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The Wish
From the bestselling author of THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ comes a heartbreaking contemporary novel of a dying teenager's final wish, a lonely young man's journey towards connection, and the unexpected friendship they find together. Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, and John Green.
Jesse is 15. She loves her friends, her little brother and her parents - even when they're arguing, which feels like constantly these days. But most of all, she loves playing video games. Even from her hospital bed.
Alex is 29. He doesn't love a lot of things. To be honest, he's not really sure he knows how to. His desk at work, as VR games designer, is empty, much like his life feels sometimes.
Then Jesse makes a wish. A simple a video experience made of her life, something to be there, just in case she isn't.
One loving teenager.
One lonely adult.
Which one will get the happy ending?
Heather Morris is an international no.1 bestseller and has sold over 18 million copies worldwide. This brand-new novel is a fresh direction for her but speaks to all the themes that you know and love her hope in the darkest of places, family, love and courage.
Jesse is 15. She loves her friends, her little brother and her parents - even when they're arguing, which feels like constantly these days. But most of all, she loves playing video games. Even from her hospital bed.
Alex is 29. He doesn't love a lot of things. To be honest, he's not really sure he knows how to. His desk at work, as VR games designer, is empty, much like his life feels sometimes.
Then Jesse makes a wish. A simple a video experience made of her life, something to be there, just in case she isn't.
One loving teenager.
One lonely adult.
Which one will get the happy ending?
Heather Morris is an international no.1 bestseller and has sold over 18 million copies worldwide. This brand-new novel is a fresh direction for her but speaks to all the themes that you know and love her hope in the darkest of places, family, love and courage.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2025
105 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
Heather Morris
31 books9,333 followersI am a Native of New Zealand now resident in Australia, working in a large public hospital in Melbourne. For several years I studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an academy award winning Screenwriter in the U.S. In 2003, I was introduced to an elderly gentleman "who might just have a story worth telling". The day I met Lale Sokolov changed my life, as our friendship grew and he embarked on a journey of self scrutiny, entrusting the inner most details of his life during the Holocaust. I originally wrote Lale's story as a screenplay - which ranked high in international competitions - before reshaping it into my debut novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
August 23, 2025
an emotional read from Heather.I enjoy reading her books.Jess is only 15 and dying how the family copes in different ways. She has a wish that with her help of Alex, will her wish become true? a great read. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
October 10, 2025
A sad read and true reflection of childhood cancer with a heart-warming wish element which brings heart
Having read Heather’s Morris in the past and loving her historical fiction, I happily dove into this new novel.
We follow Jessie who has childhood cancer, her family, Kelly her social worker and Alex who is brought in to create her wish.
With sub plots of marriage and familial difficulties, workplace harassment and romance, these all add depth to a tragic story.
Some of my favourite quotes/poems are as follows:
“There is no such thing as false hope, there is only hope”
“My darling girl, my heart, my soul, through every tear you make me whole. Your strength, your smile, your gentle face, you’ve shown me love and light and grace.
Should time be short, and skies grow dim, you’ll be my life, my constant hymn. Nothing can change what’s always true – My love, my heart, will stay with you.
Should you soar beyond this world, I’ll feel you near, my precious girl. In every place, however far, you’ll be with me, bright shining star.”
This is Heather Morris’s first contemporary book, and you can really feel that she has lived this experience. One example was the sentence “Thank you for not asking me how I am. You know people still ask me that when, duh, it’s obvious.” Heather, accurately portrays the difficulties within marriages living through childhood cancer and shows the effects on Jessie’s younger sibling, Sam.
Alex is a good addition to the story. He initially joins in with the wish reluctantly and as his back story comes out and his connection to Jessie and the team builds, he becomes a staple in the story and one the reader routes for.
For me, this lost something in the believability of some of the interactions within the medical team and the responses of the Father. Having a friend who has lived through this journey, some of the reactions did not seem to fit with reality. In addition, I genuinely felt that the workplace story did not quite fit and although it is meant to convey frustration and harassment, I felt this could have been a little more cohesive.
