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You Wish
Top Prize Winner in the 2019 American Eagle Book Awards
Imagine you are granted three wishes--and your second wish is captured by a television news crew and broadcast across the globe. Imagine the whole world knows you can wish for absolutely anything, and it will come true. Now imagine you're fourteen years old.
Jake Parker is about to finish the freshman year of what's shaping up to be a mediocre high school career. He's a late bloomer. His family is living hand-to-mouth. And worst of all, he's a nobody--until he discovers an ancient ship's lantern. With everyone on the planet watching to see what Jake's final wish will be, he becomes an instant media darling, and his social status at school skyrockets. That's the good news.
The bad news is pressure is bearing down on Jake from family, public opinion, the media, government agents, and crooked politicians as he struggles to come up with a final wish that will truly help mankind. But if he's going to pull that off, he has to outsmart them all.
Adults and teens alike will love Mark Scott Piper's debut novel, You Wish. Brimming with magical realism, social satire, and wry humor, Jake's story is about much more than the plight of one teenager. It's about the power that anyone, young or old, has to truly benefit humanity--even if the odds are stacked against you.
Imagine you are granted three wishes--and your second wish is captured by a television news crew and broadcast across the globe. Imagine the whole world knows you can wish for absolutely anything, and it will come true. Now imagine you're fourteen years old.
Jake Parker is about to finish the freshman year of what's shaping up to be a mediocre high school career. He's a late bloomer. His family is living hand-to-mouth. And worst of all, he's a nobody--until he discovers an ancient ship's lantern. With everyone on the planet watching to see what Jake's final wish will be, he becomes an instant media darling, and his social status at school skyrockets. That's the good news.
The bad news is pressure is bearing down on Jake from family, public opinion, the media, government agents, and crooked politicians as he struggles to come up with a final wish that will truly help mankind. But if he's going to pull that off, he has to outsmart them all.
Adults and teens alike will love Mark Scott Piper's debut novel, You Wish. Brimming with magical realism, social satire, and wry humor, Jake's story is about much more than the plight of one teenager. It's about the power that anyone, young or old, has to truly benefit humanity--even if the odds are stacked against you.
284 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2019
4 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Mark Scott Piper
6 books33 followersMark Scott Piper has been writing professionally his entire adult life. He is a longtime freelance writer and video director/producer. Mark holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Oregon, and he taught literature and writing at the college level for several years. He is a member of the California Writers Club, Redwood Writers.
Mark’s bookshelves are overflowing. Among his favorites are Christopher Moore, John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Stephen Crane, William Faulkner, Tony Hillerman, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anne Lamott—all of whom successfully conspire to keep him humble.
His debut novel, You Wish, earned first-place gold in the 2019 American Eagle Book Awards. His second novel, The Old Block, was released in 2020 to enthusiastic reviews. His mystery/thriller, Until Proven Innocent, was published in 2022. His collection of short stories, The Long and the Short of It: 15 Stories, was launched in 2024.
Mark has published several short stories both online and in print.
Mark’s bookshelves are overflowing. Among his favorites are Christopher Moore, John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Stephen Crane, William Faulkner, Tony Hillerman, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anne Lamott—all of whom successfully conspire to keep him humble.
His debut novel, You Wish, earned first-place gold in the 2019 American Eagle Book Awards. His second novel, The Old Block, was released in 2020 to enthusiastic reviews. His mystery/thriller, Until Proven Innocent, was published in 2022. His collection of short stories, The Long and the Short of It: 15 Stories, was launched in 2024.
Mark has published several short stories both online and in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 26, 2022
What would you do if you had three wishes? What happens when the news and the government get hold of this magical gift? This is the premise of You Wish by Mark Scott Piper and I loved it.
High school freshman, Jake Parker, discovers an old ship's lantern, and he's surprised to learn it is not ordinary, but magical, and offers three wishes to the one who finds it. It was as if Piper had stepped back into his earlier years at school and tapped into all the emotions most kids that age struggle with - self-doubt, insecurities, and a longing to fit in.
Jake is first tempted to do what most would do in the same situation, ask for financial security. Especially with his mother, being separated, is struggling to make ends meet.
This story has multiple layers and reads like a Barnum Baily Circus with all its goings-on. It is full of twists and turns that will keep you glued to your seat. Piper shone a light on human nature when others step in and try to convince Jake their wish is what would be best and take charge of his life.
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite books this year, and though it is a YA book, any age will enjoy its richness and uniqueness. I love Piper's protagonist Jake, his loyalty to his friends, and his desire to do what is right with his last wish. As you flip through the pages, the reader finds themselves rooting for him to shake free from the influence of others who are out for themselves and not for Jake.
If ever there was a story fit to be made into a movie, this is it. Loved it!! 5 stars
High school freshman, Jake Parker, discovers an old ship's lantern, and he's surprised to learn it is not ordinary, but magical, and offers three wishes to the one who finds it. It was as if Piper had stepped back into his earlier years at school and tapped into all the emotions most kids that age struggle with - self-doubt, insecurities, and a longing to fit in.
Jake is first tempted to do what most would do in the same situation, ask for financial security. Especially with his mother, being separated, is struggling to make ends meet.
This story has multiple layers and reads like a Barnum Baily Circus with all its goings-on. It is full of twists and turns that will keep you glued to your seat. Piper shone a light on human nature when others step in and try to convince Jake their wish is what would be best and take charge of his life.
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite books this year, and though it is a YA book, any age will enjoy its richness and uniqueness. I love Piper's protagonist Jake, his loyalty to his friends, and his desire to do what is right with his last wish. As you flip through the pages, the reader finds themselves rooting for him to shake free from the influence of others who are out for themselves and not for Jake.
If ever there was a story fit to be made into a movie, this is it. Loved it!! 5 stars
November 3, 2019
If you were granted the ability to make one wish, what would it be? Perhaps you would want infinite riches, or an end to world poverty. Undoubtedly, most of us long for such an opportunity. The end of all our worries and set up financially for the rest of our life. Or maybe you are more altruistic in your motives and long to save all of mankind. Put a stop to all the pain and suffering which flashes across our television screens on a daily basis. Whichever way you lean, the ultimate decision may not be quite as easy as it seems. Be it benevolent or greedy, making such a huge wish would be sure to have unintended consequences- some dire. The pressure of having such an important decision to make would be understandably huge! This is exactly the case in author Mark Scott Piper's novel You Wish. For those who love Coming of Age fantasy which is drenched with a satirical look at pop culture... this is the book for you!
