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Wish
James McConnell’s one wish is that his nine-year-old son will finally be healthy enough to play a game of catch. Then he and his wife, Emily, receive news they’ve dreaded: Aaron’s cancer has relapsed.
As the family steels themselves for a draining treatment regimen in yet another hospital, Aaron receives the gift of a lifetime—a personal visit from one of his favorite professional baseball players—and the chance to make a bold request, his wish: to see his dad play in one major league game.
A former college standout, James fears he doesn’t have the talent it takes, even for one game, and that he’ll miss what could be Aaron’s precious last weeks. Yet how can he refuse his dying son’s wish?
Poignant and triumphant, Wish is the story of a father’s love, a family’s perseverance, and the miracles that can happen when you believe in the impossible.
As the family steels themselves for a draining treatment regimen in yet another hospital, Aaron receives the gift of a lifetime—a personal visit from one of his favorite professional baseball players—and the chance to make a bold request, his wish: to see his dad play in one major league game.
A former college standout, James fears he doesn’t have the talent it takes, even for one game, and that he’ll miss what could be Aaron’s precious last weeks. Yet how can he refuse his dying son’s wish?
Poignant and triumphant, Wish is the story of a father’s love, a family’s perseverance, and the miracles that can happen when you believe in the impossible.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
79 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
Jake Smith
1 book18 followersJake Smith is an author and magazine editor who lives in Traverse City, Michigan, with his wife, Vickie, their three children, and a Labrador retriever. A former assistant high school baseball coach and All-State shortstop, Jake now spends his time on the field helping coach his kids’ youth baseball teams. Wish is Jake’s debut novel, and he hopes it will help support children’s hospitals, patient and family foundations, and participation in the National Marrow Donor Program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
November 26, 2015
Read the book blurb and you know this can't be an easy or a fun read. Nine year old boy whose leukemia has come back, plus the most boring sport in the world to me, baseball. This will take all my perseverance, I thought, to not get too depressed by the cancer, or too bored by the baseball talk.
The boy and his cancer story was beautifully told. Little Aaron's one wish is that he will see his dad play pro ball one day, which the local Detroit Tigers will try to make possible. The baseball training and practicing chapters were where I resorted to page-skimming, unfortunately. But when it came time for the big game, I was very engaged, mostly. I admit some of it just went over my head and was hard to follow. But as to Aaron's story, it was very precious and descriptive of how a family copes when a child has cancer, beats it, and it comes back again. I learned how a bone marrow donation works (not as painful as I had heard) and how to sign up to be a much-needed donor, which was the reason behind this book being written. BeTheMatch.org
3.5 stars
The boy and his cancer story was beautifully told. Little Aaron's one wish is that he will see his dad play pro ball one day, which the local Detroit Tigers will try to make possible. The baseball training and practicing chapters were where I resorted to page-skimming, unfortunately. But when it came time for the big game, I was very engaged, mostly. I admit some of it just went over my head and was hard to follow. But as to Aaron's story, it was very precious and descriptive of how a family copes when a child has cancer, beats it, and it comes back again. I learned how a bone marrow donation works (not as painful as I had heard) and how to sign up to be a much-needed donor, which was the reason behind this book being written. BeTheMatch.org
3.5 stars
March 19, 2023
I loved the book because it reminded me of the Make A Wish Foundation of New Jersey
February 15, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
When I first saw Wish on the shelf at LifeWay, I knew I had to read it. But since I’d never read a book by Jake Smith before, I didn’t know what to expect. Would the story hold up to the expectations the back cover presented?
The main character, James McConnell, wishes his nine-year-old son could play a game of catch with him in the backyard, but remission is over and the leukemia is back to ravage its way through little Aaron’s body. One day, Aaron makes a wish that James had long put to bed: that James would have the opportunity to play in a major league baseball game. Can James set aside his fatherly desires and make his son’s dying wish come true? Or will he selfishly soak in as many days by Aaron’s side as possible? Most importantly of all, will either path lead to the end of Aaron’s misery—and will that end be what all of the McConnells hope for?
As I was reading Wish, there were a couple things that disappointed me, and I’ll only touch on them briefly here before I get to the things I loved about it. First, James and his wife coped with Aaron’s cancer using humor (which I liked), but it came across as over the top at first. Positive note: This settled out just a few chapters in and remained steady for the rest of the book, becoming quite enjoyable and a great reprieve from the emotional roller coaster that comes with a “cancer book.” Second, there were large paragraphs of description that came at odd times for me. These were mostly in the first third of the book, but once the story got rolling, everything seemed to flow better. Third, it seemed like the spiritual message of the book got lost throughout the baseball scenes, which was the entire middle of the book. I felt the spiritual message came through perfectly in the beginning and end, though, and it was written beautifully and in a way that will encourage a wide variety of people who may be struggling to cope with difficult situations in their lives.