This has been a heartfelt read and Jessie is a truly beautiful character, inside and out. The hot air balloon moment just whisked the reader away into her world. I was there with her throughout. I would recommend, both a heart-warming and heart-breaking story including family, friendship, romance and truth.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bonnier Books UK and Heather Morris for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 11 September 2025.
Having read Heather’s Morris in the past and loving her historical fiction, I happily dove into this new novel.
We follow Jessie who has childhood cancer, her family, Kelly her social worker and Alex who is brought in to create her wish.
With sub plots of marriage and familial difficulties, workplace harassment and romance, these all add depth to a tragic story.
Some of my favourite quotes/poems are as follows:
“There is no such thing as false hope, there is only hope”
“My darling girl, my heart, my soul, through every tear you make me whole. Your strength, your smile, your gentle face, you’ve shown me love and light and grace.
Should time be short, and skies grow dim, you’ll be my life, my constant hymn. Nothing can change what’s always true – My love, my heart, will stay with you.
Should you soar beyond this world, I’ll feel you near, my precious girl. In every place, however far, you’ll be with me, bright shining star.”
This is Heather Morris’s first contemporary book, and you can really feel that she has lived this experience. One example was the sentence “Thank you for not asking me how I am. You know people still ask me that when, duh, it’s obvious.” Heather, accurately portrays the difficulties within marriages living through childhood cancer and shows the effects on Jessie’s younger sibling, Sam.
Alex is a good addition to the story. He initially joins in with the wish reluctantly and as his back story comes out and his connection to Jessie and the team builds, he becomes a staple in the story and one the reader routes for.
For me, this lost something in the believability of some of the interactions within the medical team and the responses of the Father. Having a friend who has lived through this journey, some of the reactions did not seem to fit with reality. In addition, I genuinely felt that the workplace story did not quite fit and although it is meant to convey frustration and harassment, I felt this could have been a little more cohesive.
This has been a heartfelt read and Jessie is a truly beautiful character, inside and out. The hot air balloon moment just whisked the reader away into her world. I was there with her throughout. I would recommend, both a heart-warming and heart-breaking story including family, friendship, romance and truth.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bonnier Books UK and Heather Morris for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 11 September 2025.
November 3, 2025
enjoyed this bittersweet novel about loss and for the future
September 3, 2025
I’ve enjoyed all of this authors previous work so was intrigued to read her first contemporary novel. Something very different from my usual reads. This was the story of two people from very different walks of life, coming together in the saddest of circumstances. It was hard hitting and very emotional, and while I didn’t totally understand a lot of the technical, behind the scenes stuff, it took me on such a journey! Beautifully written, keep tissues close at hand for reading this one!
September 14, 2025
After attending a book showing hosted by the author, and reading her previous works I was looking forward to reading ‘the wish’, however after reading it I am left disappointed. Much of it is expected, with the language used by the kids unlikely to be realistic or even the scattering or technical words that leave room for improvement. Alex seems not to like hospitals until about 20 pages in when he can’t get enough of being there for Jesse; while Dean the father takes on a very angry and frustrated emotional storey line. His behaviour isn’t really challenged and it’s as if the author assumes a farther would only act this way and no other emotions could be shown. The odd romance between Kelly and Alex, it made little sense, other than their involvement with Jesse; which to some extreme was against all professional boundaries. Overall, I was looking at giving this book 3 stars, but after reading it to the end 2 stars and that won’t be altered.
I would suggest reading the book yourself as this review may just be based of my life experience not agreeing with the language or situations discussed.
I would suggest reading the book yourself as this review may just be based of my life experience not agreeing with the language or situations discussed.
September 20, 2025
I have loved Heather Morris' work whenever I've had a chance to enjoy it. Unlike her other work this is contemporary fiction but still has the true beauty that comes when Heather puts pen to paper.
We follow Jessie and Alex as they work together to make Jessie's dying wish, an interactive video game based on key moments of Jessie's life. We see Alex battle not only his demons from his past but new issues as he navigates becoming close to a terminal child patient. We see the journey of Alex, Jessie, her family and Kelly, Jessie's social worker and the book finishes with the lives of everyone changed by the project.
This was so beautifully written and it touched my heart in the same way Heather's other work has. I am so glad I got to listen to this book and I write this teary eyed but with a heart that is fuller for having experienced it.