The book follows the dilemma of the protagonist, fourteen-year old Jake Parker. He discovers an old ship's lantern when he and his friends are out exploring an abandoned house. What Jake soon discovers however is that this is no mere lantern. It comes with the power to grant him three wishes for anything in the world which he desires. After testing- and wasting- his first wish by ordering a pizza, Jake makes his second wish under the direct observation of his entire community. He is observed rubbing his lantern, which is magically followed by the wish coming true. Now everyone on the planet wants a piece of Jake. Zero to hero! He becomes an instant media sensation with pressure reigning down upon him from every which way. Coming to the realization that holding all this power may not be all it is cut out to be, Jake knows he will have to make a decision. Can he possibly make himself and everyone around him happy and content? Or is his wish about to net him a whole new host of enemies and send him back into the depths of obscurity?
This is indeed a novel which will appeal to many young people. It focuses upon the struggles of a teen-aged protagonist as he goes up against some very powerful, corrupt and foolish adults. As such, the Coming of Age theme is quite powerful. Be that as it may, You Wish will also attract an adult audience as this theme is aptly supported by a clever and penetrating satirical look at pop culture. The age of the media circus, social media and instant celebrity status is at the forefront of this book. The author merges his ideas into a fascinating and captivating story. His writing flows beautifully and the novel is perfectly paced. There are numerous twists and turns which the reader will unlikely see coming, and essentially guarantees the continual turning of pages!
While the Coming of Age theme is strong in this novel, so is the concept of friendship and loyalty. This is skillfully brought to light by the powerful character development. As the protagonist, Jake experiences the most growth. He starts out in the tale as a child and ends up becoming a young man. He shows a depth of character which is not only believable, but quite memorable for the level of loyalty, passion and integrity he displays. There are many other characters in the novel who are fleshed out quite well. Most of the adults are shown as greedy and manipulative- driven by lust for power and fame. This is not so for all of them however. Jake's mother for instance shows her own strength, devotion and loyalty to Jake from start to finish. The temptation of instant riches and celebrity status never takes her eyes- and heart- away from what is truly important!
All in all, You Wish gets my highest recommendation. It is a great selection for all audiences and should be required reading for those striving to understand our celebrity obsessed world.
5 out of 5 Wishful Stars for this one! *****
The book follows the dilemma of the protagonist, fourteen-year old Jake Parker. He discovers an old ship's lantern when he and his friends are out exploring an abandoned house. What Jake soon discovers however is that this is no mere lantern. It comes with the power to grant him three wishes for anything in the world which he desires. After testing- and wasting- his first wish by ordering a pizza, Jake makes his second wish under the direct observation of his entire community. He is observed rubbing his lantern, which is magically followed by the wish coming true. Now everyone on the planet wants a piece of Jake. Zero to hero! He becomes an instant media sensation with pressure reigning down upon him from every which way. Coming to the realization that holding all this power may not be all it is cut out to be, Jake knows he will have to make a decision. Can he possibly make himself and everyone around him happy and content? Or is his wish about to net him a whole new host of enemies and send him back into the depths of obscurity?
This is indeed a novel which will appeal to many young people. It focuses upon the struggles of a teen-aged protagonist as he goes up against some very powerful, corrupt and foolish adults. As such, the Coming of Age theme is quite powerful. Be that as it may, You Wish will also attract an adult audience as this theme is aptly supported by a clever and penetrating satirical look at pop culture. The age of the media circus, social media and instant celebrity status is at the forefront of this book. The author merges his ideas into a fascinating and captivating story. His writing flows beautifully and the novel is perfectly paced. There are numerous twists and turns which the reader will unlikely see coming, and essentially guarantees the continual turning of pages!
While the Coming of Age theme is strong in this novel, so is the concept of friendship and loyalty. This is skillfully brought to light by the powerful character development. As the protagonist, Jake experiences the most growth. He starts out in the tale as a child and ends up becoming a young man. He shows a depth of character which is not only believable, but quite memorable for the level of loyalty, passion and integrity he displays. There are many other characters in the novel who are fleshed out quite well. Most of the adults are shown as greedy and manipulative- driven by lust for power and fame. This is not so for all of them however. Jake's mother for instance shows her own strength, devotion and loyalty to Jake from start to finish. The temptation of instant riches and celebrity status never takes her eyes- and heart- away from what is truly important!
All in all, You Wish gets my highest recommendation. It is a great selection for all audiences and should be required reading for those striving to understand our celebrity obsessed world.
5 out of 5 Wishful Stars for this one! *****
February 11, 2021
We all wish things could be different, but when your wish comes true, a whole other can of worms is sure to open.
Teenage Jake finds a magical lantern and that's where the trouble begins. The author paints a picture with excellent storytelling that has you feeling like a kid again, thinking about what YOU would wish for given the chance.
You Wish is a magical story, and who doesn't need a little magic?
Teenage Jake finds a magical lantern and that's where the trouble begins. The author paints a picture with excellent storytelling that has you feeling like a kid again, thinking about what YOU would wish for given the chance.
You Wish is a magical story, and who doesn't need a little magic?
November 5, 2019
I loved it, but then I wrote it, so ...
July 20, 2020
Review of YOU WISH by Mark Scott Piper
My first impression of this book is that it’s a solid, intelligent, and well-written novel. YOU WISH by Mark Scott Piper is a wonderfully conceived piece of fiction that has all of the elements that make literature work: action, escapades, tension, pursuits, and even humor. Risks are what keep the writing fresh and nuanced and this is an adventure story that fits the bill, as well as being a coming-of-age. The protagonist is a teenage boy, Jake Parker, who is an engaging character and a believable one. Therefore, the narrative has appeal for many audiences not just Young/Adult. The expression “Wishing will make it so,” is one of the main themes, but there are others like relationships and allegiance.
