No Spoilers in this review. In fact, this is going to be a very general review for me because I do not want to give anything away. I'm a huge fan of Jodi Picoult and as always, she really delivers. Especially with this one. A lot of the book is based around current events or at least events that took place over the past year. Picoults characters are beautifully written with just enough detail to really relate to them without them coming over the top.

Thank you so much to #NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Holy plot twist!

This book was moving along ok…it seemed actually a bit slow and basic for a Jodi Picoult and then boom! The massive plot twist turned this book into a can’t put down read, in the way only Jodi Picoult can.

Wish You Were Here tackles what it’s like to be alive when COVID shuts the world down. It tackles what things are like for doctors, people vacationing and stranded abroad, people who have contracted COVID, family with relatives in long term care facilities, and people living in complete isolation.

Be sure to read the authors note at the end. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

Opening lines: March 13, 2020
When I was six years old, I painted a corner of the sky. My father was working as a conservator, one of a handful restoring the zodiac ceiling on the main hall of Grand Central Terminal—an aqua sky strung with shimmering constellations. It was late, way past my bedtime, but my father took me to work because my mother—as usual—was not home.
Reason I picked up the book: I'm a huge Jodi Picoult fan—all of her books are fantastic, because she does extensive research beforehand.
And what's this book about?
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things and The Book of Two Ways comes “a powerfully evocative story of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit” (Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Malibu Rising)

Diana O’Toole is perfectly on track. She will be married by thirty, done having kids by thirty-five, and move out to the New York City suburbs, all while climbing the professional ladder in the cutthroat art auction world. She’s an associate specialist at Sotheby’s now, but her boss has hinted at a promotion if she can close a deal with a high-profile client. She’s not engaged just yet, but she knows her boyfriend, Finn, a surgical resident, is about to propose on their romantic getaway to the Galápagos—days before her thirtieth birthday. Right on time.

But then a virus that felt worlds away has appeared in the city, and on the eve of their departure, Finn breaks the news: It’s all hands on deck at the hospital. He has to stay behind. You should still go, he assures her, since it would be a shame for all of their nonrefundable trip to go to waste. And so, reluctantly, she goes.

Almost immediately, Diana’s dream vacation goes awry. Her luggage is lost, the Wi-Fi is nearly nonexistent, and the hotel they’d booked is shut down due to the pandemic. In fact, the whole island is now under quarantine, and she is stranded until the borders reopen. Completely isolated, she must venture beyond her comfort zone. Slowly, she carves out a connection with a local family when a teenager with a secret opens up to Diana, despite her father’s suspicion of outsiders.

In the Galápagos Islands, where Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection was formed, Diana finds herself examining her relationships, her choices, and herself—and wondering if when she goes home, she too will have evolved into someone completely different.
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoyed Picoult's previous books, or anyone who enjoys well-written books in general.
Favorite paragraph: As we get closer, the mass of land differentiates into individual sensations: hot gusts of wind and hooting pelicans; a man climbing a coconut tree and tossing the nuts down to a boy; a marine iguana, blinking its yellow dinosaur eye. As we sidle up to the dock, I think that this could not be any more different from New York City. It feels tropical and timeless, lazy, remote. It feels like a place where no one has ever heard of a pandemic.
Something to know: At first I was like, ugh, I don't want to read another book set in COVID times—we already have to live it, currently—but then the book ended up winning me over. Also, something MAJOR happens midway through the book that completely changes the course of the narrative. After that I was hooked and had to find out immediately how the book ends.
What I would have changed: Not sure I would have changed anything. Maybe the ending but it felt right to me.
Overall rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
Where can I find this book? Click here to purchase on Amazon—it will be out on November 30, 2021.

Wow! What a fantastic book. I was unsure of the book when I first started reading. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read a story with covid featured so predominately while still in the midst of this pandemic. I was wrong and thought it was beautifully done by the end of the book. This is a must read about relationships during a global pandemic while battling illnesses and life issues.

Leave it to Jodi Picoult to write a story that is both timely and poignant. The Covid pandemic has left most of the people of the world in a place that we may never recover from. Both emotionally and psychologically we have changed and "Wish You Were Here", addresses these very issues.
Half of the book takes place in the paradise that is the Galapagos Islands. The other half confronts the pandemic and how it affects the front line workers, the Covid patients, and the rest of us who can only watch, in horror.
Without giving the story away, it is nearly impossible to describe what happens to the protagonist in this wonderful novel. It is beautifully written, marvelously researched, and leaves us uplifted. And what more can one ask for?

Jodi Picoult is definitely one of my favorite authors and her last book, Wish You Were Here, did not disappoint. At first I was not sure that I wanted to read a book based around the Covid-19 pandemic, since we are still living it and I have found reading to be a way to escape it. However, because it was a Jodi Picoult's book, I decided to take a chance and see how she would handle it. Wow, I was glad that I did! Since I don't want to give anything away, I am not going to try to retell the plot. I am just going to say that it has one of the most surprising plot twists I have ever read and it totally blew me away. I did not see it coming at all. It changes the perspective of the story, but totally makes sense. I am not sure that I was totally pleased with the ending, but again, it seems to make sense for the main character. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this before it was released. I highly recommend it to Jodi Picoult fans.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an ARC of this novel.

This book was amazing!!! This is the page turner Jodi Picoult I love! She really knows how to bring her story to life. I was captivated from beginning till end!!

This book is a bit of a departure for Picoult, as it doesn't involve an ethical dilemma where both sides are, if not sympathetic, at least fully fleshed out. Here, the focus is on one character, Diana, who must decide if she really wants what she always thought she wanted from life.

