In contrast to many reviews that label this book as "wholesome" or "feel-good," I found I Wish You All the Best to be emotionally heavier and more complex. While it certainly has moments of warmth and kindness, the story is steeped in angst, self-deprecation, and the painful reality of toxic parenting.

Ben’s journey is deeply affecting, but the lack of redemption for their parents left me unsettled. I understand the need for conflict and antagonism in a narrative, but for the book to truly earn its “feel-good” reputation, I would have liked to see some form of growth or reconciliation in that relationship. Without it, the emotional wounds feel unresolved.

That said, many of the other characters—especially those who support Ben—are genuinely wholesome. Their ways of coping, connecting, and showing empathy offer a counterbalance to the darker themes and make the story rewarding in its own way.

Overall, this was a tough but worthwhile read. It doesn’t shy away from the hard truths of identity, rejection, and healing, and while it may not be the lighthearted comfort read some suggest, it offers something deeper: a raw, honest portrayal of resilience.

(the most important question remains unanswered, though: what happened with the lobster???)