As You Wish

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
1.5 stars

Potentially harmful topics: abuse, alcoholism, suicide, death

More than a fantasy, this is a contemporary book. While the “wishing” aspect of the story does give it a fantasy element, the focus of the book is on Eldon's life. I mean, saying it isn't about the wishing magic would be a total lie, because the whole point of the book is Eldon trying to figure out what his wish will be – or if he'll even make one!

So, let's talk characters since that is what the book revolves around. Eldon is a jerk. I don't sympathize with any thing he goes through, expect for his sister on life support. He is an asshole and totally selfish. Unfortunately, I don't think he goes through any character growth. To me, he feels like pretty much the same person at the beginning and end. Is there some change? Yes, although by the end of the book I wouldn't exactly call it positive. In fact, he is called out on his behavior and actions multiple times, by pretty much everyone in the book. Therefore, it feels like I slogged through this book with this stubborn character unwilling to change. I want to go in more detail about how his decisions gave him exactly what he wanted, but I think I would be spoiling the book.
Luckily, I did like the supporting characters: Merrill and Norie. I found them to be a breath of fresh air in the book, also the school principal. I really enjoyed these characters, although I doubt I'll remember them.

Now, let me touch on the drama. Some drama seemed pointless: Cal v. Eldon. They are teammates, shouldn't they actually like each other? Also how does Eldon not have any friends on the football team? Yet, there are some topics I felt should have been given more attention:
–>Merrill's dad beats him... do none of his teachers see the marks on his face?
–>Eldon's parents relationship – dear skies! I am disgusted!! Oh, but it isn't the only time it has happened in the town and we should be sympathetic to the mom because now no one will talk to her, YET SHE STILL TREATS HER HUSBAND HORRIBLY.
–>Kind of more a side note, but how does everyone have a job in a small town? especially if barely anyone goes to college? Because the wish is what parents pressure their kids about, future plans? not so much.

I think at this point you can tell that I had some problems with the book. Overall the book as a depressing tone with a main character who feels suffocated because he won't take the easy way out or own up to his mistakes and become a better person.
The writing isn't horrible, though. There are some good quotes and good intentions and it is easy to read. There isn't an over-arching moral to this book, nothing I can takeaway at least, but maybe someone else can find something useful from this one.