Jake Parker interests us because the setting in which he acts is true to life and the problems the character faces are honest and convincing. Despite the fact that there are magic-realism aspects, the reader is able to suspend disbelief because the author has done a superb job of portraying accurate personalities. Kudos to the author. How I’d love to see this “property” picked up and made into a film.
My first impression of this book is that it’s a solid, intelligent, and well-written novel. YOU WISH by Mark Scott Piper is a wonderfully conceived piece of fiction that has all of the elements that make literature work: action, escapades, tension, pursuits, and even humor. Risks are what keep the writing fresh and nuanced and this is an adventure story that fits the bill, as well as being a coming-of-age. The protagonist is a teenage boy, Jake Parker, who is an engaging character and a believable one. Therefore, the narrative has appeal for many audiences not just Young/Adult. The expression “Wishing will make it so,” is one of the main themes, but there are others like relationships and allegiance.
Jake Parker interests us because the setting in which he acts is true to life and the problems the character faces are honest and convincing. Despite the fact that there are magic-realism aspects, the reader is able to suspend disbelief because the author has done a superb job of portraying accurate personalities. Kudos to the author. How I’d love to see this “property” picked up and made into a film.
September 7, 2022
14 year old Jake Parker and his best friend Lester break into an old abandoned mansion and find a grime-covered ships lantern. They take it home, polish it up and read the words written on it. Jake now has three wishes. He wastes the first one on pizza!
This is a great story of childhood. Of a young boy dealing with adolescence, his parents break up and the usual pitfalls of the schoolyard.
But it is more than that. It shows how selfish people are. Once word gets out that Jake has one final wish left, the world is clamoring for him to wish for what they want. World peace. An end to hunger. Riches for all. Good ideas on the surface but Jake quickly discovers that nearly everyone has an ulterior motive and he is at a loss to decide what to do. He wishes he'd never found the stupid thing.
In the end, Jake had no choice but to use his wish but not in the way people thought he would.
I loved the magic of this story. I loved that it was about kids against the adults. About the innocence of childhood. And I loved Jake's imagination and his story of Captain Hawke.
This is a great story of childhood. Of a young boy dealing with adolescence, his parents break up and the usual pitfalls of the schoolyard.
But it is more than that. It shows how selfish people are. Once word gets out that Jake has one final wish left, the world is clamoring for him to wish for what they want. World peace. An end to hunger. Riches for all. Good ideas on the surface but Jake quickly discovers that nearly everyone has an ulterior motive and he is at a loss to decide what to do. He wishes he'd never found the stupid thing.
In the end, Jake had no choice but to use his wish but not in the way people thought he would.
I loved the magic of this story. I loved that it was about kids against the adults. About the innocence of childhood. And I loved Jake's imagination and his story of Captain Hawke.
August 13, 2022
High school still sucks in this well-written, fast-paced YA by Mark Scott Piper. You Wish is a book for anyone, even if graduation day exists only in your rearview mirror.
Jake Parker contemplates his lot in life, “A freakin’ nobody.” So it would seem. He sits in a “pile of rejects” while waiting his turn at bat on the baseball field. It’s the same with the girls at his school. They don’t know he’s alive. And why would they? Jake still rides a bike. With nearly two years to go before he can drive, he and best friend Lester make do in Santa Necia. And to end on a high note, his parents are now divorced.
Lester and Jake have a tree house that once passed as their secret pirate ship but having outgrown their yo-ho-ho days, the two renamed it The Snark in honor of the boat built by Jack London. They sometimes play out seafaring fantasies but guard against one of their classmates catching them fearing total humiliation.
Amazon Bestseller https://amzn.to/3C6E93O
One day while exploring the Old Addison Place, a once beautiful Victorian house now in ruins and about to be demolished, Jake finds an old ship’s lantern. His life is about to change, but will it for the better? While polishing the lamp, Jake wishes he had a pizza and abracadabra one appears on his bed.
This plunges Jake into a moral dilemma about how to best use the remaining two wishes. The boys consider the possibilities from making them all rich to world peace. Just when Jake needs it, a new friend appears on the scene. Ben Ackyack, who may be in line to inherit the Addison Place, has parked his dilapidated trailer on the estate property and befriended Jake. Little does Jake know what an important part he will play.
Ben throws a wrench in the plans for the Addison property. So much so, the police begin checking him out. Trouble is, he appears to be devoid of a past. As Ben is arrested, Jake pulls out the lantern and makes his second wish. I won’t ruin it for you, but it’s something that’s caught on video. Reporters and the FBI swoop down on Santa Necia, infiltrating every aspect of Jake’s family life. The FBI even presents Jake with a demand from the President of the U.S. regarding the third wish.
Looking for advice, Jake turns to Ben. He counsels Jake telling him he will recognize when the time is right for the third wish, “It’ll be whatever you really want. Don’t worry, you’ll know.” And when the time comes, and it is a desperate moment, he makes the right wish.
Jake Parker contemplates his lot in life, “A freakin’ nobody.” So it would seem. He sits in a “pile of rejects” while waiting his turn at bat on the baseball field. It’s the same with the girls at his school. They don’t know he’s alive. And why would they? Jake still rides a bike. With nearly two years to go before he can drive, he and best friend Lester make do in Santa Necia. And to end on a high note, his parents are now divorced.
Lester and Jake have a tree house that once passed as their secret pirate ship but having outgrown their yo-ho-ho days, the two renamed it The Snark in honor of the boat built by Jack London. They sometimes play out seafaring fantasies but guard against one of their classmates catching them fearing total humiliation.
Amazon Bestseller https://amzn.to/3C6E93O
One day while exploring the Old Addison Place, a once beautiful Victorian house now in ruins and about to be demolished, Jake finds an old ship’s lantern. His life is about to change, but will it for the better? While polishing the lamp, Jake wishes he had a pizza and abracadabra one appears on his bed.
This plunges Jake into a moral dilemma about how to best use the remaining two wishes. The boys consider the possibilities from making them all rich to world peace. Just when Jake needs it, a new friend appears on the scene. Ben Ackyack, who may be in line to inherit the Addison Place, has parked his dilapidated trailer on the estate property and befriended Jake. Little does Jake know what an important part he will play.