All of those slight disappointments aside, Wish was a magnificent emotional journey with a powerful message of hope. The journey Aaron took with his cancer, the one James took through the world of baseball, and the family and friends that supported both of them along the way created such a masterpiece of searching for peace in tumultuous times that it left me breathless and crying in a very good way. There were plenty of times when my heart ached with the same frustration and confusion as James faced over his son’s condition. Other times, I found myself urging him on in his personal journey toward contentment with the hard path God had placed him on. When I reached the end of the book and read the brief epilogue, I couldn’t hold back the tears.
The message about cancer research and the search for donors for those on waiting lists came through strong, and I hope it inspires many readers to head to the website BeTheMatch.org. Could you be a match for a child waiting for a transplant?
Even if you’re not a fan of baseball, this book’s emotional journey is a must-read. And you may even learn a thing or two about the game, just like Dr. Barna!
When I first saw Wish on the shelf at LifeWay, I knew I had to read it. But since I’d never read a book by Jake Smith before, I didn’t know what to expect. Would the story hold up to the expectations the back cover presented?
The main character, James McConnell, wishes his nine-year-old son could play a game of catch with him in the backyard, but remission is over and the leukemia is back to ravage its way through little Aaron’s body. One day, Aaron makes a wish that James had long put to bed: that James would have the opportunity to play in a major league baseball game. Can James set aside his fatherly desires and make his son’s dying wish come true? Or will he selfishly soak in as many days by Aaron’s side as possible? Most importantly of all, will either path lead to the end of Aaron’s misery—and will that end be what all of the McConnells hope for?
As I was reading Wish, there were a couple things that disappointed me, and I’ll only touch on them briefly here before I get to the things I loved about it. First, James and his wife coped with Aaron’s cancer using humor (which I liked), but it came across as over the top at first. Positive note: This settled out just a few chapters in and remained steady for the rest of the book, becoming quite enjoyable and a great reprieve from the emotional roller coaster that comes with a “cancer book.” Second, there were large paragraphs of description that came at odd times for me. These were mostly in the first third of the book, but once the story got rolling, everything seemed to flow better. Third, it seemed like the spiritual message of the book got lost throughout the baseball scenes, which was the entire middle of the book. I felt the spiritual message came through perfectly in the beginning and end, though, and it was written beautifully and in a way that will encourage a wide variety of people who may be struggling to cope with difficult situations in their lives.
All of those slight disappointments aside, Wish was a magnificent emotional journey with a powerful message of hope. The journey Aaron took with his cancer, the one James took through the world of baseball, and the family and friends that supported both of them along the way created such a masterpiece of searching for peace in tumultuous times that it left me breathless and crying in a very good way. There were plenty of times when my heart ached with the same frustration and confusion as James faced over his son’s condition. Other times, I found myself urging him on in his personal journey toward contentment with the hard path God had placed him on. When I reached the end of the book and read the brief epilogue, I couldn’t hold back the tears.
The message about cancer research and the search for donors for those on waiting lists came through strong, and I hope it inspires many readers to head to the website BeTheMatch.org. Could you be a match for a child waiting for a transplant?
Even if you’re not a fan of baseball, this book’s emotional journey is a must-read. And you may even learn a thing or two about the game, just like Dr. Barna!
August 10, 2016
In preparation for researching my next book, I came across this title and couldn't resist. This book will leave you breathless right up to the very end. I especially liked the depiction of the children in this story. Very well done. My least favorite part of the book was the description of the baseball scenes, though it did firmly set me as the reader in the story world. And I realize that sports' lovers will really appreciate all the description. Highly recommend this heart-wrenching story.
May 28, 2024
A nice read! A story about a young boy who has had leukemia most of his life and fought it and was in remission....til a relapse. His father and he have a deep bond thru baseball. His dying wish is that his father can play a major league game. It's a very touching read and being a baseball fan an enjoyable read for me. Tugged the heart strings, I will warn you.
May 31, 2014
This is definitely a must read book! It is powerful, gut wrenching and although not a true story, could be a story of too many with ill children.
