The Wish List is about a teenage girl named Meg who is on the verge of death. She is given the chance to redeem her life by completing a list of tasks assigned by a grumpy old man named Lowrie, who's been dead for years. As Meg and Lowrie embark on a journey through the afterlife, they learn about second chances, forgiveness, and the true meaning of life.
Table of Content
The Wish List Book Summary
Meg Finn, a teenager with a troubled past, finds herself in a dire situation when she dies in a botched robbery. Instead of the afterlife she was expecting, she faces Lowrie McCall, a curmudgeonly old man who offers her a deal.
If she completes a wish list of tasks for him, she will earn a second chance at life. Together, they embark on a journey through the afterlife, where Meg must confront her former partner in crime, Belch Brennan, who caused her death.
As Meg and Lowrie travel, they encounter both the beauty and the harshness of the afterlife. Meg's brother, Terrence, and a new friend, Ellie, grieve for her in the living world, adding depth to Meg's reflections on her past.
Each task on the wish list challenges Meg to make amends for her previous actions. She must confront her history of crime and the pain she has caused others. Along the way, she discovers the true value of life and the importance of forgiveness.
Lowrie, too, seeks redemption for his past mistakes, and his partnership with Meg becomes a testament to the power of change. Together, they face increasingly difficult tasks, each one bringing them closer to their goal.
Upon their return to the living world, Meg finds herself in a different place. The impact of her journey has transformed her, and she is now equipped to repair the relationships she once destroyed.
Belch, who is also given an opportunity for redemption, is confronted with his own choices and the consequences they have wrought. The final task involves an act of great sacrifice, testing Meg and Belch to their limits.
Ultimately, Meg's journey is one of self-discovery and growth. She learns that it is never too late to change, and that the value of a life is not measured by its length, but by the impact it has on others.
As the wish list nears its completion, the line between life and death blurs for Meg. She must make a choice that will define her future, one that hinges on her ability to let go of the past and embrace the person she has become.
With the completion of the final task, Meg's fate is sealed. The wish list has not only changed her, but it has also brought closure and healing to those she has left behind.
Lowrie, having found peace through his journey with Meg, is finally able to move on from the afterlife, content with the impact they have made together.
Meg's story becomes a legacy, one that inspires others to seek forgiveness and make the most of the time they have. It is a tale of hope and second chances, a reminder that no one is beyond redemption.
As the wish list is concluded, the threads of Meg's life are woven together once more. Through her trials and triumphs, she has discovered the true meaning of her existence and the value of the relationships she holds dear.
The Wish List Quotes
- The best way to predict the future is to invent it.
- There's always room for a story that can transport people to another place.
- The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
The Wish List Ending Explained
At the end of The Wish List, Meg is faced with a momentous decision. She has completed the tasks on her wish list, and her transformation is evident.
Lowrie, the companion who has guided her through the afterlife, bids her farewell, having completed his own journey of redemption. Meg, now given a second chance, wakes up in the hospital, surrounded by her family and friends.
Her experiences have not only changed her but have also affected those around her. The impact of her journey is felt as she begins to mend the relationships she once damaged, embracing her new lease on life with hope and gratitude.
Characters in book The Wish List
- Meg Finn: The main protagonist, a 14-year-old girl who has led a life of crime and is given a chance to redeem herself after her untimely death.
- Lowrie McCall: A grumpy old man who has been dead for many years and is also given a chance to make amends. He is the guide who accompanies Meg on her afterlife journey.
- Belch Brennan: Meg's former partner in crime. He is responsible for Meg's death and becomes a crucial part of her journey.
- St. Peter: The gatekeeper of Heaven who oversees Meg's wish list tasks and ensures they are completed.
- Terrence: Meg's younger brother who is still alive and plays a significant role in Meg's reflection on her past life.
- Ellie: A kind and gentle girl who befriends Terrence and provides comfort to the living world.
Key Lessons
- Embrace Second Chances: Life is about making mistakes and having the opportunity to learn from them. Second chances are precious and should be seized with gratitude and purpose.
- Value Redemption: Redemption is not just for the soul seeking it, but for those it touches. The act of redemption has the power to heal and restore faith in humanity.
- Seek Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a path to personal freedom and the mending of relationships. It requires courage and humility, but its rewards are immeasurable.
- Focus on Impact: The true value of a life lies in the impact it has on others. Small acts of kindness and the capacity to change for the better can resonate far beyond one's own existence.
- Understand Regret: Regret can be a powerful teacher. It is a reminder of past actions and a call to reflect, seek to understand, and ultimately, to change.
- Appreciate Life: Life is a gift, and its value is not determined by its length, but by how it is lived and the connections it fosters.
My Personal Opinion
Is The Wish List worth reading? Absolutely yes, I found it to be a touching and thought-provoking exploration of life and its complexities. The blend of humor and deep reflection is masterfully executed.
I was particularly drawn to the character development of Meg and the emotional depth of her journey. On the flip side, I sometimes felt the story bordered on being overly sentimental. The lessons it imparts, though profound, are not subtle, which might not appeal to every reader.
I would recommend The Wish List to young adult readers and those who appreciate stories that delve into the human condition. It's a book that can spark meaningful conversations about life, choices, and the power of redemption. It's a story that resonates with me, and I believe it will with many others as well.