Ben throws a wrench in the plans for the Addison property. So much so, the police begin checking him out. Trouble is, he appears to be devoid of a past. As Ben is arrested, Jake pulls out the lantern and makes his second wish. I won’t ruin it for you, but it’s something that’s caught on video. Reporters and the FBI swoop down on Santa Necia, infiltrating every aspect of Jake’s family life. The FBI even presents Jake with a demand from the President of the U.S. regarding the third wish.
Looking for advice, Jake turns to Ben. He counsels Jake telling him he will recognize when the time is right for the third wish, “It’ll be whatever you really want. Don’t worry, you’ll know.” And when the time comes, and it is a desperate moment, he makes the right wish.
February 12, 2020
Brilliant. Magical. Believable. Transportive.
Readers get ready to suspend reality and enjoy the journey.
You Wish by Mark Scott Piper is a beautifully written story that will make you believe in the possibility of making wishes come true.
I was immediately intrigued by the main character Jake a fifteen year old who like many kids his age faces the trials and tribulations of high school life and falling short of being a star athlete. Jake's brother older brother Kevin is still a little socially awkward himself but seems to have bit more game than Jake. The two get along well aside from the normal sibling jabs; they look out for each other. Their parents are separated. Dad has left mom for a younger woman. He's a piece-of-art as they say! Mom is struggling as a new real estate while working part-time at a discount clothing store and coming to terms with the end of her marriage. She has a potential, lucrative real estate deal pending with a dilapidated mansion, if a beneficiary simply named Ben doesn't come forward to claim it.
Near the property is an area called The Wood. Jake and his best friend Lester have a tree house there, where they allow their imaginations (influenced by the stories of Jack London) to run wild. One day Jake convinces Lester to enter the old mansion, and he finds an unusual looking lantern. Here's where the real adventure begins and where you will believe in the power of magic. Jake, Lester and Kevin soon discover the lantern will grant Jake three wishes. Sounds cool, huh? It is, but the weight of the world falls upon young Jake's shoulders and then he meets a mysterious stranger, an old man named Ben. As soon as I met this character I was reminded of Walt Kowalski, played by actor Clint Eastwood in the movie Gran Torino. Ben is also a reluctant hero.
Jake doesn’t take choosing three wishes lightly. He’s a smart, considerate, and thoughtful young man. Some might say wise beyond his years.
This delightful story is filled with action and adventure, suspense, humor and wonderful ending sure to make the reader smile.
I could easily see this book being adapted to the big or small screen in a treatment similar to the books that have gone to films by author Mitch Albom.
The message of You Wish is timely and timeless and one to impact generations of readers.
Readers get ready to suspend reality and enjoy the journey.
You Wish by Mark Scott Piper is a beautifully written story that will make you believe in the possibility of making wishes come true.
I was immediately intrigued by the main character Jake a fifteen year old who like many kids his age faces the trials and tribulations of high school life and falling short of being a star athlete. Jake's brother older brother Kevin is still a little socially awkward himself but seems to have bit more game than Jake. The two get along well aside from the normal sibling jabs; they look out for each other. Their parents are separated. Dad has left mom for a younger woman. He's a piece-of-art as they say! Mom is struggling as a new real estate while working part-time at a discount clothing store and coming to terms with the end of her marriage. She has a potential, lucrative real estate deal pending with a dilapidated mansion, if a beneficiary simply named Ben doesn't come forward to claim it.
Near the property is an area called The Wood. Jake and his best friend Lester have a tree house there, where they allow their imaginations (influenced by the stories of Jack London) to run wild. One day Jake convinces Lester to enter the old mansion, and he finds an unusual looking lantern. Here's where the real adventure begins and where you will believe in the power of magic. Jake, Lester and Kevin soon discover the lantern will grant Jake three wishes. Sounds cool, huh? It is, but the weight of the world falls upon young Jake's shoulders and then he meets a mysterious stranger, an old man named Ben. As soon as I met this character I was reminded of Walt Kowalski, played by actor Clint Eastwood in the movie Gran Torino. Ben is also a reluctant hero.
Jake doesn’t take choosing three wishes lightly. He’s a smart, considerate, and thoughtful young man. Some might say wise beyond his years.
This delightful story is filled with action and adventure, suspense, humor and wonderful ending sure to make the reader smile.
I could easily see this book being adapted to the big or small screen in a treatment similar to the books that have gone to films by author Mitch Albom.
The message of You Wish is timely and timeless and one to impact generations of readers.
May 11, 2022
“You Wish,” by Mark Scott Piper is one of the best books I’ve read in quite a while. Every time I pick up a book I am always hoping for a winner, and this one is just that. It revisits the classic Arabian tale of finding a lamp and obtaining three wishes. I cannot think of a more universal desire. At 61 years old, I still fantasize about being granted this magical power. How often do we find ourselves saying… “I wish…”
The most wonderful aspect of this reimagined tale is the craftiness of its gifted author. He brings this Arabian Nights’ concept up-to-date by utilizing the unique pressures of our modern society. Piper has the second wish occur live on camera for the whole world to see, which takes the pressure of the third wish and magnifies it a hundredfold. That action crreates a level of conflict which sends the novel’s protagonist reeling, rushing… tumbling into a new direction.
We see it every day in our modern (scary) world where an action caught on tape can go viral, bringing with it fulfillment, fame, humiliation or tragedy. This is a novel, after all, so the reader knows that the road traveled will be a rocky one… Oh yeah, did I mention that the protagonist is an awkward, unpopular fourteen-year-old boy named Jake Parker? The boy’s age and social status add more layers to the story’s conflict because Parker must now deal with hardened human adults, probably the scariest of all beings, real or imagined.
Tough decisions are what change Jake Parker. He begins the novel as a kid, but he ends up a confident young man. This is the beaty of the coming-of-age theme. Mark Scott Piper is a skilled, story teller, because he hits all of the marks: story, dialog, characterization, intrigue and commitment to the theme.
