jack and the Mastermind? 
• Christopher and Lucy are both avid readers of the Clock Island series. Imagine that Jack decides to base the next entry in the series on these two new members of his found family. What might this story look like?

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