What do you think?
Rate this book
When I Wished upon a Star
When I Wished Upon a Star
is a true, heartwarming, faith-based story about a chronically ill boy whose life changes when his wish comes true.
Brandon Lane Phillips is a “wish kid” from Louisiana who struggles to understand his health issues and his parents’ bitter divorce. Brandon envies the family-centered life actor Jeremy Miller portrays each week as Ben Seaver on the 1980s TV hit Growing Pains. When he receives a wish through the Starlight Children’s Foundation, he chooses to visit the set of the TV show and meet Jeremy.
Years later, Brandon and Jeremy unexpectedly cross paths again. This time, Brandon is on the verge of having his childhood dream come to fruition, while Jeremy is on the brink of self-destruction. This is the remarkable story of two lives converging time and time again through an unlikely friendship to find grace and second chances.
In the introduction, Jeremy’s Growing Pains co-star, Kirk Cameron, writes, “Brandon Lane Phillips and Jeremy Miller bring together many seemingly random circumstances to form a beautiful tapestry of love, friendship, hope, and healing.”
Brandon Lane Phillips is a “wish kid” from Louisiana who struggles to understand his health issues and his parents’ bitter divorce. Brandon envies the family-centered life actor Jeremy Miller portrays each week as Ben Seaver on the 1980s TV hit Growing Pains. When he receives a wish through the Starlight Children’s Foundation, he chooses to visit the set of the TV show and meet Jeremy.
Years later, Brandon and Jeremy unexpectedly cross paths again. This time, Brandon is on the verge of having his childhood dream come to fruition, while Jeremy is on the brink of self-destruction. This is the remarkable story of two lives converging time and time again through an unlikely friendship to find grace and second chances.
In the introduction, Jeremy’s Growing Pains co-star, Kirk Cameron, writes, “Brandon Lane Phillips and Jeremy Miller bring together many seemingly random circumstances to form a beautiful tapestry of love, friendship, hope, and healing.”
Audible Audio
Published September 12, 2022
8 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 24, 2022
When I wished upon a star review
4 1/2 stars
I am fighting with myself on this one for not giving it 5 stars, because I do not like to give bad ratings to memoirs. This story is outstanding and one that should be told, but I believe this memoir brushed over some outstanding feats and focused A LOT on the mundane, uninteresting stuff. Ok let’s get down to the nitty gritty groove of it:
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Brandon Lane Philips was born in the 1970s with a rare congenital heart disease. He was looking at a short life and was in and out of hospitals from when he was born throughout his childhood. Eventually, through hard work, dedication, and his strong devotion to God, Brandon makes it through medical school, eventually becoming a super specialized pediatric cardiologist. He ended up having as a mentor the cardiologist that performed his first open heart surgery and becoming friends with Jeremy from the hit tv show Growing Pains, helping him on the way.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝:
It was a heartwarming story. Reading the story you can’t help but absolutely adore Brandon (Dr. Lane Philips) for his tremendous resilience, passion, intelligence, and remarkable empathy. Reading this book makes you really want to become his friend and Jeremy Miller was lucky to have him as such. The setbacks that Brandon had to go through are remarkable and I’m glad he wrote this memoir.
On the surface, When I Wish Upon a Star is about Dr. Lane Philips overcoming his heart defect and making it into one of the most difficult specialties of medicine to enter (and thrive!). This story is what "When Breath Becomes Air" would have been like if Paul Kalanithi had lived (oh what a better world we would be living in).
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 (𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥):
The author focuses a lot more on his dysfunctional family dynamics (his absent father) than on the recovery and hardship that came with his heart condition. I am sure this was cathartic for the author but it was a bit less interesting for the reader. P.S. His mom sounds like such an awesome woman, I am so glad parents like her exist.
Also the author refers to his parents as ‘’mama’’ and ‘’daddy’’ which is a pet peeve of mine for adults to talk of their parents this way. It just sounds a bit childish and that is made worse when consuming the book as an audiobook.
