Careful what you wish for, as they say. This is an age-old concept that takes center stage in W.W. Jacobs’ [b:The Monkey's Paw|8779896|The Monkey's Paw|W.W. Jacobs|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348984485l/8779896._SX50_.jpg|47306975]. A family comes into possession of a monkey’s paw, one they are told will grant them three wishes, but a great cosmic cost. The father then makes a simple wish for 200 dollars, and things more or less unravel from there. This monkey’s paw is no rabbit’s foot, and there is no benevolent genie to facilitate the magical transaction of these three wishes.

While published in 1902, this cautionary tale is one that retains significance to this day. Nothing in life is free or without consequence, and while this is a super short read, the narrative premise is one that will likely be revisited for years to come.

Rating: 3.5 stars