This is the story of the McConnell family, consisting of dad-James: baseball coach whom gave up baseball in college to have a family, mom-Emily, Aaron, 9, baseball statistics wizard, in remission from cancer and little sister Lizzie,and all that they face as Aaron's cancer returns and all that entails. It is about their dealing with it as a family, as a crisis never effects only the ill one, but the entire family. They work as a team, right down to little LIzzie whom is willing to let her brother win at a game of UNO thinking it will help make him better.
But it is more than just about the family and all they will deal with in regards to the hospital and medical side, as there is real life going on outside the world of this illness and others whom they come in contact with. A deadly disease, or an unsure outcome often leaves people just as with what to say at a funeral, or death. We pull out cliches and we are reminded just how hard it is for those going through the tough situation to deal with this on top of what they are facing.
"James paused, not wanting to get back into it, but his mom's touch on his shoulder opened the flood gates. "It's just...they're all so...I don't know; they were all 'so sorry' and 'we're there for you' and all grief stricken, like they knew this was going to happen." The frustration erupted. "It ticks me off. We don't even know what's happening, or what's going to happen, and they're acting like Aaron just died! It's like they're already treating me like I'm 'the guy who lost his son.' It's how they've always treated me, like they're mourning." pg. 42
You feel the pain and struggle of James and his wanting his son to have a break from all that he has been facing, to have the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.
"James pulled his hair into a fist, and the pain forced the images from his head. "This child needs a little victory once in a while, Lord," he whispered. "Just for today. Give him a little more strength today."
He laid a hand on Aaron's bald head.
"C'mon, Lord. Just for today."
pg. 73
And while the dad is busy being strong for his son, this amazing little boy, is wishing for something but it's not for him. Talk about going right to the heart!
"I know we can't play catch, Dad, so I though..." Aaron glanced up at Curt.
James stared at his son. Such a little guy. And so much a grown man.
He fought hard against the welling in his eyes and nodded. ..Aaron pumped his fist, and after he and James shimmied through a sequence of high fives, low fives, forearm bumps, and wiggling fingers, the three made their way to the outfield grass, with its perfectly mowed diagonal paths alternately light and dark green."
pg. 106
James, is dealing with fulfilling his son's dying wish, while missing out on his living. Not an easy task for any parent, but he is fully supported, in fact pushed by his wife to do so for his son.
The love, courage, strength, based on their faith and prayer, is an uplifting story for anyone, whether you are into baseball, which of course is the background for this wonderfully written story. You will laugh, you will cry, you will have anxious moments where you will need to read on, and through it all you will live a little of what this family faced. Will it make you think? Will it make you want to go out and do something to help the many children whom are ill with cancer and in need of a donor? I hope so.
Information is provided at the end of the book to do just that with BeTheMatch.org.
Awesome book, one that everyone should read. You can not read it, and not be changed to want to reach out and help others in need.
I was blessed to be given this book by bookfun.org for an honest opinion.
December 5, 2015
This is an emotionally-intense story of James, a man facing every parent’s nightmare. His nine-year-old son, Aaron, has been battling leukemia for 5 year; and now after a brief five months in remission, he has relapsed and must start the fight all over. The baseball gloves that sit on Aaron’s shelf, unused, waiting for the day he might be strong enough to play a simple game of catch with his dad, serve as symbols of his lost childhood. Little sister has only known life with Aaron being sick, and mom and dad are just trying to help him get through the grueling, painful treatments-“that no child should have to bear, sitting powerless and horrified as something so minuscule and intangible dictated that this particular child would in fact have no childhood at all.”
As the prognosis seems hopeless, Aaron makes what may well be his dying wish—that his dad play one game of major league baseball for his beloved Detroit Tigers. To everyone’s surprise, the Tigers front office people agree to help make the dream happen. What ensues is the father’s struggle through accelerated minor league training to relearn his college ball skills in the three weeks until he is scheduled to play for the Tigers on Father’s Day. It is a beautiful tale of caring folks in the baseball world and of the love of a father who submits to humiliating public ineptitude to somehow give his son the strength to keep fighting.
There is another character in the story—The Place-the dark depression that threatens to overwhelm James. “The place where pictures of life without his son filled the walls. The Place where he sat in the corner wondering what he could’ve done differently. The Place where he grew old staring out a smudged window, imagining who his little boy would have become had his life not been stolen.” Surely, every parent of an ill child must be all too familiar with such dark nights of the soul. It is the struggle to make Aaron’s wish come true that allows James to fight his way out of The Place.
