Coming September 17th, 2024 from Blackstone Publishing; 376 pages
Content Warning: Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), domestic abuse, attempted suicide, bullying
About the Author: “Melody Maysonet is the author of the critically acclaimed novel A Work of Art and has been an English teacher, editor, columnist, and ghostwriter. After growing up in Illinois, she moved to South Florida to see how much greener the grass could be … and discovered that life is what you make of it, wherever that happens to be. What We Wish For is her second novel” (Bio from Bookshop.org).
Find Melody Maysonet on the following platforms:
As a result of her mother’s addiction, Layla and her mom are currently tenants of Helping Hands Homeless Shelter. It’s an embarrassing fact Layla will do anything to hide from her classmates, including her best friend, Morgan. When her mother overdoses on heroin, Layla is left in the care of her affluent aunt and uncle, Tanya and Scott Rockwell, while her mom is sent to rehab. Suddenly, Layla has access to luxuries she hasn’t had in ages, such as a nice, warm bed and fancy new clothes. However, living in the Rockwell household is not as pleasant as the family wants people to believe. As secrets get harder to keep and her mother’s condition worsens, Layla learns who she can truly rely on in her times of need.
Melody Maysonet’s What We Wish For introduces readers to a variety of themes that are intricately woven to create a meaningful, nuanced story about addiction, family, and insecurity. Between the trying issues concerning Layla’s mother and her uncle’s status as a corrupt politician, I expected an allegory demanding that the audience live a certain way. Instead, Maysonet lets readers come to their own conclusions about the causes and solutions to mental health problems and addiction, focusing more on the stigma around the issues presented. I found that not steering readers towards the author’s desired way of handling a difficult situation was a refreshing change from some contemporary YA literature. While in search of a more permanent home, Layla guides readers through her introspective journey, adjusting her perspective to find more compassion for her friends, family, and herself. One such example is when another teenager at the homeless shelter becomes a close friend of hers. He encourages Layla to see her mother’s condition as a disease, rather than a choice made without concern for its impact on Layla. Stories about teenagers going through such distressing circumstances can be emotionally challenging to read, but Layla’s perseverance and personal growth in the face of adversity are what make What We Wish For worthwhile.
What We Wish For releases on September 17th, 2024.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Abby Ballas, Pine Reads Review Writer & Editor