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭:
Yes, but with some hesitations. If you are looking for a story of resilience and hope, this is the book for you. However, if you want something that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat, then I would suggest reading something else. I would, however, HIGHLY SUGGEST that this author do a TED talk.
4 1/2 stars
I am fighting with myself on this one for not giving it 5 stars, because I do not like to give bad ratings to memoirs. This story is outstanding and one that should be told, but I believe this memoir brushed over some outstanding feats and focused A LOT on the mundane, uninteresting stuff. Ok let’s get down to the nitty gritty groove of it:
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Brandon Lane Philips was born in the 1970s with a rare congenital heart disease. He was looking at a short life and was in and out of hospitals from when he was born throughout his childhood. Eventually, through hard work, dedication, and his strong devotion to God, Brandon makes it through medical school, eventually becoming a super specialized pediatric cardiologist. He ended up having as a mentor the cardiologist that performed his first open heart surgery and becoming friends with Jeremy from the hit tv show Growing Pains, helping him on the way.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝:
It was a heartwarming story. Reading the story you can’t help but absolutely adore Brandon (Dr. Lane Philips) for his tremendous resilience, passion, intelligence, and remarkable empathy. Reading this book makes you really want to become his friend and Jeremy Miller was lucky to have him as such. The setbacks that Brandon had to go through are remarkable and I’m glad he wrote this memoir.
On the surface, When I Wish Upon a Star is about Dr. Lane Philips overcoming his heart defect and making it into one of the most difficult specialties of medicine to enter (and thrive!). This story is what "When Breath Becomes Air" would have been like if Paul Kalanithi had lived (oh what a better world we would be living in).
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 (𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥):
The author focuses a lot more on his dysfunctional family dynamics (his absent father) than on the recovery and hardship that came with his heart condition. I am sure this was cathartic for the author but it was a bit less interesting for the reader. P.S. His mom sounds like such an awesome woman, I am so glad parents like her exist.
Also the author refers to his parents as ‘’mama’’ and ‘’daddy’’ which is a pet peeve of mine for adults to talk of their parents this way. It just sounds a bit childish and that is made worse when consuming the book as an audiobook.
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭:
Yes, but with some hesitations. If you are looking for a story of resilience and hope, this is the book for you. However, if you want something that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat, then I would suggest reading something else. I would, however, HIGHLY SUGGEST that this author do a TED talk.
October 10, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Brandon Lane Phillips for accepting my request to audibly read and review When I Wished Upon A Star.
Authors: Brandon Lane Phillips & Jeremy Miller
Published: 09/14/22
Narrators: Max Adler & Kirk Cameron
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs -- Christian
Brandon was a wish kid wth a heart disease. His desire was to meet the cast of Growing Pains.
This is the story of his life thus far. Brandon has gone on to become a pediatric cardiologist and lifelong friends with Kirk & Chelsea Cameron as well as Jeremy Miller and his wife and kids.
Brandon points out when he believes God has intervened in his life. He discusses highs and lows that he and Jeremy have had.
This makes a nice car audiobook, a snow day or bible study.
Authors: Brandon Lane Phillips & Jeremy Miller
Published: 09/14/22
Narrators: Max Adler & Kirk Cameron
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs -- Christian
Brandon was a wish kid wth a heart disease. His desire was to meet the cast of Growing Pains.
This is the story of his life thus far. Brandon has gone on to become a pediatric cardiologist and lifelong friends with Kirk & Chelsea Cameron as well as Jeremy Miller and his wife and kids.
Brandon points out when he believes God has intervened in his life. He discusses highs and lows that he and Jeremy have had.
This makes a nice car audiobook, a snow day or bible study.
May 21, 2019
Heartwarming and Full of Hope
This book is about an amazing story of two young boys, one born with a heart defect and the other a TV star.
I have known Brandon for years now and know about his life and have heard most of his stories (not all of them though! I had not heard of his wild ride on Rodeo Dr!), but I still found this book interesting and a page turner. It’s a great story about how one wish changed two lives significantly and touched so many more.
My husband and I are so blessed to have Brandon in our lives.
This book is about an amazing story of two young boys, one born with a heart defect and the other a TV star.
