The Wish by Heather Morris
The Wish carries the tagline “some stories live forever” and this first contemporary novel by author Heather Morris is certain to live on in its readers’ hearts. She is well known for her impeccably researched uplifting works of historical fiction based on real events including critically acclaimed The Tattooist of Auschwitz which spent 70 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. This longtime resident of Australia drew upon personal experiences garnered during her previous 20+ year career as a social worker in a large metropolitan hospital where tragedy, trauma and death were an integral part of every working day to fashion this meaningful story. Bring a fresh box of tissues to a comfortable place where you can read undisturbed, and lose yourself in The Wish.
A Brave Young Heart
Jesse Morgan is a fifteen-year old veteran cancer warrior whose recent return to the Pediatric Oncology Ward signals she is nearing the end of a several years-long ferocious battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. ALL is a rare form of rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Despite multiple sessions of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, blood transfusions and a stem cell transplant from her valiant little brother Sam, nothing has been completely successful for Jesse. Before the diagnosis, she was an all-round athlete like her runner father Dean and additionally excelled at gymnastics and ballet. Jesse is tall, quite thin and delighted to see the strawberry blond downy fluff growing back on her head since the latest round of chemo.
This hospital ward is a second home where she shares a room with best friend Amy who is faring better with treatments. Colorful posters and family photos adorn the wall while other small mementos populate their night stands. Luke and Ryan rush in from down the corridor as quickly as their IV stands will allow, chatting animatedly before becoming engrossed in playing video games. Aggressive treatments, periods of remission and strong family ties have matured and bonded this optimistic quartet of friends well beyond their chronological years. Offering excellent medical attention, as well as stability, the hospital’s entire staff is dedicated and truly cares about their patients. Long-term employees head nurse Sandy and social worker Kelly seamlessly interact with physicians, parents and the patients whose needs they place foremost.
An Extraordinary Final Wish
Being pragmatic, and realizing her time is limited, Jesse asks social worker Kelly to coordinate with the “Inspire a Wish” Foundation to grant her a request: the creation of an interactive live action video experience as an immersive family memento including photographs, home movies, her mom’s poetry, little brother Sam’s paintings and incorporating a vision of a future that is not to be. Far beyond the stitching together of photos typically run on a loop at weddings and funerals, this visionary concept requires specialized talents. Locally, animated video game manufacturers TriOptic Studios possess all the necessary skills to fulfill her wish.
Business owner Frank assigns Alex Daniels to the presumably short project as he is the most adept with the implementation of 3-D CGI imaging and integration software.
Although 29 year-old Alex is a brilliant creator and problem solver on the job, he is lonely, rather emotionally stunted, has never had a close friend, and is uncomfortable with children. With his father unknown and mother dead when he was seven, he was placed in fourteen foster homes. Intelligence and determination propelled him through college and into this position at TriOptic enabling him to acquire the modest home he shares with his canine companion Max. Although clashing with Kelly at their first on-site meeting at the hospital, he is unable to decline this assignment. For her part, Jesse is over-the-moon pleased that Alex almost immediately grasps the scope of her ambitious intentions.
The Enduring Power of Love
Unforeseen obstacles emerge that must be surmounted. While Jesse’s mom Mandy is fully supportive of her daughter’s wishes, dad Dean is unable to accept that his beloved child is terminally ill and his imprudent attempts to ban Alex from the hospital cause a rift in the marriage. Realizing the project requires more brainpower, Alex recruits work colleagues whose dedication results in camaraderie and the creation of a video experience well beyond anyone’s expectations. Heather Morris has given us a beautiful story celebrating life that will doubtless remain with readers long after the epilogue is read. The Wish is a life-affirming testament to the transformational power of love filled with friendship, found family, tenderness and hope.
Another inspiring book recommendation is Marianne Cronin’s The One Hundred Years of Margot and Lenni.
About Heather Morris:
Heather Morris is a #1 internationally bestselling author and has sold over 18 million copies of her works worldwide. Her books include The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka’s Journey, Three Sisters, Sisters Under the Rising Sun, Stories of Hope, and the forthcomingThe Wish. A native of New Zealand, she now lives in Australia.