We follow Jessie and Alex as they work together to make Jessie's dying wish, an interactive video game based on key moments of Jessie's life. We see Alex battle not only his demons from his past but new issues as he navigates becoming close to a terminal child patient. We see the journey of Alex, Jessie, her family and Kelly, Jessie's social worker and the book finishes with the lives of everyone changed by the project.
This was so beautifully written and it touched my heart in the same way Heather's other work has. I am so glad I got to listen to this book and I write this teary eyed but with a heart that is fuller for having experienced it.
December 11, 2025
Wow that was an emotional ending.
Well written and likeable characters.
Well written and likeable characters.
November 8, 2025
Thought it would make me cry, but instead it was just super wholesome!
October 21, 2025
I found this book almost unreadable. I saw another review which said it reads like a screenplay, and I agree whole heartedly - each sentence seemed more like a stage direction than a novel. This writing style annoyed me so much that I found myself just skimming to try and get to the end.
I also didn’t understand what made the wish itself so “groundbreaking and impossible”, apart from everyone in the book saying so. The end result didn’t even sound like a video game, more a film.
I am clearly in the minority though, so maybe it’s just not for me.
I also didn’t understand what made the wish itself so “groundbreaking and impossible”, apart from everyone in the book saying so. The end result didn’t even sound like a video game, more a film.
I am clearly in the minority though, so maybe it’s just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
I went into this book thinking I was going to love it, because ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ was an outstanding read. The description sounded intriguing and I was certain it was going to be a tearjerker.
However, the execution fell flat for me. I couldn’t get on with the writing and the characters just felt two dimensional for some reason.
Not a bad book, just not for me unfortunately.
However, the execution fell flat for me. I couldn’t get on with the writing and the characters just felt two dimensional for some reason.
Not a bad book, just not for me unfortunately.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been a Heather Morris fan since The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Im used to her emotional WWII fictional recounts that evoke such emotion. I knew this book was coming out of a Contemporary genre, so I was anxious to see what was "underneath the cover".
The Wish evokes every bit, if not more (read:sob) emotion than previous novels.
The story is about Jesse, a 15-year old teenage girl dying of cancer. She wishes to make a video of her life. Enter Alex, a 29-year old videographer. The story revolves around Jesse's life, her family and caregivers and Alex as they navigate difficult steps in life and living.
Although this book is fiction, for many of us that have unfortunately have gone through similar situations, a suspension of reality is required. I will say from personal experience that childhood severe illness like this can cause severe family rifts. Morris got that right.
The characters in this book. especially Jesse and Alex are written with such depth and passion that I could not help feeling their pain.
This is a good read I'd recommend. Just don't expect a typical Heather Morris book.......
Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier Books and Heather Morris for this ARC due out late May, in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up.
📖 Sandy
The Wish evokes every bit, if not more (read:sob) emotion than previous novels.
The story is about Jesse, a 15-year old teenage girl dying of cancer. She wishes to make a video of her life. Enter Alex, a 29-year old videographer. The story revolves around Jesse's life, her family and caregivers and Alex as they navigate difficult steps in life and living.
Although this book is fiction, for many of us that have unfortunately have gone through similar situations, a suspension of reality is required. I will say from personal experience that childhood severe illness like this can cause severe family rifts. Morris got that right.
The characters in this book. especially Jesse and Alex are written with such depth and passion that I could not help feeling their pain.
This is a good read I'd recommend. Just don't expect a typical Heather Morris book.......
Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier Books and Heather Morris for this ARC due out late May, in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up.
📖 Sandy
August 7, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from Bonnie’s Books. Having loved all of Heather Morris’ previous books I was absolutely thrilled to have a proof copy of her first contemporary fiction novel.
The story follows 15 year old Jessie who is battling cancer and has chosen a Wish to be fulfilled. This brings in Alex who works for a VR Games company as a designer and is assigned to help fulfil Jessie’s unusual request
The story is one of heartfelt emotion and the wisdom from Jessie is a beautiful testament to the character. She brings such love, joy and inspiration to everyone and truely fills the pages with her breathtaking spirit.
Alex’s character, along with his interactions with the social worker Kelly are less fulfilling. I found their chemistry and personalities hard to latch onto and their struggles seemed to not work as well on the pages as Jessie’s did. This is the only reason I marked the book from a 4 star to a 3.