I have known Brandon for years now and know about his life and have heard most of his stories (not all of them though! I had not heard of his wild ride on Rodeo Dr!), but I still found this book interesting and a page turner. It’s a great story about how one wish changed two lives significantly and touched so many more.
My husband and I are so blessed to have Brandon in our lives.
June 12, 2019
A wonderful story of hope, faith, grace, and love!! I simply could not put this book down. I found myself wondering where the story would take me next. The book is beautiful written and an easy read.
May 22, 2019
Very inspirational! Great read! Everyone and anyone needing to realize their dreams can come true need to read this book.
July 23, 2019
This book was one I simply could not put down, evoking every emotion. The most amazing thing felt throughout was God’s amazing presence. It was apparent how God’s purpose was interwoven in these two young men’s lives from the very start. His overwhelming love was so obvious through their struggles and spiritual awakening. A must read!
August 12, 2022
I loved this glimpse into the lives of two seemingly different boys: Brandon Phillips and Jeremy Miller. Their lives may have been different but they were destined to meet and have a profound effect on each other. Through their faith in God and love, they are able to help each other through difficult times and become the people they are today. Highly recommended as a heartwarming, feel good story.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
June 9, 2019
My son shares his journey from patient to physician while sharing how a wish he receives as a young boy gave him hope, and ultimately gives hope to the celebrity he wished to meet. Brandon's life has come full circle time and time again...
I lived the story with him and reading it on paper made me laugh and cry at times. There are many parts of Brandon's life story that I would rather forget, but it is worth sharing if it can help others facing a similar circumstance.
I lived the story with him and reading it on paper made me laugh and cry at times. There are many parts of Brandon's life story that I would rather forget, but it is worth sharing if it can help others facing a similar circumstance.
June 12, 2019
Book Review on “When I wished upon a star”
I really enjoyed this book and I couldn’t it put down. A great story of 2 young boys who help to save each other at 2 different stages in life. Jeremy Miller of “Growing Pains” help to save Branden as a child. Branden helped save Jeremy in adult hood. This is really a touching story
of a friendship that came full circle. We all knew Jeremy Miller in the 80’s on ‘Growing pains. To read about how he befriended Branden, with a congenital heart condition ,is heartwarming. Then Branden grows up to help Jeremy with addiction. They were born to be there for each other. Also, enjoyed reading how Kirk Cameron played a part in this story. It was also great to read of the strength Joanie Miller is to her husband Jeremy. This is the book is very inspirational. Great Story that would be the “PERFECT HALLMARK MOVIE” ........A Must Read for all...Dan Glazer
5 Thumbs up for" When I wished upon a star"👍👍👍👍👍
August 20, 2022
Where do I begin? This memoir was well-written and organized. My favorite part about memoirs is the photos. Brandon & Jeremy included a lot of pictures and it didn't disappoint.
I laughed and teared up with this book. It is no wonder it won the Baby Hearts Press People's Choice Awards. As a heart warrior who was born with a congenital heart defect, I could appreciate Brandon's journey through his CHD. He shares his triumphs and tribulations with such heart, bravery, humor, and raw emotion. As a busy author, business owner, and mother, it is rare that I can consume a book in less than a month, having to read a chapter here and there over the course of weeks. This book, however, hooked me from the getgo and had me intrigued all through the three days it took me to go from beginning to the end.
Growing up in the '80s as a new refugee kid from Vietnam, sitcom shows like Growing Pains were how I learned English. As a girl growing up in a foreign country, I was mesmerized by how Americans lived on TV. I admit I had a crush on Kirk Cameron and Alan Thicke then. To get a little insight into the actors' lives off-screen, especially Jeremy Miller's, was eye-opening. Jeremy's plight reminds us we all have our demons and hardships, no matter who we are or who we become. However, it is through love and acceptance, being surrounded by a tribe who loves and cares about us, that we can learn to forgive and trust in ourselves. There is hope and redemption. There is the ability to come back stronger than ever after being on the brink of one's personal hell.
