What You Wish For by Katherine Center

WHAT YOU WISH FOR by Katherine Center (How to Walk Away) is a light summer read which was selected as a LibraryReads choice for July. Set on the Texas Gulf Coast, a main character is Samantha (Sam), a librarian who has changed schools and re-imagined herself as a colorful, fun-loving, caring professional. She works at a private school whose new principal, coincidentally a former co-worker, is named Duncan and has evolved into a rule follower after a trauma in his life. Together, the two struggle to find a common ground that provides both safety and a free, innovative atmosphere (“never miss a chance to celebrate!”) which is so integral to the culture of the Kempner School.  There is an uplifting, feel good sense to this book: “‘Joy is an antidote to fear. To anger. To boredom. To sorrow.’ ‘But you can’t just decide to feel joyful.’ ‘True. But you can decide to do something joyful.’” Recommended for fans of JoJo Moyes, WHAT YOU WISH FOR received a starred review from Kirkus (“timely… filled with quirky characters and comforting warmth”).