As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

Standalone. HarperTeen (August 2009) Library

Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.                                                          

Jackson Pearce spins a magical tale about star-crossed lovers, what it means to belong . . . and how important it is to be careful what you wish for.

As Viola sits in class she starts to contemplate everything wrong in her life and everything she wished she could change. There's been something missing inside her ever since her best friend and former boyfriend told her he was gay. Now she isn't Viola and Lawrence anymore. She doesn't feel like she's anyone anymore. So she's just thinking, wishing that her life can change and then... eyes are staring back at her. This boy just suddenly appears before her and claims that she can have three wishes that done right can change her whole life. Much to the genie's, Jinn, chagrin Viola is taking her time on her wishes trying to find exactly what will make her happy. As Jinn and Viola spend time together their perspectives of each other change and love blossoms. But after three wishes Jinn will be gone. What will happen when Viola and Jinn are faced with that one last wish?

Viola is feeling invisible. She's lost a lot of confidence and can't seem to get back on track. I can relate to her feeling like she doesn't belong. She's doesn't fit into a certain group, she's in nowheresland. She feels all this after her break up with her boyfriend (who is still her best friend) which is a realistic reaction to a teenage breakup/first love. Although, towards the end her reactions to things seem a little childish and over dramatic. Viola is still a very relatable character who's story is enchanting.

I love that there is a world of genies! As soon as I read that As You Wish was about genies I had to read it. I mean genies... come on! That is so cool. I've never read or heard of a book with this kind of original story line. The magical aspect of the genies and wishes were fantastic. I liked the imagery of Caliban, the genie world, and the system in place to keep the genies "safe". Caliban is supposed to be a world of beauty and peace. But, in that world no one has a name or real individuality to them. Their life is endless. There is no real passion, pain, or love. 

Jinn wants to grant his wishes and leave right away to go back to his home in Caliban but he is faced with the contemplative Viola. Jinn is a bit perplexed by Viola. He's never met anyone like her and has him facing the real possibility that the life he is living is not a very satisfying one. I liked Jinn even more than Viola. He was a bit moody but in an endearing way. He really cared about Viola and his relationship with her was sweet. Jinn's coming to terms with his life in Caliban and his life here on earth was a real central part of why I liked this book so much. Again towards the end it was a bit dramatic but the magic, originality, and growth in characters really made this book a very light, fun read.