Due to the nature of the storyline, the book is emotionally-wrenching and a tear-jerker. This is just the story of ordinary people dealing with what they have been handed to the best of their ability. Aaron’s wisecracks, his encyclopedic knowledge of baseball stats and his passion for the Tigers make the face of cancer very believable. Yet, the love within the family is uplifting and touching, and the reader is caught up in the prayer that Aaron will beat the disease once and for all. I won’t spoil the ending by giving more information, but this is truly a sentimental journey worth making. The author publicizes the need for us all to register as bone marrow donors as that gift of marrow is often the deciding factor in whether a child survives. I received this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for this my honest opinion.
As the prognosis seems hopeless, Aaron makes what may well be his dying wish—that his dad play one game of major league baseball for his beloved Detroit Tigers. To everyone’s surprise, the Tigers front office people agree to help make the dream happen. What ensues is the father’s struggle through accelerated minor league training to relearn his college ball skills in the three weeks until he is scheduled to play for the Tigers on Father’s Day. It is a beautiful tale of caring folks in the baseball world and of the love of a father who submits to humiliating public ineptitude to somehow give his son the strength to keep fighting.
There is another character in the story—The Place-the dark depression that threatens to overwhelm James. “The place where pictures of life without his son filled the walls. The Place where he sat in the corner wondering what he could’ve done differently. The Place where he grew old staring out a smudged window, imagining who his little boy would have become had his life not been stolen.” Surely, every parent of an ill child must be all too familiar with such dark nights of the soul. It is the struggle to make Aaron’s wish come true that allows James to fight his way out of The Place.
Due to the nature of the storyline, the book is emotionally-wrenching and a tear-jerker. This is just the story of ordinary people dealing with what they have been handed to the best of their ability. Aaron’s wisecracks, his encyclopedic knowledge of baseball stats and his passion for the Tigers make the face of cancer very believable. Yet, the love within the family is uplifting and touching, and the reader is caught up in the prayer that Aaron will beat the disease once and for all. I won’t spoil the ending by giving more information, but this is truly a sentimental journey worth making. The author publicizes the need for us all to register as bone marrow donors as that gift of marrow is often the deciding factor in whether a child survives. I received this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for this my honest opinion.
June 4, 2014
My sister's always been a nut about baseball. She had all the cards and bats and game balls and knew all the stats about her favorite players. I could never get into it. Baseball gave me the heebie-jeebies.
Until I saw my first live game.
I discovered that I loved the sound of the ball cracking off the bat. I loved how the grass smelled and the energy of the crowd. I loved trying to find that tiny white projectile in the bright lights of the stadium. Even though it was just a bush league team, I loved watching baseball live.
This book, WISH, sits you in the dugout of the Detroit Tigers. You feel the tension as you're about to hit the dirt. You take a slug of bubble gum to slake some of the thirst you suddenly feel as you mess with the strings on your mitt. You feel the sting of the ball as it slaps into your glove, and the bite of your shoulder muscles as, on the fly, you lightning the ball to the first baseman. And it puts you in the room as you listen to the chemo drip into a tiny boy's body.
WISH is about a family who love their boy. His leukemia relapses, sending him to the dugout to watch the game of life, instead of playing catch with the dad who gives up going to The Show (major leagues) to be a husband and father. It's about a boy who loves his father so much that he gives up precious days with his dad to satisfy a lifelong wish--to play pro ball. The catch? James Maconnell's got three weeks to prove himself or he's out of the game and crushes his son Aaron's dying dream.
Jake Smith's book is all about faith, love, and sacrifice. Love of father and son and family, of the game, of life. It's countless hours sacrificed sitting at a disease-ridden son's bed, wondering if he'll make it. It's giving up something you want for something you need more than life. It's about finding the faith to beat back the legions of darkness who tell you you can't possibly win. WISH is about winning the real fights.
I don't often give out 5 stars. WISH deserved them all. It wasn't until the small hours of the morning that I could finally put the book down and haul my spent, weeping body to bed. I finally knew how it ended.
The lights come up. The seats fill. The crowd roars as the announcer begins his spiel.
HOME RUN, Jake. Great book.
Until I saw my first live game.
I discovered that I loved the sound of the ball cracking off the bat. I loved how the grass smelled and the energy of the crowd. I loved trying to find that tiny white projectile in the bright lights of the stadium. Even though it was just a bush league team, I loved watching baseball live.