Thank you Brandon and Jeremy for writing this book. Thank you also to Kirk Cameron who wrote the introduction and Peter Samuelson for the beautiful forward. Also thank you Joanie for not giving up on Jeremy.
Consuming Read!!
I laughed and teared up with this book. It is no wonder it won the Baby Hearts Press People's Choice Awards. As a heart warrior who was born with a congenital heart defect, I could appreciate Brandon's journey through his CHD. He shares his triumphs and tribulations with such heart, bravery, humor, and raw emotion. As a busy author, business owner, and mother, it is rare that I can consume a book in less than a month, having to read a chapter here and there over the course of weeks. This book, however, hooked me from the getgo and had me intrigued all through the three days it took me to go from beginning to the end.
Growing up in the '80s as a new refugee kid from Vietnam, sitcom shows like Growing Pains were how I learned English. As a girl growing up in a foreign country, I was mesmerized by how Americans lived on TV. I admit I had a crush on Kirk Cameron and Alan Thicke then. To get a little insight into the actors' lives off-screen, especially Jeremy Miller's, was eye-opening. Jeremy's plight reminds us we all have our demons and hardships, no matter who we are or who we become. However, it is through love and acceptance, being surrounded by a tribe who loves and cares about us, that we can learn to forgive and trust in ourselves. There is hope and redemption. There is the ability to come back stronger than ever after being on the brink of one's personal hell.
Thank you Brandon and Jeremy for writing this book. Thank you also to Kirk Cameron who wrote the introduction and Peter Samuelson for the beautiful forward. Also thank you Joanie for not giving up on Jeremy.
Consuming Read!!
March 3, 2023
I had never heard of Dr. Phillips until my granddaughter was referred to him for an ECHO concern. He and his entire staff were exceptionally kind and friendly. I saw a framed picture of his book on the wall, and, being an avid reader, was of course interested. I started it that very night and finished it 3 days later (which would have been sooner if life wasn't so hectic lately). This is my first review on Goodreads. I loved everything about this book. It started out very interesting and stayed that way through the very last sentence - unlike many books which start strong then have a lot of "fluff" and seem 50-100 pages too long. I wish this wholesome, uplifting, motivational book could be read by everyone! It wasn't dry or full of self-importance. On the contrary it moved at a fast pace and gave God the glory time and time again. It warms my heart that I have met this amazing heart specialist and have been able to read his life's story. Reading about Kirk Cameron and Jeremy Miller was an added bonus.
January 14, 2020
A superbly intimate inspiration.
Single parents, must read. New parents with a child with a chronic illness, must read. Recovering addicts, must read. Children of split parents, must read. Children with a chronic illness, must read. People struggling with their faith, must read.
Considering I just statistically covered at least 90% of the population, this book is just simply a must read. Dr. Phillips covered all of his bases with this inspirational story of interconnected love and compassion. If we all would strive to affirm one another's right to dignity and the inherent worth of every human the way Dr. Phillips and Mr. Miller have, the entire world would be a little better.
Moreover, the book is entertaining. I laughed at Dr. Phillip's dry wit. I cried because I'm raising a daughter as a single parent and can relate to Dr. Phillip's mom, and the book gives me a piece of a roadmap to look at when making decisions that affect my daughter.
Buy this book!
Single parents, must read. New parents with a child with a chronic illness, must read. Recovering addicts, must read. Children of split parents, must read. Children with a chronic illness, must read. People struggling with their faith, must read.
Considering I just statistically covered at least 90% of the population, this book is just simply a must read. Dr. Phillips covered all of his bases with this inspirational story of interconnected love and compassion. If we all would strive to affirm one another's right to dignity and the inherent worth of every human the way Dr. Phillips and Mr. Miller have, the entire world would be a little better.
Moreover, the book is entertaining. I laughed at Dr. Phillip's dry wit. I cried because I'm raising a daughter as a single parent and can relate to Dr. Phillip's mom, and the book gives me a piece of a roadmap to look at when making decisions that affect my daughter.
Buy this book!