A tear jerker of a read and beautifully crafted characters in regards to Jessie and also all her family and friends who emote such wonderful life lessons we could all benefit from.
The story follows 15 year old Jessie who is battling cancer and has chosen a Wish to be fulfilled. This brings in Alex who works for a VR Games company as a designer and is assigned to help fulfil Jessie’s unusual request
The story is one of heartfelt emotion and the wisdom from Jessie is a beautiful testament to the character. She brings such love, joy and inspiration to everyone and truely fills the pages with her breathtaking spirit.
Alex’s character, along with his interactions with the social worker Kelly are less fulfilling. I found their chemistry and personalities hard to latch onto and their struggles seemed to not work as well on the pages as Jessie’s did. This is the only reason I marked the book from a 4 star to a 3.
A tear jerker of a read and beautifully crafted characters in regards to Jessie and also all her family and friends who emote such wonderful life lessons we could all benefit from.
December 31, 2025
A heartwarming story.
This story highlights positive ways that virtual reality, AI and technology can be used.
I appreciate the premise of this story - ‘it takes just moments to die. The rest of the time we are living.’
This story highlights positive ways that virtual reality, AI and technology can be used.
I appreciate the premise of this story - ‘it takes just moments to die. The rest of the time we are living.’
August 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have read the majority, if not all, of Heather's books and thy are more than sublime. I'm used to her writing historical novels, set in WW2. So this was a completely new direction for her, but I could tell right from the off that it would be just as heart-breaking.
It is not an uplifting book, on the whole, and yet it somehow managed to be completely uplifting. I often find the brightest moments shine more in the dark, and that's what this story was like.
It reminded me, in terms of tone, to The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin, another deeply upsetting but positive novel.
If I didn't know it was the same author, I don't think I'd have guessed. Yes it has some similar themes but for me personally, the writing felt completely different, but no less brilliant and impactful.
This book is more relate able. Not that everyone goes through cancer, especially with a child, but sadly it is all too common. Whereas with her WW2 books, they're only going to be relatable to a very small number of readers, and I think that's what tugs at the heartstrings here.
It is about more than just a dying child. There's heart and love, family and friendship, anger, despair, frustration, forgiveness, stubbornness. It's about accepting what you can control and forgiving what you can't. It's knowing you tried your best but not every battle can be won. It's about how important hope and joy and fun and love are in such situations.
Whilst it felt different to her other books, there are definitely themes that are the same, but it definitely felt like a new way of writing for her. It's feels fresh and new but no less powerful and beautiful as her other books. It is a completely different path she's treading but it still reminded me why she is a go-to author every time.
May I just quickly advise you to read it when on your own, because it will draw some very ugly sobs out of you.
I have read the majority, if not all, of Heather's books and thy are more than sublime. I'm used to her writing historical novels, set in WW2. So this was a completely new direction for her, but I could tell right from the off that it would be just as heart-breaking.
It is not an uplifting book, on the whole, and yet it somehow managed to be completely uplifting. I often find the brightest moments shine more in the dark, and that's what this story was like.
It reminded me, in terms of tone, to The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin, another deeply upsetting but positive novel.
If I didn't know it was the same author, I don't think I'd have guessed. Yes it has some similar themes but for me personally, the writing felt completely different, but no less brilliant and impactful.
This book is more relate able. Not that everyone goes through cancer, especially with a child, but sadly it is all too common. Whereas with her WW2 books, they're only going to be relatable to a very small number of readers, and I think that's what tugs at the heartstrings here.
It is about more than just a dying child. There's heart and love, family and friendship, anger, despair, frustration, forgiveness, stubbornness. It's about accepting what you can control and forgiving what you can't. It's knowing you tried your best but not every battle can be won. It's about how important hope and joy and fun and love are in such situations.
Whilst it felt different to her other books, there are definitely themes that are the same, but it definitely felt like a new way of writing for her. It's feels fresh and new but no less powerful and beautiful as her other books. It is a completely different path she's treading but it still reminded me why she is a go-to author every time.
May I just quickly advise you to read it when on your own, because it will draw some very ugly sobs out of you.