This book, WISH, sits you in the dugout of the Detroit Tigers. You feel the tension as you're about to hit the dirt. You take a slug of bubble gum to slake some of the thirst you suddenly feel as you mess with the strings on your mitt. You feel the sting of the ball as it slaps into your glove, and the bite of your shoulder muscles as, on the fly, you lightning the ball to the first baseman. And it puts you in the room as you listen to the chemo drip into a tiny boy's body.
WISH is about a family who love their boy. His leukemia relapses, sending him to the dugout to watch the game of life, instead of playing catch with the dad who gives up going to The Show (major leagues) to be a husband and father. It's about a boy who loves his father so much that he gives up precious days with his dad to satisfy a lifelong wish--to play pro ball. The catch? James Maconnell's got three weeks to prove himself or he's out of the game and crushes his son Aaron's dying dream.
Jake Smith's book is all about faith, love, and sacrifice. Love of father and son and family, of the game, of life. It's countless hours sacrificed sitting at a disease-ridden son's bed, wondering if he'll make it. It's giving up something you want for something you need more than life. It's about finding the faith to beat back the legions of darkness who tell you you can't possibly win. WISH is about winning the real fights.
I don't often give out 5 stars. WISH deserved them all. It wasn't until the small hours of the morning that I could finally put the book down and haul my spent, weeping body to bed. I finally knew how it ended.
The lights come up. The seats fill. The crowd roars as the announcer begins his spiel.
HOME RUN, Jake. Great book.
May 29, 2014
What can I say about this book but a big WOW! A powerful story about the McConnell family. James, his wife Emily, son Aaron and daughter Lizzie. They are facing a parents worse nightmare. Their son has leukemia that is no longer in remission. A story of wishes, heartaches but yet heartwarming, emotional but uplifting, faith, love, and courage. Be sure to have your tissues ready. I cried a lot throughout the story. Both tears of sadness and happiness. A wonderful story and well written.
James played baseball in collage but gave up his dream of playing in the major leagues and is now a coach. Aaron and his father both love baseball and are die hard fans of the Detroit Tigers. James has one wish, that his son could play catch with him. Seems like that will be impossible. Aaron is a stats genius on all the games and players. One day a Tiger player Curt Howard visits Aaron in the hospital and he asks the player to help make what may be his last wish come true. Not a wish for himself but for his father. It is amazing how the team and managers all came together to try to make this wish come true. The story is very intense as you wonder if Aaron's wish will happen. If he will defeat the leukemia and if James's wish will come true.
Even if you are not a fan of baseball you will love the story.
The author also includes the importance of registering to be a bone marrow donor.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
James played baseball in collage but gave up his dream of playing in the major leagues and is now a coach. Aaron and his father both love baseball and are die hard fans of the Detroit Tigers. James has one wish, that his son could play catch with him. Seems like that will be impossible. Aaron is a stats genius on all the games and players. One day a Tiger player Curt Howard visits Aaron in the hospital and he asks the player to help make what may be his last wish come true. Not a wish for himself but for his father. It is amazing how the team and managers all came together to try to make this wish come true. The story is very intense as you wonder if Aaron's wish will happen. If he will defeat the leukemia and if James's wish will come true.
Even if you are not a fan of baseball you will love the story.
The author also includes the importance of registering to be a bone marrow donor.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
August 24, 2014
Great book. If you really hate baseball, you may want to skip it though! There is a lot of baseball.
The main character in the book is James, who is coaching high school baseball as the story opens. He once was quite good at baseball, but he walked away to start a family. Now that family includes his 9-year-old son, Aaron, who is a cancer survivor. But within the first few pages, we learn that he is sick again. In fact, the leukemia is back.
Aaron is a huge baseball fan, and at the amazing hospital the family ends up at, he is visited by one of his favorite players from the Detroit Tigers. When that visit happens, he makes the Wish --- that he could see his dad play in one major league game.
The story has some fairly predictable moments, but watching the interaction between this father and son was still always fabulous. James is far from perfect, getting quite angry when things aren't going well for instance. He says things in front of his son (and in front of his daughter) that, as a grown-up in this situation, should not have been heard by little ears.
That made me like this book even more. Because my life isn't this crazy, but still... I'm so far from being a perfect parent. I say things I shouldn't, and realize my kids didn't need to hear that, but it is too late.
Bottom line: this is a well-told story, with a lot of detail that rings true about baseball, about leukemia, about hospitals, about life.