August 26, 2022
I enjoyed listening to Brandon's story. It's not that common for people to evaluate the events of their own life insightfully, yet when we do, we can often find threads that bind us to others woven throughout our lives. But that's exactly what Brandon has done here.
My main disappointment with the book was that, with Jeremy Miller receiving an author attribution, I'd expected some of the story to be from his viewpoint. Instead, everything is told from Brandon's perspective, although he shares a lot about Jeremy's life. I would have preferred hearing about Jeremy's life from Jeremy himself. So, I felt the co-author attribution was misleading.
Overall, I found the book enjoyable, although a bit repetitive at times.
Thank you to Brandon Lane Phillips and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
My main disappointment with the book was that, with Jeremy Miller receiving an author attribution, I'd expected some of the story to be from his viewpoint. Instead, everything is told from Brandon's perspective, although he shares a lot about Jeremy's life. I would have preferred hearing about Jeremy's life from Jeremy himself. So, I felt the co-author attribution was misleading.
Overall, I found the book enjoyable, although a bit repetitive at times.
Thank you to Brandon Lane Phillips and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
September 9, 2022
I don’t think I have ever resonated with a book like I did with this one. Not only did I also love the 80’s TV shoe Family Ties but I also have a heart defect.
Brandon’s story of how the people in his life have been life long friends and how they have all gotten him to where he is today is so encouraging. I am amazed at the connections he has made with people through his life that have come back later to tie part of his story together.
This book also is a great story about trusting in God for every aspect of one’s life. Brandon gives God the credit for all his successes and realizes that his failures were also part of God’s plan.
“I was allowed to listen to this book because of my membership to Net Galley. I was not reimbursed for this review in any way. Just done as thanks for the read”
Brandon’s story of how the people in his life have been life long friends and how they have all gotten him to where he is today is so encouraging. I am amazed at the connections he has made with people through his life that have come back later to tie part of his story together.
This book also is a great story about trusting in God for every aspect of one’s life. Brandon gives God the credit for all his successes and realizes that his failures were also part of God’s plan.
“I was allowed to listen to this book because of my membership to Net Galley. I was not reimbursed for this review in any way. Just done as thanks for the read”
September 7, 2022
I always find digging into people’s stories interesting. There are usually things that I can relate to and things that I can learn from. I found Brandon’s story to be a bit of both. I really loved how he was able to see how God was always working in his life - even when he was not able to see it at the time.
My only disappointment with this book is not hearing ‘the story’ at all from Jeremey’s perspective.
Thank you to Brandon Lane Phillips and NetGalley for the advance review copy
My only disappointment with this book is not hearing ‘the story’ at all from Jeremey’s perspective.
Thank you to Brandon Lane Phillips and NetGalley for the advance review copy
September 7, 2022
I always find digging into people’s stories interesting. There are usually things that I can relate to and things that I can learn from. I found Brandon’s story to be a bit of both. I really loved how he was able to see how God was always working in his life - even when he was not able to see it at the time.
My only disappointment with this book is not hearing ‘the story’ at all from Jeremey’s perspective.
Thank you to Brandon Lane Phillips and NetGalley for the advance review copy
My only disappointment with this book is not hearing ‘the story’ at all from Jeremey’s perspective.
Thank you to Brandon Lane Phillips and NetGalley for the advance review copy
March 16, 2021
Wow this book by brandon and jermey is amazing and powerful. It gives us great faith that God's woek is amazing and his purpose for us is his work in us a whole not just you alone but the friends you made, the people in your life has a profound impact on your journey. Thank you Brandon Phillips and Jeremy Miller for this beautiful book. I give it a 5 star
September 19, 2022
I grew up watching Growing Pains so I found this memoir where the author was inspired by his interaction with that cast intriguing. I also have a friend his son was recently diagnosed with the same heart defect that the author had. I was glad to see that his heart issues have not prevented the author from pursuing his dreams and have allowed him to help and inspire others.
September 14, 2022
I read this book because of the author. I grew up off and on in Jena. As he told his story I recognized names and places in his story. It took me back. His courage and faith are a testament to Prayers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews