Release date: May 5, 2026
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis:
From the #1 bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz comes a heartbreaking contemporary novel full of the author’s characteristic empathy and understanding of the human a dying teenager with a final wish, a lonely young man on a journey towards connection, and the unexpected friendship they find together, this is an irresistible and unforgettable read for fans of Jojo Moyes, Jodi Picoult, and John Green.
Jesse is fifteen. She loves her friends, her little brother and her parents, even when they’re arguing, which feels constant these days. But most of all, she loves playing video games. Even from her hospital bed.
Alex is twenty-nine. He doesn’t love a lot of things and isn’t really sure he knows how to. A virtual reality games designer, his work desk is empty except for his computer, much like his life sometimes feels.
Then Jesse makes a wish. A simple a video experience made of her life, something to be there, just in case she isn’t.
One loving teenager.
One lonely adult.
Which one will get the happy ending?
Review:
The Wish by Heather Morris is a deeply emotional, quietly powerful story that leans into grief, love, and the fragile beauty of human connection. Centered around Jesse, a teenager battling cancer, and Alex, a withdrawn game designer tasked with bringing her final wish to life, the novel explores what it means to truly be seen, especially in life’s most devastating moments. Morris captures the intimacy of Jesse’s world with tenderness, balancing the heaviness of her circumstances with moments of warmth, humor, and unexpected light.
At times, the premise teeters on the edge of sentimentality, and there are moments where it feels like it could slip into something overly polished or predictable, but for the most part, it holds steady in its sincerity. The emotional weight lands, often quietly, building into something that feels heartfelt rather than manipulative. This is undeniably a sad, bittersweet read—one that lingers and asks you to sit with it. If you’re in the right mood for something poignant and reflective, The Wish delivers a moving story about courage, resilience, and the lasting imprint we leave on the people we love but it is super sad so be forewarned.
Overall rating: 3.5/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
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