The main character in the book is James, who is coaching high school baseball as the story opens. He once was quite good at baseball, but he walked away to start a family. Now that family includes his 9-year-old son, Aaron, who is a cancer survivor. But within the first few pages, we learn that he is sick again. In fact, the leukemia is back.
Aaron is a huge baseball fan, and at the amazing hospital the family ends up at, he is visited by one of his favorite players from the Detroit Tigers. When that visit happens, he makes the Wish --- that he could see his dad play in one major league game.
The story has some fairly predictable moments, but watching the interaction between this father and son was still always fabulous. James is far from perfect, getting quite angry when things aren't going well for instance. He says things in front of his son (and in front of his daughter) that, as a grown-up in this situation, should not have been heard by little ears.
That made me like this book even more. Because my life isn't this crazy, but still... I'm so far from being a perfect parent. I say things I shouldn't, and realize my kids didn't need to hear that, but it is too late.
Bottom line: this is a well-told story, with a lot of detail that rings true about baseball, about leukemia, about hospitals, about life.
May 21, 2014
Wish by Jake Smith
Wanted to read this book because it's about baseball and I miss the journey and dreams.
This one is about a boy, Aaron who's no longer in remission. His dad, James has grown up playing baseball and is now a coach. Young daughter Lizzie and wife Emily are all surrounding Aaron at the hospital where they are able to live while he goes through his tests, chemo and hopefully more bone marrow transplants.
Aaron immerses himself in baseball, stats-I love stats! To me it's his way of not forgetting his ordeal but coping with it that takes him away from the limelight to lose himself in. He gets a visit from a pro ball player and they get in-depth about the game and stats.
Follows everyday life things that occur, praying to God and how each of them copes with their new routines.
Love gift Aaron is able to give to his dad with the help of the ball player...makes you sad he had to give up his dream long ago..What a treat for me as never having gone to a ballpark. all behind the scenes are now open.
After I learned what the wish really was i had to close the book, put it down and stop crying, so happy for them all...things like this just don't happen to regular people...
X read! Love it when everybody comes together for a good cause.
I received this book from Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
Wanted to read this book because it's about baseball and I miss the journey and dreams.
This one is about a boy, Aaron who's no longer in remission. His dad, James has grown up playing baseball and is now a coach. Young daughter Lizzie and wife Emily are all surrounding Aaron at the hospital where they are able to live while he goes through his tests, chemo and hopefully more bone marrow transplants.
Aaron immerses himself in baseball, stats-I love stats! To me it's his way of not forgetting his ordeal but coping with it that takes him away from the limelight to lose himself in. He gets a visit from a pro ball player and they get in-depth about the game and stats.
Follows everyday life things that occur, praying to God and how each of them copes with their new routines.
Love gift Aaron is able to give to his dad with the help of the ball player...makes you sad he had to give up his dream long ago..What a treat for me as never having gone to a ballpark. all behind the scenes are now open.
After I learned what the wish really was i had to close the book, put it down and stop crying, so happy for them all...things like this just don't happen to regular people...
X read! Love it when everybody comes together for a good cause.
I received this book from Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2014
Wow, what an awesome book! I can't say enough good things about this book. Aaron is in the battle of his life as his cancer has relapsed, but little does James his father know, that he too will have a little battling to do of his own. Aaron has a wish for his father, one that only baseball player can make come true. Will Aaron's dream come true ? Will Aaron see his dream come true or will he lose his life to cancer? This book is worth a read. The premise of this book is centered around baseball, but what is awesome, is that I live in West Michigan where the White Caps play where this book takes place and it also takes place at the Tigers Stadium. It's neat to be living and have been to the places this book has been written about. Additionally, this book is about the fact that anything can happen with a little faith in God, a wish and when people come together for a purpose, anything is possible. I could not put the book down. Several times I was in tears crying and other moments just pondering the beauty of life. This is a book you don't want to miss out.
Thank you Tyndale and thank you to The Book Club Network for allowing me to review this book for my honest review.
Thank you Tyndale and thank you to The Book Club Network for allowing me to review this book for my honest review.
March 19, 2014
James McConnell, a former collegiate baseball star, has had his life change within a heartbeat – and the heart belongs to his son, Aaron. Aaron has cancer. It has been a struggle for Aaron and the family with the treatments and the hospital visits. But Aaron has kept a great attitude.
Aaron's dream is to play baseball like his dad, but he knows he can't. So when some of his favorite professional baseball players come to visit him, Aaron decides the one thing he wants is to have his dad play in the majors – just for one game. James' big dream is for his son to make it to play himself.
Jake Smith's The Wish is a perfect mix of contradiction that makes it a book you don't want to put down. James feels torn with his feelings about his son's disease, and actually enjoying the potential and opportunity to play in the Majors – something he wished for for a long time. Aaron is just happy no matter what.
Readers will be torn at feeling sadness and happiness, as well as excitement and anxiety over the events that take place and lead up to one of or both of the dreams coming true.
Aaron's dream is to play baseball like his dad, but he knows he can't. So when some of his favorite professional baseball players come to visit him, Aaron decides the one thing he wants is to have his dad play in the majors – just for one game. James' big dream is for his son to make it to play himself.
Jake Smith's The Wish is a perfect mix of contradiction that makes it a book you don't want to put down. James feels torn with his feelings about his son's disease, and actually enjoying the potential and opportunity to play in the Majors – something he wished for for a long time. Aaron is just happy no matter what.
Readers will be torn at feeling sadness and happiness, as well as excitement and anxiety over the events that take place and lead up to one of or both of the dreams coming true.
May 28, 2014
Great book. Even though I am not a baseball fan, this tale revolving around the sport caught my attention and kept me up till the wee hours of the morning to finish it. A dying boy's wish is granted and the reader is on a trip through the ups and downs of an aspiring baseball player. Despair and hope, family love and conflict through a young child's fight with returning leukemia, Wish reminds the reader what life really is all about. Wish will tug at your heartstrings, educate you about bone marrow transplants and renew your faith and hope in things that really matter.
I received this book for free from BookClubNetwork and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I have also posted this review on DeeperShopping, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.
And finally...Go Tigers!
I received this book for free from BookClubNetwork and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I have also posted this review on DeeperShopping, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.
And finally...Go Tigers!
July 3, 2014
I was a little hesitant to read Wish by Jake Smith because I'm not much of a baseball, or any type of sport fan, really. But the cover drew me in and the premise was intriguing, despite the heavy emphasis on baseball. I'm a sucker for books about kids with cancer (why???), and this had all the elements of a tear jerker, sentimental story. I did enjoy this story even though I'm not a baseball fan. I think the heart wrenching story of the McConnell family will draw just about anyone in. This story was a little light on the Christianity, which I wasn't expecting since it's a Tyndale House book, but that may be a plus or minus for you, depending on what type of book you like to read. I'd recommend this for baseball fans, or anyone who enjoys a good family tear jerker.
May 18, 2014
I went in with a preconceived notion of what this book would be about and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not a big sports book nut, but thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters throughout the book are well written and interesting. Without giving too much away, I enjoyed perspective of the father James regarding love, loss and regrets. Heartfelt with just the right touches of hope, heartbreak and love I would recommend to not only readers of "sports" stories but to anyone that enjoys a well crafted story that will inspire and renew your hope that anything is possible when life is most bleak.
October 13, 2014
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful book! I was in tears. I'm still in tears. The characters are perfectly sympathetic, the writing beautiful, and the message important. And the insider baseball details! Jake Smith weaves a tale of a father simultaneously coping with his child's heartbreaking illness and the joy of getting a second chance at his professional baseball dream--at the request of his dying little boy. After reading this, you will want to go out and join the blood marrow registry, and I hope you do.
May 24, 2014
Aaron has leukemia His remission just ended He wants his dad to play in a Major League baseball game so he arranges for his dad to have the opportunity to try out by first going to minor league teams.
This is what gives Aaron the strength to fight the leukemia........watching his dad in his dream
And be prepared for a big surprise
God bless All of you
I was given this book by TBCN and the publisher for my honest review
This is what gives Aaron the strength to fight the leukemia........watching his dad in his dream
And be prepared for a big surprise
God bless All of you
I was given this book by TBCN and the publisher for my honest review
June 2, 2014
Wish I could give this book more than five stars
Wish I could give this book more than five stars
I am not a big fan of baseball but I am a huge fan of this book. It's about baseball but it also is a beautiful love story...the love of a father and his son for each other and the love they both have for baseball. I will remember this book for a very long time and will undoubtedly read it several more times in the future.
Wish I could give this book more than five stars
I am not a big fan of baseball but I am a huge fan of this book. It's about baseball but it also is a beautiful love story...the love of a father and his son for each other and the love they both have for baseball. I will remember this book for a very long time and will undoubtedly read it several more times in the future.
May 15, 2014
Wish by debut author Jake Smith is a story of family, of caring and sacrifice, of people coming together to help in time of great need. It's very real, poignant, touching, heartwarming, and motivational. Highly recommended!
