Nerds and Beyond Book Club: Reader Q&A for ‘I Wish You All the Best’ by Mason Deaver
Welcome to the first Q&A article of our Nerds and Beyond Book Club series! This month, we read I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver. We had our Book Club answer some questions after reading this new YA novel! Here’s what they had to say:
What was your initial reaction to this book?
Julia (@jahooliaa): I was a little surprised at how hopeful it was throughout. Ben struggled with a lot from the get go. Sometimes books with characters who struggle so much feel so hopeless, but I didn’t get that from Ben. Even though they felt hopeless sometimes, they tried really hard to push through it, and I really admire that about Ben and the story in general.
Nikki (@waywardnerd67): I was weary of reading this book at first. My views on LGBTQ community are limited. I never got the big deal about it, because it never affected me directly. Just in the last couple of years have I really come to know people within that community and empathize with them. Reading I Wish You All the Best has opened my eyes and heart in wonderful ways. Truly grasping the concept of “Love is Love” because I fell in love with Ben and Nathan’s story. Once I invested in Ben’s story, I could not put the book down.
Nicole (@nicmanz15): From the moment I read the description, I was excited to read it. Once I started, I automatically fell in love! I usually like to read a book over a couple of days so I can take it all in, but I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day! (But then I re-read it a few days later, haha!) After I finished reading it, I was surprised at how much the story and characters stuck with me. Even after reading other books and having time pass, I still love and think about this book and Ben and Nathan all the time! I just love it!
What is your favorite quote/passage?
Julia (@jahooliaa): “When I think of Nathan, I think of warmth. Of reds, and oranges. But most of all, I think of yellow. That just seems like such a Nathan-y color. Happiness, joy, his optimism, that smile.”
Nikki (@waywardnerd67): “’It’s a hard thing to forget, isn’t it? Even harder to forgive.’ Dr. Taylor asks.”
Nicole (@nicmanz15): “‘Whatever happens’ — his grip tightens a little — ‘I wish you all the best, Benjamin De Backer.’ He says it with a smile. ‘You deserve it.’”
What scene stood out the most to you?
Julia (@jahooliaa): The scene when Ben shows Nathan the drawing Ben did of Nathan while he was studying stands out most. Even though Ben had shown Nathan their art before, this time was much more personal, I thought, and created a much deeper trust and willingness to be vulnerable with Nathan.
Nikki (@waywardnerd67): Ben and Hannah finally talking about her leaving when they were a kid. It ties into my favorite line that it is something hard to forget and even harder to forgive. I think we all have moments like that in our lives with people we love. How Ben copes with it afterwards shows an honest take of how depression and anxiety can be crippling. The whole chapter was one I could relate to personally.
Nicole (@nicmanz15): There are actually a few scenes that stood out the most to me and they all revolve around Ben and their anxiety/panic attacks. The way that their anxiety is written and the language used is the same way I describe my own feelings of panic and anxiety. It was so comforting to read and see myself in Ben, not only at these anxious points but overcoming them!
Waffles or Pancakes? 😉
Julia (@jahooliaa): Waffles, of course!!
Nikki (@waywardnerd67): Waffles! Fluffy goodness with syrup pockets. I mean… come on! Who doesn’t like pockets?
Nicole (@nicmanz15): WAFFLES!!!
To participate in our Book Club, just send an email to staff@nerdsandbeyond.com with “Book Club” in the subject line. We’ll be emailing out discussion questions to be posted in an article at the end of each month.
We will be posting our book for the month of August tomorrow, so be sure to check back and join us!