The most wonderful aspect of this reimagined tale is the craftiness of its gifted author. He brings this Arabian Nights’ concept up-to-date by utilizing the unique pressures of our modern society. Piper has the second wish occur live on camera for the whole world to see, which takes the pressure of the third wish and magnifies it a hundredfold. That action crreates a level of conflict which sends the novel’s protagonist reeling, rushing… tumbling into a new direction.
We see it every day in our modern (scary) world where an action caught on tape can go viral, bringing with it fulfillment, fame, humiliation or tragedy. This is a novel, after all, so the reader knows that the road traveled will be a rocky one… Oh yeah, did I mention that the protagonist is an awkward, unpopular fourteen-year-old boy named Jake Parker? The boy’s age and social status add more layers to the story’s conflict because Parker must now deal with hardened human adults, probably the scariest of all beings, real or imagined.
Tough decisions are what change Jake Parker. He begins the novel as a kid, but he ends up a confident young man. This is the beaty of the coming-of-age theme. Mark Scott Piper is a skilled, story teller, because he hits all of the marks: story, dialog, characterization, intrigue and commitment to the theme.
August 30, 2020
Mark Scott Piper’s delightful tale of wishes being fulfilled is just what we all need in this tough year. It’s an enchanting romp through the old tale of being given three wishes, but the author gives us a lovely spin on it by making the main protagonist smart, savvy, and caring. Jake is only a teenager, but he’s both responsible and compassionate, and not about to waste this valuable chance to make things better for the people he cares about – especially after wasting his first one so thoughtlessly. His second wish is caught on camera, and the teen soon becomes an instant celebrity. Not all the attention is benign, as there are those determined to grab the last wish and use it to their own ends.
Poor Jake finds himself under a huge pressure to do the right thing, it’s the paternal influence of an old man, Ben, who helps the lad to negotiate his way through the competing demands and pressures placed upon him as he matures and ponders the power he has been given. The boy’s steadfast mother is grounded and loving
This is beautifully written, and one of those books which contains far more than you expect as the story unfolds. It has everything – and all the negative qualities have a delicate counterbalance which keeps the story trotting along at a pace. The twists are delicious, and the characterisations deliver just as they should, against a credible backdrop of a young person navigating the celebrity culture he finds himself thrust into.
Perfect for YA, but as an adult I loved it. It’s humane, uplifting, and so much fun. What a great movie this would make. Highly recommended.
Poor Jake finds himself under a huge pressure to do the right thing, it’s the paternal influence of an old man, Ben, who helps the lad to negotiate his way through the competing demands and pressures placed upon him as he matures and ponders the power he has been given. The boy’s steadfast mother is grounded and loving
This is beautifully written, and one of those books which contains far more than you expect as the story unfolds. It has everything – and all the negative qualities have a delicate counterbalance which keeps the story trotting along at a pace. The twists are delicious, and the characterisations deliver just as they should, against a credible backdrop of a young person navigating the celebrity culture he finds himself thrust into.
Perfect for YA, but as an adult I loved it. It’s humane, uplifting, and so much fun. What a great movie this would make. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2019
I love this book. The story, a boy who gets 3 wishes granted him by a magic lamp-like object, and unwittingly wasting it for something dumb, is not new.
However.
The twist comes when his second wish is accidentally witnessed by, as it turns out, the entire world. Now he’s got everyone telling him what that third and final wish has to be. What’s a kid to do?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that, because the protagonist is a kid, that this is a kid’s book. It isn’t. Mr. Piper has hidden within it a biting social commentary about our current celebrity-driven culture, where Andy Warhol’s offhand “15 minutes of fame” has become every person’s god-given inborn right. Absolutely everyone has an agenda to push on poor Jake, who just a few weeks ago worried about where he fit in his high school caste stratum. Instead of baseball, this kid has to worry about how to save the world—a world whose agendas are legion and contradictory.
Mark is an inventive author who keeps the twists fresh and surprising (as twists should be and aren’t, always). I can almost guarantee you won’t see the ending coming.
But when it happens you’ll cheer out loud.
I’m seriously looking forward to whatever Mark Piper publishes next.
However.
The twist comes when his second wish is accidentally witnessed by, as it turns out, the entire world. Now he’s got everyone telling him what that third and final wish has to be. What’s a kid to do?
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that, because the protagonist is a kid, that this is a kid’s book. It isn’t. Mr. Piper has hidden within it a biting social commentary about our current celebrity-driven culture, where Andy Warhol’s offhand “15 minutes of fame” has become every person’s god-given inborn right. Absolutely everyone has an agenda to push on poor Jake, who just a few weeks ago worried about where he fit in his high school caste stratum. Instead of baseball, this kid has to worry about how to save the world—a world whose agendas are legion and contradictory.
Mark is an inventive author who keeps the twists fresh and surprising (as twists should be and aren’t, always). I can almost guarantee you won’t see the ending coming.
But when it happens you’ll cheer out loud.
I’m seriously looking forward to whatever Mark Piper publishes next.
January 22, 2020
I don’t hand out five-star ratings lightly, but I could find no compelling reason not to give one to this excellent novel by Mark Scott Piper. The story is fresh, the characters are engaging, realistic, and three-dimensional, and the writing itself is superb. I counted one, maybe two, small errors in the entire novel, and being a finicky editor, I will notice everything. The editing on this is excellent.
The author uses the ages-old three-wishes concept in a fresh way here and in a way that makes the reader think about what’s most important in our lives. I do my reading for pleasure at night in bed, and I so enjoyed this novel that many nights I stayed up way later than usual reading it, stopping only when my eyes (not me) got tired.
The first few chapters were a tad slow for me, but I was nevertheless engaged from the beginning, and once the story got rolling, I had a very hard time putting the book down.
If I had to fault this novel for anything, it might be that a few of Jake’s daydreaming episodes were a little on the long side, but at the same time, they’re essential to the story, as you’ll discover later on.
I certainly hope to see more of this author’s work in the future.
The author uses the ages-old three-wishes concept in a fresh way here and in a way that makes the reader think about what’s most important in our lives. I do my reading for pleasure at night in bed, and I so enjoyed this novel that many nights I stayed up way later than usual reading it, stopping only when my eyes (not me) got tired.