September 1, 2025
Big thanks to Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
Heather Morris is known for her historical fiction books but now the popular author has ventured into new territory, contemporary fiction.
The Wish is her first attempt into the genre and it’s an emotional and enjoyable read.
Fifteen year old Jesse is your typical teenager except for one thing.
She has terminal cancer.
Spending her days in the hospital ward hanging with friends, enjoying time with her family and playing video games.
Then she gets to have a wish.
She wants a digital 3D movie of her life, to be remembered by her family and friends.
Enter Alex, a master wiz of this technology.
But he’s a loner, keeps to himself and reluctantly accepts the job from his boss.
Then he comes into Jesse’s world and both are changed forever…..
A heart breaking tear jerker story with lots of the feels and you may need a box of tissues.
It’s a quick read that will pull the heart strings and my only criticism is that the story could have been fleshed out a little.
With a selection of relatable topics it may be close to home for some readers.
Heather Morris is known for her historical fiction books but now the popular author has ventured into new territory, contemporary fiction.
The Wish is her first attempt into the genre and it’s an emotional and enjoyable read.
Fifteen year old Jesse is your typical teenager except for one thing.
She has terminal cancer.
Spending her days in the hospital ward hanging with friends, enjoying time with her family and playing video games.
Then she gets to have a wish.
She wants a digital 3D movie of her life, to be remembered by her family and friends.
Enter Alex, a master wiz of this technology.
But he’s a loner, keeps to himself and reluctantly accepts the job from his boss.
Then he comes into Jesse’s world and both are changed forever…..
A heart breaking tear jerker story with lots of the feels and you may need a box of tissues.
It’s a quick read that will pull the heart strings and my only criticism is that the story could have been fleshed out a little.
With a selection of relatable topics it may be close to home for some readers.
October 4, 2025
Long review post ahead but needed to get my thoughts down in the best way! God, this book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. I don’t think I’ve sobbed over a story like this in so long. The Wish is Heather Morris’s first step into contemporary fiction and honestly, what a debut for the genre.
The story follows fifteen-year-old Jesse, a teenager facing a terminal illness, and Alex, a lonely VR game designer whose life feels like it has lost all colour. When Jesse makes a simple wish to create a video experience of her life, something that might outlast her, their worlds collide in the most beautiful and heart-aching way.
You can tell this novel was written with real experience and care. Heather Morris captures the weight of illness, grief and love in such a raw and authentic way. There are moments of warmth and humour too, but it is the humanity that hits hardest.
As someone who adored The Tattooist of Auschwitz, I had high expectations and this did not disappoint. You can feel the same emotional depth and compassion that made her historical fiction so powerful, but this story feels more intimate and more present.
A word of advice: check your content warnings before diving in. It is a tough read at times and you need to be in the right headspace, but it is absolutely worth it. I will be thinking about Jesse and Alex for a long time, and while I will be dealing with the emotional fallout for a while, I am genuinely excited to see Heather Morris explore more stories like this.
The story follows fifteen-year-old Jesse, a teenager facing a terminal illness, and Alex, a lonely VR game designer whose life feels like it has lost all colour. When Jesse makes a simple wish to create a video experience of her life, something that might outlast her, their worlds collide in the most beautiful and heart-aching way.
You can tell this novel was written with real experience and care. Heather Morris captures the weight of illness, grief and love in such a raw and authentic way. There are moments of warmth and humour too, but it is the humanity that hits hardest.
As someone who adored The Tattooist of Auschwitz, I had high expectations and this did not disappoint. You can feel the same emotional depth and compassion that made her historical fiction so powerful, but this story feels more intimate and more present.
A word of advice: check your content warnings before diving in. It is a tough read at times and you need to be in the right headspace, but it is absolutely worth it. I will be thinking about Jesse and Alex for a long time, and while I will be dealing with the emotional fallout for a while, I am genuinely excited to see Heather Morris explore more stories like this.
September 15, 2025
This book hit me in my feels from the very first page! From the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, I was expecting a great book, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but this book surpassed all my expectations. I fell in love with every single character, but Jesse has taken a piece of my heart.
