The Wish

The Wish, Nicholas Sparks, 01/26/23 Nicholas Sparks is one of my absolute favorite authors. He always delivers, with each book better than the last. The Wish was thought-provoking and pulled on my heart strings. From the beginning, I felt like I was right there with each character, feeling their emotions and rooting for their happiness and successes. Like Jodi Picoult, Sparks addresses societal concerns of the day. In this complex novel, he addresses teen pregnancy, coming of age, first loves, wartime heartache, as well as death and dying. In his way, he is educating us and encouraging us to become part of the answers in the world around us. It’s 1996. Maggie was a fifteen-year-old pregnant teenager. Her parents were old school Catholics and were of the mind to send her away to deal with the pregnancy. She was sent to live with an aunt she barely knew in an isolated location in North Carolina. An adoption was arranged, and since Maggie was Catholic, abortion was not an option. To avoid any socially related stigma, Maggie was to remain in isolation until “it was taken care of.” Maggie was depressed as she no longer had contact with her friends or family. She also felt unloved by her parents. Maggie’s depression lifted after meeting Bryce Trickett, one of the few teenagers on the island. As she was to be home-schooled, Bryce became her tutor. Bryce also introduced Maggie to photography. She was a natural and this new love would become the building block to her future. As Bryce and Maggie spent time together, they fell deeply in love. She felt safe with Bryce as he had proven to be a handsome, gentle, compassionate, non-judgmental young man. He was well-read and on his way to West Point in the fall. Could they realistically share a life together? Accepting the possible roadblocks, they made a vow to return on Maggie’s 24th birthday to the beach where they first met. They also promised to send yearly Christmas cards to one another. 2019. Maggie has become a well-known photographer. She traveled the world to capture pictures of the most diverse and beautiful wonders that nature had to offer. Additionally, she opened a gallery with another artist in New York. The gallery was wildly successful, attracting artesian collectors from all over the world. This year, Maggie had to slow down due to a life-threatening illness. She relied heavily on her staff in her absences, especially a new young man that she had recently hired. Mark quickly became a very good friend, and they spent the Christmas holiday together. At Mark’s insistence, Maggie shared her memories of Ocracoke, the place that taught her how to love and find her dream. The characters were so well defined that they become part of your heart. The reason that Nicholas Sparks books continually get made into movies is because they appeal to everyone as real and compelling stories. I have read every one of his books, at least once. I enjoyed reading “The Wish,” and look forward to his next novel. I wholeheartedly recommend his books to anyone who likes to read a relatable story that touches the heart while also taking you on a journey to explore the social issues around you. Put together, his books can change the way look at the world and how you treat those around you. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.

You will truly experience equal amounts of pleasure and pain while reading this book. When our main character is diagnosed with cancer she reflects on the most beautiful story of her childhood and how she fell in love while pregnant as a teen when her parents shipped her off to live with her Aunt because they were ashamed of her. It's told in dual timelines so you experience what she is going through in her diagnosis (a whole storyline in itself) and her one true love while she was a child. It's so beautiful. You will absolutely cry more than once. Love, love, loved.

This book was sad and emotional, but it was also such a beautiful story! There was a bittersweet happy ending. I go into my books blind (I don’t read the blurb telling what the book is about) and it’s probably a good thing I didn’t know what this book was about. If I would have known how much I was going to cry, I doubt I would have read it and that would have been a shame because it’s one of my favorite books ever! I read this book in one day because I had to know how it ended. This book is told in 2 different timelines. There is the current day of Maggie’s life and then there is the story of her past. It goes back and forth between the 2 timelines and it was very easy to follow. There was no spice so it would be okay for teens and adults to read.

I gave this book 3 stars because it took me a while to get into it. This book is about a woman named Maggie who is fighting cancer and meets someone who’s going to work at her art gallery. Through the time they have together you learn the story of her life, and then the plot twist which literally made my jaw drop. This book is like all of Sparks books where it leaves you with tears on your face. I wouldn’t say it’s a MUST read but it is a good read

This story is so true to life! It carries all the feelings of love, lost love, forgiveness and restoration that keeps us going after tragedy enters our life. Nicholas Sparks is an awesome author, knowing how much to give and how much to hold back. Thank you Mr Sparks!

I normally don’t write reviews, just give books a star rating. But after reading/listening to this story, I felt the need to write a review! This was one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. I have the audio along with the book which I believe made the story more real, like I was right there. I want to read this book over and over again. I heard this will be made into a movie, but haven’t found a release date as of yet. I cannot wait to watch the movie version. Great job Mr. Sparks. You have been my favorite author for a very long time and once again you didn’t disappoint!

I found this book phenomenal! Had everything I was looking for in a good winter read. Adventure, love, life, etc. (I won't spoil it) It made me smile and cry because it was completely relatable. A must-read!

I love the way Sparks built up toward the great reveal. It felt as if I were there thanks to the descriptive scenes. This story depicted a legacy of faith, forgiveness, and love. I was so happy and sad Mark met his mother, learned much of his father, but lost them. But, in such a short time Maggie taught her son what it is to love, and honor your parents in spite of. She taught him what forgiveness looks like by forgiving her parents. And, he taught her about faith as did her aunt and Bryce. In the end sounds like Mark was very much like hid biological Dad Bryce. What a wonderful story.

Me encantó !!! Buenísimo El print en súper buen estado

This book was very emotional, very real and it just felt like you really related and got to know the characters on a deep level. I adored the way the author decided to tell the story, a back and forth in time (present and past). it just made it so much fun to read. A definite recommend !!

I have to say that this book taught me how to love someone and, most importantly, what love truly is, as well as the difference between love and fear. It’s a fantastic book, and I’m confident you won’t regret reading it.

It's emotional and beautiful. One of the best works of Nicolas Sparks that I loved the most.

Eine typische Nicholas Sparks-Romanze mit ganz viel Liebe und Schmerz und Dramatik, wie immer gut zu lesen (auch auf Englisch)! Klare Empfehlung für Sparks-Liebhaber*innen