The first few chapters were a tad slow for me, but I was nevertheless engaged from the beginning, and once the story got rolling, I had a very hard time putting the book down.
If I had to fault this novel for anything, it might be that a few of Jake’s daydreaming episodes were a little on the long side, but at the same time, they’re essential to the story, as you’ll discover later on.
I certainly hope to see more of this author’s work in the future.
April 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Jake is a teenager who finds a magic lantern and is granted three wishes as a result. He's tempted to use a wish to improve his family's financial situation, but he instead ponders the value in wishing for things that would benefit others. Jake's genuine goodness made me like him as a character. He definitely faces pressure from all sides, especially from the President and even from his father who abandoned the family for another woman. You Wish is a nice twist on the traditional genie-in-a-bottle story, and the book is satisfying on many levels. It will appeal to YA readers, but as an adult, I also appreciated the story.
June 22, 2019
You Wish is a compelling story that crosses over a broad spectrum of genres. Part YA fiction, part mystery, part thriller, and definitely literary fiction, this page turner touches on both timeless themes and contemporary culture. Jake Parker is one of those quick-witted teenaged misanthropes we all wanted to hang out with in high school. Accompanying him on this adventure was a joy that left me wishing for more. A truly satisfying read.
July 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this charming, and original, "coming of age" novel, which is crossed with satire of 2019 American culture. Jake is given a magic lantern and his last wish becomes the focus of national attention. I won't tell you what he wished for, but I will tell you it's worth reading the book to find out the answer. Good going, Mark Scott Piper.
May 30, 2020
I liked this book. In a sea of stories that all begin to sound the same, with overly hip or excessively quirky characters, this one was refreshing. I liked the characters, particularly Jake and Ben. There were some nice twists and overall I really liked it and blazed through the last 40 or 50 pages to see how it ended.
February 25, 2020
Jake Parker was your typical 15-year old geeky scrub. All he wanted was to not look like a dweeb. But “it’s lame to want stuff that’ll never happen.” (3)
Story has several points of view (Jake, his mom, some land developer, etc.) It had a slow start with talk of the Old Addison place that was bound for renovation. Jake has a wild imagination, making himself to be a pirate (weirdo!), and the boys talk a lot of sports, which wasn’t too interesting to me only because I’m not keen on sports.
One day, Jake finds an old lantern in the Old Addison place and he gets to make 3 wishes. Now we’re getting somewhere. What if you could wish for anything? What if the whole world knew about it?
Suddenly, Jake and his buddy could wish for anything. How cool is that? The possibilities were endless. He could wish to be popular, be richer, or do something really important like end world hunger or cure cancer. But, somehow, the media gets wind of this and suddenly all eyes are on him. The whole world was in a craze, wondering what Jake’s wish would be.
I’ve always liked wish fulfillment stories from Jeannie and Aladdin and even that exotic chick from Weird Science. And this book certainly had an interesting premise. However, it had a slow pace, and I wish it would’ve been simpler. Why the need to have so many points of view? I thought that made it a little too complex. But I liked the idea and it was a decent read overall.
Story has several points of view (Jake, his mom, some land developer, etc.) It had a slow start with talk of the Old Addison place that was bound for renovation. Jake has a wild imagination, making himself to be a pirate (weirdo!), and the boys talk a lot of sports, which wasn’t too interesting to me only because I’m not keen on sports.
One day, Jake finds an old lantern in the Old Addison place and he gets to make 3 wishes. Now we’re getting somewhere. What if you could wish for anything? What if the whole world knew about it?
Suddenly, Jake and his buddy could wish for anything. How cool is that? The possibilities were endless. He could wish to be popular, be richer, or do something really important like end world hunger or cure cancer. But, somehow, the media gets wind of this and suddenly all eyes are on him. The whole world was in a craze, wondering what Jake’s wish would be.
I’ve always liked wish fulfillment stories from Jeannie and Aladdin and even that exotic chick from Weird Science. And this book certainly had an interesting premise. However, it had a slow pace, and I wish it would’ve been simpler. Why the need to have so many points of view? I thought that made it a little too complex. But I liked the idea and it was a decent read overall.
March 22, 2021
Well written and recommended.
This is a YA coming of age fiction story centred on Jake Parker who is about to finish the freshman year of what’s shaping up to be a mediocre high school career. He’s a late bloomer. His family is living hand-to-mouth. And worst of all, he’s a nobody—until he discovers an ancient ship’s lantern that offer’s three wishes. When the whole world discovers Jake’s wishes, he becomes a celebrity, and everyone wants a piece of the action. That’s when his problems take off. Jake and the other characters are well-drawn, believable, and easy to engage with. Wondering what Jake would do with his final wish in the face of so much pressure and demand, kept me turning the pages. The ending didn’t disappoint, and there is plenty of adventure, suspense, and good humour along the way. Well written and Recommended.
This is a YA coming of age fiction story centred on Jake Parker who is about to finish the freshman year of what’s shaping up to be a mediocre high school career. He’s a late bloomer. His family is living hand-to-mouth. And worst of all, he’s a nobody—until he discovers an ancient ship’s lantern that offer’s three wishes. When the whole world discovers Jake’s wishes, he becomes a celebrity, and everyone wants a piece of the action. That’s when his problems take off. Jake and the other characters are well-drawn, believable, and easy to engage with. Wondering what Jake would do with his final wish in the face of so much pressure and demand, kept me turning the pages. The ending didn’t disappoint, and there is plenty of adventure, suspense, and good humour along the way. Well written and Recommended.
January 14, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read. This is one of those books that can be appreciated by everyone from young adult on up. While it's not a young adult novel, the protagonist is an almost 15yr old boy. The weight of the world's expectations has been thrust upon him and everyone from the president to corrupt local politicians are pressuring him to do the "right" thing.
Mark Piper gets us seamlessly into the head of an awkward teenager, his struggling soon-to-be-divorced mother, a mafia figure, and some FBI agents and does it believably. The single magic-realism element of the magic lantern ripples through the scenario he's created in a thoroughly credible manner. The resolution was both surprising and satisfying. Highly recommended.