As a secondary level teacher, I deal with teenagers on a daily basis, and their resilience surprises me every day. Reading about Jesse, who we know is in the last stages of her life, being SO strong for her whole family just broke my heart. It was a wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking read that I hope you will make time to read ❤️
As a secondary level teacher, I deal with teenagers on a daily basis, and their resilience surprises me every day. Reading about Jesse, who we know is in the last stages of her life, being SO strong for her whole family just broke my heart. It was a wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking read that I hope you will make time to read ❤️
December 31, 2025
I picked this up having read Heather Morris' historical fiction books, this is a novel inspired by her social work in hospitals over the years. Inspired by the wishes of chronically and terminally ill children and adults. A story of a very strong, mature girl and a grumpy games designer who gets roped into helping with her wish. Very emotional, definitely have some tissues nearby! Also heartwarming at the same time. Not a train book.
Read
January 14, 2026I didn’t expect this book to hit me as hard as it did. It’s heartbreaking and honest, yet still threaded with love and small moments of light that linger long after you finish.
It follows fifteen-year-old Jesse and the people surrounding her: a family pushed to its limits, a hospital friendship that brings genuine warmth, and an unexpected wish style project led by Alex, a quiet loner from a game studio, working alongside Kelly, Jesse’s social worker. Watching them try to create something meaningful while navigating denial, grief, and slivers of hope made the story feel heartbreakingly real.
It follows fifteen-year-old Jesse and the people surrounding her: a family pushed to its limits, a hospital friendship that brings genuine warmth, and an unexpected wish style project led by Alex, a quiet loner from a game studio, working alongside Kelly, Jesse’s social worker. Watching them try to create something meaningful while navigating denial, grief, and slivers of hope made the story feel heartbreakingly real.
December 30, 2025
A new direction for Morris BUT a refreshing change . There is no war !
This book has a more personal depth to it ,as the ideas 💡 come from Morris’s past life .
Despite the seemingly sad content this is a book about humanity and about the importance of living your life to the full whatever your circumstances. A recommended read !
This book has a more personal depth to it ,as the ideas 💡 come from Morris’s past life .
Despite the seemingly sad content this is a book about humanity and about the importance of living your life to the full whatever your circumstances. A recommended read !
November 22, 2025
If it had been written by a YA author (Colleen Hoover maybe, if that’s the right name) I would be a 5. But come on Heather. Sappy, lightweight. Not even a tear jerker, since the minimal plot twists are obvious.
Stick to your amazing historical fiction. All of which I’ve read and rated 5.
Stick to your amazing historical fiction. All of which I’ve read and rated 5.
November 6, 2025
this was so beautiful, happy and sad and emotional. i smiled more than i cried
January 6, 2026
Heartwarming and emotional
January 12, 2026
Definitely my least favourite Heather morris. Too sappy and a little unrealistic in terms of how teenagers interact with each other…
October 31, 2025
I’m an absolute mess 🥺 No notes 🙌🏻
September 23, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook and haven’t yet worked out what makes an audiobook good. But I finished it in a day so I suppose that is a good sign. I think that Heather Morris always finishes books with something inspiring and I like that too, even when they are sad. In lots of ways was very predictable but that’s also sometimes really nice - it’s heart warming and heart breaking but not full of big twists to mess with the nervous system.
September 5, 2025
Jessie is sick. Really sick. The last thing she wants to do is make an interactive video experience with her family to unite them and allow them a treasure trove of beautiful memories when she goes.
Alex, a loner techy, is tasked with making Jessie's wish a reality. Reluctantly he agrees to the mammoth task but on opening himself up to others, finds he gets a lot more than he bargained for.
I wanted to love this book because I'm such a fan of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's journey but unfortunately this contemporary read missed the mark for me.
I really liked Jesse's character and the interactions with her brother, as well as her friends at the hospital, was a joy to see. These relationships were lovely, wholesome and real. On the flip side Alex's character and his complicated feelings for social workers meant his relationship with Kelly was a strange one for me, particularly as the book progressed as this was never explicitly addressed.
The main issue I had with the story was the concept of the actual wish; this interactive video experience. The wording is all very vague but it's not a video game or a film but something else and I couldn't get my head around what was actually to be achieved. This made understanding the difficulty, time spent on it and just the whole concept alien to me. I got the jist but I imagine the reader target audience to be in my demographic (or older) and they might struggle with this. Maybe it was just me though!
