In "As You Wish" by Chelsea Sedoti, seventeen-year-old Eldon Wilkes lives in Madison, where every resident is granted a wish on their eighteenth birthday. However, Eldon is conflicted about what to wish for as he observes the unintended consequences of other people's wishes. As he explores the true nature of happiness and the impact of desires, Eldon learns valuable lessons about life, love, and what truly matters.
- Author: Chelsea Sedoti
- Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
- Number of Pages: 432
- Year of Publication: 2018
- Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
As You Wish by Chelsea Sedoti Short Summary
In “As You Wish” by Chelsea Sedoti, the town of Madison is unique because every resident can make a wish on their eighteenth birthday, and it will come true. Seventeen-year-old Eldon Wilkes is struggling with this impending choice. He sees the complexities and often unintended consequences of the wishes made by others around him. Eldon’s sister, for example, wished for love but ended up in a coma. As his wish day approaches, Eldon embarks on a journey of self-discovery, trying to understand what makes people happy and what he should wish for.
Throughout the book, Eldon learns that a wish cannot simply grant happiness and that the journey to finding true contentment is more complex than he ever imagined. This poignant story explores desire, regret, and the importance of thoughtful decisions. It challenges readers to consider what they would wish for and the potential consequences of their deepest desires. To read summaries of more books, stay with us at Better Summary.
Who is the Author of As You Wish?
Chelsea Sedoti is the author of “As You Wish.” She grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, which fueled her imagination with its vibrant and unconventional atmosphere. Sedoti has always been passionate about storytelling and pursued her love for writing from a young age. Her writing often explores unique concepts and deep emotional themes, making her a notable voice in young adult literature.
Sedoti’s debut novel, “The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett,” was published in 2017. This book tells the story of a teenager named Hawthorn Creely who becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of her missing classmate, Lizzie Lovett. Sedoti’s writing is known for its compelling characters, thoughtful explorations of life’s complexities, and engaging narratives.
Other works by Chelsea Sedoti include:
- The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett (2017): A mystery about a teenage girl’s obsession with a missing classmate.
- As You Wish (2018): A novel about a town where everyone can make a wish on their eighteenth birthday.
- It Came from the Sky (2020): A story about two brothers whose prank about a UFO sighting gets out of hand.
Sedoti continues to captivate readers with her imaginative stories and unique perspective on the challenges and wonders of life.
Who Should Read This Book?
“As You Wish” by Chelsea Sedoti is a captivating novel that appeals to many readers. Here are some groups who would particularly enjoy this book:
- Young Adults: The book’s protagonist is a seventeen-year-old, making it highly relatable for young adults navigating their journeys of self-discovery and decision-making.
- Fantasy Lovers: If you enjoy stories with magical or fantastical elements, such as the ability to make wishes come true, this book will captivate your imagination.
- Fans of Emotional and Thoughtful Stories: Readers who appreciate deep, emotional narratives that explore themes of happiness, desire, and consequence will find this book thought-provoking and engaging.
- Mystery Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy unraveling mysteries and seeing how characters deal with complex situations will be intrigued by the unexpected twists and turns in the story.
- Readers of Contemporary Fiction: Despite its fantastical premise, the book deals with real-life issues in a contemporary setting, making it appealing to fans of modern, realistic fiction.
- People Interested in Human Nature: If you are curious about human desires, motivations, and the consequences of our choices, this book offers a compelling exploration of these themes.
- Book Clubs: “As You Wish” is an excellent choice for book clubs, providing ample material for discussing wishes, consequences, and what truly makes us happy.
- Anyone Seeking a Unique Story: For readers looking for something different from the typical young adult fare, “As You Wish” offers a unique and refreshing narrative that stands out.
Whether you are a young adult or simply young at heart, “As You Wish” by Chelsea Sedoti is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of fantasy, emotion, and thoughtful storytelling. Stay with us to see the summaries of more books in the Fantasygenre.
Important Lessons You Can Get
The Complexity of Desires
One of the central lessons in “As You Wish” is the complexity of desires. The protagonist, Eldon Wilkes, learns that what people wish for often has unforeseen consequences. This teaches readers to think deeply about their desires and to consider the broader impact of getting what they want.
The Value of Self-Discovery
Eldon’s journey is one of self-discovery. As he grapples with what to wish for, he learns more about himself, his values, and what truly matters. This emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself before making significant decisions.
The True Nature of Happiness
The book explores the concept of happiness and how a wish cannot simply be granted. Eldon’s observations of others’ wishes reveal that true happiness comes from within and is often found in unexpected places. This lesson encourages readers to seek fulfillment in personal growth and relationships rather than material desires.