Mark Piper gets us seamlessly into the head of an awkward teenager, his struggling soon-to-be-divorced mother, a mafia figure, and some FBI agents and does it believably. The single magic-realism element of the magic lantern ripples through the scenario he's created in a thoroughly credible manner. The resolution was both surprising and satisfying. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2023
Be careful what you wish for….
The author weaves an interesting story of Jake who is lucky to find a treasure that would change his life. Is it a curse or a gift?
I am mystery buff, and picked this one because I found the blurb intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, especially how everyone changes their colours around Jake as soon as they find out that he could make wishes. The colours of the society was well described and the novel reminds us of the greed in everyone’s heart.
I highly recommend this for young people. Jake is 5e perfect example of what a usual teenager goes through and how he learns through his experience and makes a third wish … that changes his life forever.
Highly recommend 😀
The author weaves an interesting story of Jake who is lucky to find a treasure that would change his life. Is it a curse or a gift?
I am mystery buff, and picked this one because I found the blurb intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, especially how everyone changes their colours around Jake as soon as they find out that he could make wishes. The colours of the society was well described and the novel reminds us of the greed in everyone’s heart.
I highly recommend this for young people. Jake is 5e perfect example of what a usual teenager goes through and how he learns through his experience and makes a third wish … that changes his life forever.
Highly recommend 😀
January 29, 2020
Mark Piper’s debut novel You Wish is a winner! Jake Parker, the protagonist is an awkward, likable fifteen-year-old. He discovers a magic lantern in a secret room of an abandoned mansion. On rubbing the lantern, he’s granted three wishes. Sounds straightforward and young adult focused. Not at all! It’s a delightful story that will appeal to all ages. The plot is clever and imaginative. As Jake struggles to decide his Final Wish, unsavory characters with self-serving intentions appear to influence his decision. The reader roots for Jake to do the right thing. From beginning to end, it’s a well-written, enjoyable book that’s hard to set aside.
March 5, 2021
In my opinion, "You wish" is more than just a book for teenagers! Behind the story of a fourteen years old boy who found a magic lantern is a critique of modern society and its foibles, particularly acute regarding the role of the media, the weight of social pressure, and the sometimes cynical behavior of the government and its agents.
I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to everyone. Five star, of course!
I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to everyone. Five star, of course!
February 18, 2020
So refreshing! How did Mark Piper get the magic of a found lantern with the stunning realism of contemporary society? This is not just for young adults, but for those of us who need a dose of the wonderful along with a sardonic take on corruption and greed in business and government. A very satisfying read.
October 7, 2023
You Wish, by Mark Scott Piper, is the story of fourteen-year-old Jake Parker finding a lantern in an abandoned house in ruins. His discovery is a gift that could solve all his problems, but Jake soon realizes it can also be a curse... The story is well-written, the characters are well-developed, the book is a page turner, and the lesson is clear. I enjoyed reading You Wish and recommend this book to anyone at any age.
January 11, 2020
You Wish is a unique crossover tale with the ability to hold the interests of teen and adult readers alike. The depth of characters and thought-provoking story premise kept me flipping pages to the very end. Jake is a relatable and engaging hero. Highly recommend this story!
December 29, 2022
A wonderful fable of innocence and greed...
Jake Parker lives in a dream world, playing out his fantasies as Captain Hawke with his school chum Lester Woo. They are diminutive geeks, rubbish at sport and passed over by girls at school. Jake’s father has taken up with a busty bimbette, leaving him without a father figure and exposed to ridicule from his contemporaries.
Jake’s life changes forever when he and his friend Lester explore a derelict mansion house. He finds a lantern engraved with a message granting three wishes to whoever liberates it. To his surprise the legend proves true, and a delicious pizza materialises on his bed.
A second miracle occurs when unscrupulous officials descend on the valuable estate to evict a possible legatee, an old man called Ben Akyack, who has parked his dilapidated caravan on the land. The phenomenon is witnessed by news reporters and cameramen, leaving no one in doubt of the magical power of the lantern. But now there is only one wish left.
In an instant, Jake becomes the most popular young guy on the planet, the news media ablaze with his dilemma. What should the last wish be?
His absentee father arrives back on the scene, a variety agent turns up, and the president sends in the FBI. They are all hoping to profit from Jake’s wish. But what should he do?
Mark Scott Piper has produced a wonderful fable of innocent youth coming to terms with greed, avarice, and the ways of the world. I loved this charming, coming-of-age novel. A tale that stands alongside those of J K Rowling and George R R Martin in the fantasy-drama-young adult genre. A highly recommended page-turner. Five sparkling stars.
Jake Parker lives in a dream world, playing out his fantasies as Captain Hawke with his school chum Lester Woo. They are diminutive geeks, rubbish at sport and passed over by girls at school. Jake’s father has taken up with a busty bimbette, leaving him without a father figure and exposed to ridicule from his contemporaries.
Jake’s life changes forever when he and his friend Lester explore a derelict mansion house. He finds a lantern engraved with a message granting three wishes to whoever liberates it. To his surprise the legend proves true, and a delicious pizza materialises on his bed.
A second miracle occurs when unscrupulous officials descend on the valuable estate to evict a possible legatee, an old man called Ben Akyack, who has parked his dilapidated caravan on the land. The phenomenon is witnessed by news reporters and cameramen, leaving no one in doubt of the magical power of the lantern. But now there is only one wish left.
In an instant, Jake becomes the most popular young guy on the planet, the news media ablaze with his dilemma. What should the last wish be?
His absentee father arrives back on the scene, a variety agent turns up, and the president sends in the FBI. They are all hoping to profit from Jake’s wish. But what should he do?
Mark Scott Piper has produced a wonderful fable of innocent youth coming to terms with greed, avarice, and the ways of the world. I loved this charming, coming-of-age novel. A tale that stands alongside those of J K Rowling and George R R Martin in the fantasy-drama-young adult genre. A highly recommended page-turner. Five sparkling stars.
September 27, 2019
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
At a very young age, we all start making wishes. Whether we are sitting behind a birthday cake’s candle or looking up at the night sky, we think of what we want most and hope our wish or wishes come true.
