Book Review: THE ART OF WISHING by Lindsay Ribar

THE ART OF WISHING by Lindsay Ribar is one of those rare books that I was waiting to read for months before it was actually published. I saw the blurb for it on Goodreads, and it caught my attention strongly enough to push it up toward the top of my "to read" list. So I was thrilled when a review copy arrived in the mail a day or two before the publication date. Of course, when you're anticipating a book like this, there's always the fear that it won't live up to your expectations. I'm happy to report that this one didn't disappoint.

Margo McKenna has a plan for everything. She knows exactly how she wants her senior year of high school to go, from getting the lead in the school play to getting accepted into the best colleges. When a genie grants a wish, derailing Margo’s plan, her orderly life falls apart. And when Margo suddenly finds herself in possession of the magical ring that gives its wearer control over the genie, she’s not so sure she wants to use her wishes. Even if the genie is someone as cute as Oliver Parish, the sophomore who is taking pictures of the play rehearsals for the yearbook.

As Margo and Oliver grow closer, she discovers that he’s being stalked by a man intent on destroying all genies, and only Margo can save Oliver’s life. But it will take more than just three wishes.

There were plenty of typical paranormal romance clichés sprinkled throughout the book, such as the instalove that sprouts between Margo and Oliver almost at first meeting. However, Ribar gives us a new twist on the three wishes tale, adding an element of mystery and intrigue with the murderous subplot. Girls who want a hint of romance, with a healthy dose of mystery and a few thrilling twists and turns will enjoy Margo’s story.



*Note (spoiler alert - stop reading now if you don't want me to tell you how it ends!!):






My 13-year-old daughter was quite disappointed in the ending because  Margo didn't resolve any of the issues with her parents. She decides to go off with Oliver without even considering how her parents would feel about her sudden disappearance.

Personally, I thought the parents were so absent throughout the book that they weren't even a consideration in my mind by the book's end. I've heard many people say that teens don't really care to see relationships with parents featured in books, so it was interesting to hear that the lack of resolution in Margo's family relationship was the one hangup my daughter had with this book. But maybe her concern was more of a reflection on the amazing relationship I have with my daughter than an issue with the story itself? (Perhaps she just wants everyone, fictional or real, to be as close to their parents as she is.)