The Impact of Choices
Another important lesson is the impact of choices. Eldon sees how different wishes have shaped people’s lives in his town, sometimes negatively. This highlights the importance of making thoughtful and informed choices understanding that every decision carries consequences.
The Importance of Community and Relationships
Throughout the book, Eldon’s relationships with his friends, family, and community play a crucial role in his journey. This underscores the importance of having a supportive network and the value of solid and meaningful connections with others.
Embracing Uncertainty
Eldon learns to embrace life’s uncertainty instead of relying on a magical wish to solve his problems. This lesson teaches readers to accept that not everything can be controlled and that facing life’s challenges head-on can lead to personal growth and resilience.
These lessons make “As You Wish” a thought-provoking and enriching read, offering valuable insights into human nature and the complexities of life.
Quotes from the Book
- “Be careful what you wish for. There is a reason we say that.”
- This quote underscores the book’s central theme about the unforeseen consequences of our deepest desires.
- “Sometimes it feels like life would be easier if you could change everything about yourself.”
- Eldon’s struggle with self-acceptance and the desire to be different is poignantly captured here.
- “Wishes are powerful things. You think they will improve everything, but they can also worsen everything.”
- A reflection on the dual nature of wishes, highlighting the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
- “Happiness is not something that just happens to you. You have to choose it.”
- This quote emphasizes the book’s message that happiness is a choice and often requires effort and perspective.
- “The best things in life are not wishes—decisions.”
- It is a powerful reminder that our choices define us more than our dreams.
These quotes capture the essence of “As You Wish,“ offering readers a glimpse into its thoughtful and introspective narrative.
Comparison with Similar and Related Works
“As You Wish“ by Chelsea Sedoti can be compared to several similar and related works in the young adult and fantasy genres.
“The Giver“ by Lois Lowry
“As You Wish“ and “The Giver“ explore the consequences of a society where external forces control significant decisions. In “The Giver,“ a community’s emotions and memories are regulated to maintain order, while “As You Wish“ grants each resident a wish on their eighteenth birthday, with varying results. Both books challenge readers to consider the value of free will and the complexities of human desires.
“Wish“ by Barbara O’Connor
Barbara O’Connor’s “Wish“ also deals with the theme of wishes, focusing on a young girl named Charlie who fervently wishes for a better life. Unlike Sedoti’s book, which delves into the darker consequences of wishes, “Wish“ maintains a more hopeful and light-hearted tone. Both books, however, highlight the importance of family, friendship, and self-discovery.
“Before I Fall“ by Lauren Oliver
In “Before I Fall,“ the protagonist, Samantha, relives the same day multiple times, much like how Eldon contemplates the potential outcomes of his wish. Both novels explore themes of consequence, personal growth, and the impact of individual choices. They encourage readers to reflect on how their actions shape their lives and the lives of those around them.
“The Hunger Games“ by Suzanne Collins
While more dystopian and action-driven, “The Hunger Games“ shares with “As You Wish“ the exploration of societal structures and personal agency. Both protagonists, Katniss and Eldon, navigate systems that dictate significant aspects of their lives, ultimately seeking to define their paths.
These comparisons highlight “As You Wish“ as a unique yet relatable story that addresses universal themes through a fantastical lens.
FAQ
- What is the central theme of “As You Wish” by Chelsea Sedoti?
- The central theme of “As You Wish“ is the exploration of desires and their consequences. It delves into the complexity of human wishes and the importance of thoughtful decision-making. The story also touches on self-discovery, happiness, and the impact of choices.
- Is “As You Wish” suitable for all ages?
- While “As You Wish“ is primarily targeted at young adults due to its teenage protagonist and coming-of-age themes, its thoughtful exploration of human nature and desires makes it an engaging read for adults. However, some themes and situations may suit readers aged 12 and up.
- What other books are similar to “As You Wish”?
- Similar books include “The Giver“ by Lois Lowry, “Wish“ by Barbara O’Connor, “Before I Fall“ by Lauren Oliver, and “The Hunger Games“ by Suzanne Collins. These books share themes of societal control, personal agency, and the consequences of choices.
- Does “As You Wish” have a sequel?
- Currently, “As You Wish“ does not have a sequel. Chelsea Sedoti has written other standalone novels, but Eldon’s story does not directly continue.
- What message does “As You Wish” convey about happiness?
- “As You Wish“ conveys that a single wish or material desire cannot grant true happiness. Instead, it is found through self-discovery, personal growth, meaningful relationships, and thoughtful choices. The book encourages readers to look beyond quick fixes and to seek deeper fulfillment in their lives.
