"The Wish" and why you should try different magic

When I find an author I love, I tend to read everything I can find by them. That's included J.R.R. Tolkien, Brandon Sanderson, C.S. Lewis and of course, J.K. Rowling. I absolutely loved a book called Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine long before it became a movie with Anne Hathaway playing the title role. Today, I'd like to recommend a book that is just as imaginative and a little more realistic. The title is The Wish and it has a charm all its own.

Once upon a now...

One of the things I like best in reading is when it's relatable. Don't get me wrong. I would love to live in the Shire and I'm still hoping to find Narnia, but the line "Dementors? In Little Whinging?" gives me hope that there are Nifflers in Boston.

The Wish is about Wilma Sturtz, a schoolgirl in New York City who is likeable and intelligent. Like many of us, she's had a few instances of bad luck socially and has some teasing brought upon her. She wishes people would stop making fun of her for a piece of homework she wrote from her dog's perspective.

One day, she does a kindness for a stranger and it changes her life. Given the chance to make a wish, Wilma decides she wants to be the most popular girl in school, She doesn't foresee that boys will fight over her and that she'll get unwanted attention from her adoring fans. She does get a second chance with people she wishes were her friends and without the stigma of being a little bit dorky, she appreciates the cool kids for their own merits and finds common ground with them.

Best of all, she finds a boy who really does like her. They share a love of animals and when he talks her into getting a caricature done, he finds everything that makes her look goofy to be adorable. He is Prince Charming without the unrealistic perfection.

The story hinges on what happens when the magic runs out and whether Wilma herself can sine brightly enough to keep the friendships she has started to treasure. I personally find the ending to be an expression of bravery. and that is perfect for all fairy tales.