Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—
a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine.

If you're new here, hello and welcome! Here's how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, where you'll be able to find Bestie Book Club updates, special contests, giveaways and more. 

Here's a quick list of everything you'll find inside this post (and beyond)...

One True Wish: THE BOOK CLUB AT-A-GLANCE
+ Check out this month's must-read (buy it right now HERE!)
+ Get *all* the amazing book deets (warning: spoilers abound!)
+ Meet our ~srsly fabulous~ #bookstagrammer besties
+ Learn how to join our book club!

Fantasy fans, hold on tight: One True Wish by amaze author Lauren Kate (her Fallen series is *the* enemies-to-lovers blueprint, btw) is fun, fast-paced and full of heartfelt friendship moments.

Middle schooler Gem used to believe in magic—that is, of course, until she started sixth grade and everything just sort of...changed. Enter: Phoebe LaCroix, a fairy who just crash-landed in the middle of Texas, totally confused and looking for a way back home to the North Star. Gem, her BFF Birdie and new-kid-in-town Van team up to help Phoebe...but she might just have a few tricks up her sleeve for this trio.

One True Wish is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. And with so many characters to love (Van = the bestie everyone deserves), you'll be recommending this read to your whole crew.

Pssst: Want to skip the spoilers and just read our (low spoiler) Bestie Book Club reviews? Click HERE.

BFFs Gem and Birdie have been inseparable since they were tots. Now, as soon-to-be seventh graders, Birdie can't shake the feeling that something's wrong with her true-blue bestie—even though Gem won't say what's on her mind. When the girls find fellow student Van protecting a mysterious creature in the nearby woods, Birdie knows she has one chance to save Phoebe (a fairy who doesn't believe in children) *and* her friendship with Gem. No pressure...right? 

One thing is for certain: The only way for Gem, Birdie and Van to help Phoebe is to tap into the power of the True Wish—but can they set aside their differences to help Phoebe restore her wish-granting abilities? 

What are you waiting for? Read One True Wish by Lauren Kate right now!

Spoiler level: Medium

Did our Bestie Book Club love One True Wish? Read on! Meet Joy, Lorelei, Kerryann, Paizley and Lainey. These ~fabulous~ GL girls heart reading as much as you do—and they're here to answer *all* our most burning Q's about our May book pick!

Lorelei @loreleicheers

Who would you recommend this read to? "Anyone who's going through a big change in their life. Change can be super scary, but believing in those around us makes things easier."
Which scene stood out to you? "The bike ride from the recital. It really shows how a beautiful moment can be distorted by our own insecurities. Surrounding yourself with a support system makes *all* the difference." 
Fave thing about reading? "I just love how books take me into a fantasy world where impossible becomes possible. Everything is just a page away."

Paizley @paizley_steven

A quote that left you feeling inspired? "'If you really can grant wishes, then why didn't you help me?' This is from the beginning of the story when Van is frustrated with Phoebe, and no one believes in magic—or each other, tbh."
Which character could you relate to most? "Probably Birdie. I have those friendships where I feel left out too, which is why I like Birdie's character. She made it relatable on so many levels."
Fave scene? "It really hit home when Birdie and Gem's problems came to a head. As a dancer, I'm constantly competing against my teammates, so I get how they felt."

Joy @joytuckofficial

Fave character? "Phoebe. She was hilarious without even trying."
What do you heart most about reading? "Every book is a chance to go somewhere new and exciting. And with One True Wish, it really felt like I was adventuring alongside Birdie, Gem and Van."
How would you describe Birdie and Gem's friendship? "You can tell they care about each other a lot, but they aren't always honest about their feelings. I definitely related to Birdie's feeling of losing Gem—friendships are sometimes hard to navigate."

Lainey @book.cloud

Describe Phoebe in just three words: "Free-spirited, mischevious and skeptical."
If you could have one wish granted, what would it be? "I'd love to have magical powers. But for a more practical wish, I'd ask to feel more peaceful. Life can get pretty busy."
What would you rate this read out of five stars? ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kerryann @practicingshelfcare

Best way to get out of a reading slump? "Turning to an old favorite that I *know* will make me smile."
Which character could you relate to most? "Van. Although we don't have much in common on the surface, I recently moved to a new city, away from all my friends. Van is thrown into a similar situation with so many unknowns, so I totally understand their struggle to adjust."
Fave thing about One True Wish? "I'm always excited by books that put a spin on familiar tropes. This book does exactly that—Phoebe is the exact opposite of most fairies!"

We captured the summer vibe of One True Wish and sprinkled in a lil' fairy dust to make you this playlist...meant to be belted with your besties, ofc. ✨

So you've read the book and you're ready to talk all things One True Wish? Wondering *exactly* how the Bestie Book Club works and what it means to be a member? There are so many ways you can get involved—whether it's solo, on social media or with your squad. Here's a quick list...
+ SOLO. Take out your journal and answer any of our reader response prompts based on One True Wish: Which character could you relate to most—Birdie, Gem or Van? Have you ever had a falling out with a friend? How did you patch up the problem? What would you ask for if you could have a true wish granted? What important messages about the book stood out to you? Would you recommend this read to your friends? 
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Share your thoughts on One True Wish using the hashtag #glbestiebookclub on Twitter and Instagram (Just remember: You have to have a public account for us to be able to see you and respond to your posts). 
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Host a book club party—IRL or Zoom— to chat about the questions above. Be sure to reach out to a new friend and bring them along. And be sure to tag us in your snaps so we can share them!

Header image via @laurenkatebooks

by GL | 4/25/2023