In You Wish, Jake finds an old ship’s lantern and discoveries it has the power to grant wishes. The catch: You can’t say the wish out loud or disclose your wish. If you do, the wish is recanted.
Like Jake, I think many of us would accidentally wish for something ridiculous. This magical blunder could really happen…if magic really existed.
As for Jake’s other wishes: The second one was caught on camera, viewed by onlookers and broadcasted around the globe. The repercussions were instant. Jake’s life was turned upside down. All eyes were on him to see what he’d wish for next. Many people had insights what he should wish for and the consequences of said wish(es).
End world hunger, cure cancer, world peace, wealth… Jake had so many suggestions thrown at him including one from the President of the United States. The POTUS’ wish was absolutely something I could see our current President asking for because he’s… well, I won’t tarnish this review by stating my feelings on the current White House resident.
When the world is watching your every move, the level of stress to make the right choice must be astronomical. I wouldn’t want to be in Jake’s shoes. I must reiterate, Jake’s life wasn’t his own anymore. Even his family was impacted by Jake’s sudden fame.
It’s nice to think about what if I had three wishes, but in actuality, I wouldn’t want three wishes because it’s too much pressure. However, it was NO pressure getting through this story. This book is worth reading whether you are a teenager, an older individual, or somewhere in between. So, pick it up and start reading it today!
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
At a very young age, we all start making wishes. Whether we are sitting behind a birthday cake’s candle or looking up at the night sky, we think of what we want most and hope our wish or wishes come true.
In You Wish, Jake finds an old ship’s lantern and discoveries it has the power to grant wishes. The catch: You can’t say the wish out loud or disclose your wish. If you do, the wish is recanted.
Like Jake, I think many of us would accidentally wish for something ridiculous. This magical blunder could really happen…if magic really existed.
As for Jake’s other wishes: The second one was caught on camera, viewed by onlookers and broadcasted around the globe. The repercussions were instant. Jake’s life was turned upside down. All eyes were on him to see what he’d wish for next. Many people had insights what he should wish for and the consequences of said wish(es).
End world hunger, cure cancer, world peace, wealth… Jake had so many suggestions thrown at him including one from the President of the United States. The POTUS’ wish was absolutely something I could see our current President asking for because he’s… well, I won’t tarnish this review by stating my feelings on the current White House resident.
When the world is watching your every move, the level of stress to make the right choice must be astronomical. I wouldn’t want to be in Jake’s shoes. I must reiterate, Jake’s life wasn’t his own anymore. Even his family was impacted by Jake’s sudden fame.
It’s nice to think about what if I had three wishes, but in actuality, I wouldn’t want three wishes because it’s too much pressure. However, it was NO pressure getting through this story. This book is worth reading whether you are a teenager, an older individual, or somewhere in between. So, pick it up and start reading it today!
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
August 22, 2022
I can see this book as required reading for middle or high school. Jake Parker experiences the typical angst of a teenager: separated parents, the awkwardness of being a geek, and a geeky but cooler older brother. What other teenagers don't have is a magical lantern, which brings Jake additional anxiety.
Jake, his brother Kevin, and his best friend, Lester Woo, discover the lantern's power to grant three wishes. Jake wastes his first wish on pizza but is more careful and even films his second wish. Once social media grabs hold of the lantern's power, the mania is unleashed. Everyone asks Jake to make their dreams come true, even the President of the United States. I love the author's take on society.
Jake meets an older man, Ben, who lives on the mansion's property, a man with no past but a heart of gold. Ben gives Jake the attention and support he doesn't receive from his father. Their relationship grows with the story, as does Jake, until he makes a wise choice with his third wish.
Jake, his brother Kevin, and his best friend, Lester Woo, discover the lantern's power to grant three wishes. Jake wastes his first wish on pizza but is more careful and even films his second wish. Once social media grabs hold of the lantern's power, the mania is unleashed. Everyone asks Jake to make their dreams come true, even the President of the United States. I love the author's take on society.
Jake meets an older man, Ben, who lives on the mansion's property, a man with no past but a heart of gold. Ben gives Jake the attention and support he doesn't receive from his father. Their relationship grows with the story, as does Jake, until he makes a wise choice with his third wish.
June 3, 2020
This is a read that gathers you up as part of the yarn and as a cohort of Jake’s, the almost-fifteen year old protagonist. A story for young adults as well as old fogies, it's an exciting adventure of twists and turns, tension and conflict with an allegorical suggestion regarding our current sociological state of affairs.
Piper provides us a vivid view of our world today, both through the eyes of its younger characters and those of a wizened if wise old coot named Ben. Piper has a polished insight regarding humanity and subtly allows it to sweeten the page. "My Wish" provided me with hours of interest and fun and fully expect it appeals to all ages and genders who seek a well-written story; one that leaves both characters and reader with a few fresh ideas about life.
Piper provides us a vivid view of our world today, both through the eyes of its younger characters and those of a wizened if wise old coot named Ben. Piper has a polished insight regarding humanity and subtly allows it to sweeten the page. "My Wish" provided me with hours of interest and fun and fully expect it appeals to all ages and genders who seek a well-written story; one that leaves both characters and reader with a few fresh ideas about life.
May 5, 2022
Loved loved loved this story!
From the start, already appreciated the flow…conversation between characters read easily.
Brought me back to the days of my own childhood and the times of playing ‘pretend.’
Sent me off to a place of ‘dress-up’- made me think of my own daughters in the land of make believe. Heart-warming.
Totally invested in the story and the characters. Sat on the edge of my seat and couldn’t wait to see what happens next. I felt like a giddy kid. I can’t say it enough. I really, really loved this adventure story.
From the start, already appreciated the flow…conversation between characters read easily.
Brought me back to the days of my own childhood and the times of playing ‘pretend.’
Sent me off to a place of ‘dress-up’- made me think of my own daughters in the land of make believe. Heart-warming.
Totally invested in the story and the characters. Sat on the edge of my seat and couldn’t wait to see what happens next. I felt like a giddy kid. I can’t say it enough. I really, really loved this adventure story.
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