The book is a quick read and I imagine this is done to mirror the urgency of passing time within the story but I felt this lead it to lack a detail. Some relationships did not seem meaningful and parts felt too easy, simply allowing the story to drive forward with ease.
Alex, a loner techy, is tasked with making Jessie's wish a reality. Reluctantly he agrees to the mammoth task but on opening himself up to others, finds he gets a lot more than he bargained for.
I wanted to love this book because I'm such a fan of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's journey but unfortunately this contemporary read missed the mark for me.
I really liked Jesse's character and the interactions with her brother, as well as her friends at the hospital, was a joy to see. These relationships were lovely, wholesome and real. On the flip side Alex's character and his complicated feelings for social workers meant his relationship with Kelly was a strange one for me, particularly as the book progressed as this was never explicitly addressed.
The main issue I had with the story was the concept of the actual wish; this interactive video experience. The wording is all very vague but it's not a video game or a film but something else and I couldn't get my head around what was actually to be achieved. This made understanding the difficulty, time spent on it and just the whole concept alien to me. I got the jist but I imagine the reader target audience to be in my demographic (or older) and they might struggle with this. Maybe it was just me though!
The book is a quick read and I imagine this is done to mirror the urgency of passing time within the story but I felt this lead it to lack a detail. Some relationships did not seem meaningful and parts felt too easy, simply allowing the story to drive forward with ease.
October 5, 2025
The story line is good and impactful, but the writing style and execution leaves a lot to be desired. It reads like a screen play script mixed with a child’s picture book, or a first draft prior to the story being fleshed out.
January 2, 2026
That Heather Morris is passionate about stories of survival, resilience and hope is obvious if you have read any of her first four historical fiction novels, The Tattooist of Auschwitz perhaps being her most famous and at times controversial. Her new novel, The Wish is however, completely contemporary focusing once again on the three qualities she holds dear.
Before becoming a best-selling author, Morris spent some 20 years in the social work department of a large metropolitan his hospital. What she experienced there moved her deeply: courage, fortitude, trauma, chronic illness and, of course, cancer. This is the subject she has chosen – a teenager with terminal cancer. From her experience of patients and families that she came to know intimately over many months and years, she has tackled a difficult subject. One that no parent wants to face.
And this is Morris’s skill, showing the reactions of a family in crisis. A journey that they all have to take. A father, Dean, in angry denial, looking for cures anywhere, a mother, Mandy, resilient, fighting, trying to maintain some sort of family balance, a social worker, Kelly, becoming perhaps too close to this family, a younger brother, Sam, trying to understand why, and the sick teenager, Jesse, whose gentle wisdom and maturity is the guide.
The wish is what would that terminally ill patient like to experience? For Jesse, her skill in video games has led her to ask for a CGI 3D film legacy – memories and wishes that her family can enjoy when she’s gone – not a game but something more technically advanced. Bring in a lonely young tech wizard, Alex, a man who has never known the strength and love of family, and it is a potent, creative, sometimes conflicted but ultimately an exhilarating, mix.
It is a tender heartbreaking story, plumbing the depths of coming to terms with this situation. Never depressing, sometimes predictable, humourous with the lighter moments of teenage patients, definitely tear jerking. Morris paints this reality with hope etched throughout. How the perceived negative can create many positives: love, support and a lasting legacy. At first I was skeptical of Morris’s portrayal thinking that it might be too gently written but as I delved deeper into the story, I realized the style was appropriate and engaging. The writing flows as she illustrates lessons learned, changes made, the importance of making memories of every small event. She uses her experience deftly, the impact these young people have on their families, their communities; lasting, a bringing together, a finding of ‘family’.
I was reminded of a very brave young South African woman, Jenna Louw, whose story touched international hearts, who left a legacy that is shining brightly today and who didn’t quite get to 21.
‘Dying is a moment, everything else is life’. Profound and moving, ‘The Wish’ is worth the read.
