Wish - Hardcover

Bullen, Alexandra

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0545139058 ISBN 13: 9780545139052

Publisher: Point, 2010

Synopsis

Brokenhearted over the loss of her twin sister, Olivia Larson feels alone and adrift. When she is invited to a party full of beautiful strangers all she has to wear is one of her twin's cast-off dresses. Olivia brings the dress to a small, mysterious seamstress shop, but the dress is not returned to her the same. Down its newly crafted seams run a thread of magic: wear the dress, make a wish, and have it granted. Soon, Olivia will discover that while one wish might lead to the past, another might lead to true love, and still another... back to herself.

Luminously written by thrilling new talent Alexandra Bullen, and conceived by Alloy Entertainment, the think tank behind Gossip Girl, The Luxe, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this enchanting novel is the perfect modern-day fairy tale.

About this title

About the Author

Alexandra Bullen has been a playwright, waitress, barista, gardener, script reader, yoga instructor, and personal assistant. She grew up in Massachusetts, went to college in New York City, and lives most of the year on Martha's Vineyard (except when she's visiting San Francisco). www.akbullen.wordpress.com.

Reviews

Grade 9 Up—Olivia looks up from the wreckage of many months following the death of her twin to find herself uprooted across the country to San Francisco by her grieving attorney-mother and inconsolable contractor-father. Without Violet as a social and emotional crutch, Olivia doesn't know how she can face Golden Gate Prep. The touch of magic is subtle as the teen stumbles upon a hole-in-the-wall seamstress who agrees to mend an old dress of Violet's for a gathering at her mother's new firm. Instead, Olivia finds herself wearing a beautiful custom creation with a butterfly that bursts from fabric into life as Violet is wished back into Olivia's life. No one else can see or hear her, but Olivia's confidence is bolstered enough that she soon becomes friendly with Calla, the most popular girl in school, and catches the eye of skater cutie Soren. Complications ensue when Soren breaks up with Calla, and Olivia launches a clandestine romance, with a couple of dresses left to wear and wishes left to spend. This first-time novelist has produced an enjoyable variation on the three magical wishes scenario with nicely executed and believable characters, not so much fairy tale as realistic story—with some teen drinking. Olivia works through the wishes to realize her strengths and learn to face the world on her own.—Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

After Olivia’s twin sister dies, she and her parents move to San Francisco, where she struggles to cope with Violet’s absence while navigating a new school and new city. When Olivia brings one of Violet’s torn dresses to an unusual tailor’s shop, she receives a mysteriously beautiful dress in return. She learns the dress is magical when she wishes for her sister back and Violet appears as a ghost; together they learn Olivia has two more wish dresses. With Violet’s help, Olivia’s social life improves but grows tricky when she begins secretly dating a new friend’s recent ex. Despite the fashionable way the wishes are granted, they work the same as in other fantasies, creating complications for Olivia until she makes an accidental but heartfelt wish that cannot be undone. This effortless fantasy makes good use of the conceit of wishes, giving Olivia what she needs to ultimately let her sister go, but the consequences of her social deceptions are resolved too easily. The happily-ever-after ending is pure wish fulfillment, but still one deservedly obtained. Grades 8-11. --Krista Hutley

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

EXCERPT FROM WISH:
Olivia wiggled the dress free and over the top of the hanger and gasped.
This was not Violet's dress.
First of all, this dress was black. All black. No swirling Pucci prints, no contrasting colors. The empire waist had become a drop, and the narrow, delicate straps had been replaced with a thick halter, plunging into a deep V at the neck.
It wasn't that the dress was ugly- it was simply, in fact, not hers.
It must be a mistake, Olivia concluded, grabbing the bag from the bed, opening it, and angling the gown back in place. She was tugging the stubborn zipper back up the front, when a folded piece of paper fluttered onto the floor.
The note was written in purple crayon on the back of a graying business card, which looked like it predated not only custom graphics but most likely word processors in general. Olivia stared at the sloppy, childlike handwriting, her eyes blurring the six little words and setting them swirling. OLIVIA: TRY IT ON FIRST.

Edition details

• Publisher: Point
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0545139058
• ISBN 13: 9780545139052
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 336