Please see my full review at http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...
Please see my full review at http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com...
July 30, 2014
this book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. I started late at night and read half before I fell asleep then had it finished by late morning. it's a very emotional book taking you through a family's terrifying journey through childhood cancer and a child's selfless wish.
May 25, 2014
Read in two days..a wonderful story of baseball and child cancer
June 4, 2014
Baseball and pressing family problems. Couldn't put the book down.
December 20, 2017
Faith, family and foul balls
“Wish” is a story about a 9 year old boy who has been dealing with cancer for half his life. While he hasn’t been physically able to play baseball, he is completely immersed into the game as a statistician. He cannot be stumped on trivia pertaining the Twins or MLB ! Thru a “Make a Wish” type meeting with his favorite player, Aaron gets the opportunity to grant his own special “Wish” to his dad and off we go! The story is well written, the characters developed nicely and places are perhaps a bit over described. As a reader, I was witness to each family members cyclone of emotion surrounding Aaron and his battle with the insidious villain, cancer. I didn’t notice any information regarding a follow up volume, hence the 4* rating. IMHO, the ending was rather abrupt and left me wanting. That issue aside, I heartily recommend this book.
“Wish” is a story about a 9 year old boy who has been dealing with cancer for half his life. While he hasn’t been physically able to play baseball, he is completely immersed into the game as a statistician. He cannot be stumped on trivia pertaining the Twins or MLB ! Thru a “Make a Wish” type meeting with his favorite player, Aaron gets the opportunity to grant his own special “Wish” to his dad and off we go! The story is well written, the characters developed nicely and places are perhaps a bit over described. As a reader, I was witness to each family members cyclone of emotion surrounding Aaron and his battle with the insidious villain, cancer. I didn’t notice any information regarding a follow up volume, hence the 4* rating. IMHO, the ending was rather abrupt and left me wanting. That issue aside, I heartily recommend this book.
May 21, 2018
I think you have to love baseball to enjoy this book. I particular love the baseball because it is about my favorite team. It took me back to the days of AAA baseball games with my grandfather. However, I was wondering why this book was in the Christian section at the library until the very end of the book. Even then, it didn't really reach deep. I kept wondering why, when they were struggling with the cancer returning and he was struggling with playing well, didn't they at least pray about it. I agree that you don't want it to be one long prayer, but this is unrealistic for a Christian character not to plead, argue, or beg with God for their son's survival. Otherwise, great baseball book without all the main stream cursing and sex.
May 31, 2019
I must say that I found several parts of this book very difficult to read--the words kept getting blurry. This book packs an emotional punch, especially for fathers who have sons who share their love for baseball. The writing is crisp, clear, and evocative. The narrative of the dad's baseball experience is stunning and has all the qualities of you-are-there moments. The story also brings us vicariously into what it must be like for a family with a child fighting cancer. The tension between hope and despair is palpable. This is a well-crafted story, and I believe I am better for having read it.
January 1, 2020
I bet this would be a 5 star book for any baseball fan. But since I am not; it gets only 4 stars because of all the baseball statistics I had to get through. The real story is about the fight against childhood leukemia in a 9 year old baseball guru. There is lots of encouragement for people to join the bone marrow donation banks. The father and son's story centers on the father's return to a baseball career that he had abandoned years ago. But as in make "a wish foundation" the son enlists the a famous baseball player to help make it happen. Just believe. I think you will like it.
February 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect combination of sports story and medical story. The characters were easy to relate to and the writing provided a roller coaster of emotions. I love how real-life information was included in the story to encourage people to look up the bone marrow donation registry. I want to read others by this author!
May 30, 2017
One reviewer said, "You don't have to love baseball to love this book."
Inasmuch as the entire middle of the book was almost all baseball, yeah...you kinda do have to love baseball.
It was okay, but I'm glad it was free for me.
Inasmuch as the entire middle of the book was almost all baseball, yeah...you kinda do have to love baseball.
It was okay, but I'm glad it was free for me.
July 16, 2018
Baseball, Fathers & Sons
This book will bring years an laughter. Have tissues handy. I'm not a baseball person so
A lot of the baseball talk was lost on me but the story. The story the family will have you wanting
To know how it ends. Very well written.
This book will bring years an laughter. Have tissues handy. I'm not a baseball person so
A lot of the baseball talk was lost on me but the story. The story the family will have you wanting
To know how it ends. Very well written.
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