Before becoming a best-selling author, Morris spent some 20 years in the social work department of a large metropolitan his hospital. What she experienced there moved her deeply: courage, fortitude, trauma, chronic illness and, of course, cancer. This is the subject she has chosen – a teenager with terminal cancer. From her experience of patients and families that she came to know intimately over many months and years, she has tackled a difficult subject. One that no parent wants to face.
And this is Morris’s skill, showing the reactions of a family in crisis. A journey that they all have to take. A father, Dean, in angry denial, looking for cures anywhere, a mother, Mandy, resilient, fighting, trying to maintain some sort of family balance, a social worker, Kelly, becoming perhaps too close to this family, a younger brother, Sam, trying to understand why, and the sick teenager, Jesse, whose gentle wisdom and maturity is the guide.
The wish is what would that terminally ill patient like to experience? For Jesse, her skill in video games has led her to ask for a CGI 3D film legacy – memories and wishes that her family can enjoy when she’s gone – not a game but something more technically advanced. Bring in a lonely young tech wizard, Alex, a man who has never known the strength and love of family, and it is a potent, creative, sometimes conflicted but ultimately an exhilarating, mix.
It is a tender heartbreaking story, plumbing the depths of coming to terms with this situation. Never depressing, sometimes predictable, humourous with the lighter moments of teenage patients, definitely tear jerking. Morris paints this reality with hope etched throughout. How the perceived negative can create many positives: love, support and a lasting legacy. At first I was skeptical of Morris’s portrayal thinking that it might be too gently written but as I delved deeper into the story, I realized the style was appropriate and engaging. The writing flows as she illustrates lessons learned, changes made, the importance of making memories of every small event. She uses her experience deftly, the impact these young people have on their families, their communities; lasting, a bringing together, a finding of ‘family’.
I was reminded of a very brave young South African woman, Jenna Louw, whose story touched international hearts, who left a legacy that is shining brightly today and who didn’t quite get to 21.
‘Dying is a moment, everything else is life’. Profound and moving, ‘The Wish’ is worth the read.
September 22, 2025
❤️ Now, here is an author I just love reading all her books and The Wish by Heather Morris was no different especially as Heather writes from her heart and this book was no different - It was beautifully written from start to finish. ❤️
The Wish by Heather Morris was a total different book that I have read by her. This book is about a 15 year old called Jesse She is loved by all her friends, people around her especially by her little brother and her parents - even when they have the teenage bad days of argument's and tantrums!!! But, Jesse is dying of Cancer. But she a perfect sister and loves playing video games with her little brother from her hospital bed... . . . . . .
Jesse's time is running out but she has 1 wish . . . . so she makes a wish this is her last wish - a video experience for her family to remind them of her and her short life. This can only happen with the help of her Social worker Kelly. She introduces Jesse to Alex, who is 29 years old, and a loner but he is a 3D Video designer, he doesn't love a lot of things but he has a great passion for video games. He sits at his desk day after day trying to create something special - so this is something he can help Jesse with, and help her to fulfil her wish. . . . . . a video for her family to keep her memories alive.
This Book. . . . . . . . Well, I needed tissues and lots of them. Heather knows how to do this and she sure did this. Sniff Sniff.
A wonderful, emotional book that will have you a hooked at the very beginning till the very end.
The Wish by Heather Morris was a total different book that I have read by her. This book is about a 15 year old called Jesse She is loved by all her friends, people around her especially by her little brother and her parents - even when they have the teenage bad days of argument's and tantrums!!! But, Jesse is dying of Cancer. But she a perfect sister and loves playing video games with her little brother from her hospital bed... . . . . . .
Jesse's time is running out but she has 1 wish . . . . so she makes a wish this is her last wish - a video experience for her family to remind them of her and her short life. This can only happen with the help of her Social worker Kelly. She introduces Jesse to Alex, who is 29 years old, and a loner but he is a 3D Video designer, he doesn't love a lot of things but he has a great passion for video games. He sits at his desk day after day trying to create something special - so this is something he can help Jesse with, and help her to fulfil her wish. . . . . . a video for her family to keep her memories alive.
This Book. . . . . . . . Well, I needed tissues and lots of them. Heather knows how to do this and she sure did this. Sniff Sniff.
A wonderful, emotional book that will have you a hooked at the very beginning till the very end.
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