The story starts just when things are starting to get serious in New York City with the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses and schools are being shut down and Diana's doctor boyfriend tells her how the hospital is becoming overrun with patients. Is it too soon for a novel about the pandemic? Maybe, but not in Picoult's hands. Perhaps because the first part of the book keeps the pandemic at a remove. I think the bigger reason (for me at least) is that, because the timeline of the book is largely the spring of 2020, I was able to read about what was going on with a whatever-the-opposite-of-nostalgia is (because I definitely wouldn't wish for those days all over again). "Oh yeah, I remember all those celebrities singing on YouTube!" "That's right, I had forgotten about wiping down packages!" "Oh yeah, I remember how we thought this was only going to last two weeks!"

Being able to achieve that kind of perspective is one of the great gifts of fiction and Picoult gives it to us in abundance.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for this review.

Wow! I loved this book. It really makes you think about humanity. I loved Picoult's unexpected plot twist! It totally took me by surprise and shocked me. I think this is the read of the year.

Jodi Picoult has always been one of my favorite authors. I won this ARC in a giveaway hosted by @timtalksbooks and I literally ran through the house screaming when I was notified that I won. My kids asked if I was okay 😂. I first fell in love with her writing when I read My Sister's Keeper, and I have read every single one of her books. One of the things I love about Picoult is the way she tackles ethical topics and current events, and although you may not expect it, she is a master at creating a twist that you won't see coming. In her upcoming novel, Wish You Were Here, Picoult tackles COVID-19. I wasn't sure if I was mentally ready to read a "pandemic book", but of course, Picoult handled it in the perfect way she always does. Wish You Were Here is raw and emotional, and above all else, I really felt like it was a book about finding yourself and reflecting on the meaning of life. I think we can all admit the last year and a half has made us all take a long hard look at life and the things that really matter. There are so many things we will, hopefully, never take for granted again. The characters in this book, Diana, Finn, Beatriz, Gabriel... they are all searching for something. I buddy read this book with @krissylovesbooks911 and I'm so glad I did, because this is one of those books that you will want to talk about with someone. All the stars! Wish You Were Here is out on November 30. Are you planning on reading this one?

Typical Jodi Picoult novel. I loved this book. One of my favorite authors. Surprise ending as usual, not sure if I really liked the ending.
Kept me interested in the book all the way through.
Made me realize what people were going through with COVID that a lot of people are in the dark about.
Here novels are always about some events that are very current and really makes you think.
Her books are alway a five star rating to me. Just like any other author her are always books that you may not care for but I really liked this book. She puts in so much information and description tha you feel like you actually can see where you are

Wish you were here follows Diana, a New Yorker, as she wades through the onset of the pandemic. The pandemic has been, and still is, a living nightmare as we lose loved ones and forfeit our well laid plans. Diana experiences both, but grows with this experience. A high achiever and driven career woman, Diana is forced to slow down for once and it gives her a new perspective on her past and future. This time allows her to revaluate her most important relationships and what really motivates her. I think we can all relate to Dianas's story of constantly reaching for that next life milestone, and being forced to put life on a sudden pause in March of 2019. Perspective is important, and this pause allowed us a once in a lifetime chance to stop and think through our past experiences and plans for the future. As Diana so pointed put it, "You can't plan your life... Because then you have a plan. Not a life." While I wouldn't call Diana's journey one of joy and happiness, its ending, like many of our, is one of contentment.

I’ve read several of Jodi Picoult’s books and this did not disappoint. There are so many angles and stories within the story, but easy to keep up with. I felt so many emotions reading this book. The way she described the onset of the COVID pandemic, took me back to March of 2020. Her storytelling wrapped me in from the start.

I’m not sure there is a way to review this without spoilers, but I’m going to try…

First off, I’ve read most of Jodi Picoult’s novels over the years and I have a love/hate relationship with them. I think she’s an extremely talented storyteller but I often find her books to be emotionally manipulative, particularly with regards to the plot twists. This one had a DOOZY and I personally found it difficult to switch gears.

I also never felt a real connection to the protagonist and the focus on COVID while we’re still in the midst of the pandemic just felt like too much, too soon.
It was both heartbreaking and informative to get a glimpse into the front lines of the pandemic response in NYC and the theme of self discovery was compelling, but this one just didn’t grab me the way some of her other works have.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Dang, this book. I honestly hated the first half of it. I came here to look at reviews when I was in the middle of reading it and was shocked it had so many good reviews. But based on the good reviews, I decided to continue on and I'm glad I did because the book definitely redeemed itself. However, I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't go into too many plot details.

I would recommend staying away from Jodi Picoult's newest if you're not ready to read lots of details about the early days of Covid just yet. This book is a lot. One of the characters is a doctor and he writes very detailed descriptions of everything he's going through. In some ways, this felt a little indulgent to me, though I'm not even necessarily sure if that's the right word. Most of it is stuff you've heard from countless doctors either on the news or those whom you know in real life. I think some day this will be incredible to read, but for the. moment, it felt like a little too much. I'm not holding that against Picoult, though... She just happens to be one of the first novelists to have published a book during these times that's pretty focused on Covid. Before long, I'm sure there will be a ton of them.

Really, it's tough to say too much without spoiling (and it's best to go into this book unspoiled), so I'll just say if you're ready to read about some of the many trials of Covid, this is a really unique look at it. There's also a lot to like about it that's not directly related to Covid. I loved that the main character is an art historian working for Sotheby's and I loved her relationship with her best friend. The details from the Galapagos are beautiful and will likely make anyone want to take a trip there (though maybe not during a pandemic). Overall, I'm glad I read this book and I'm sure there will be much discussion on it when it's officially published in November.

WOW!!!
Okay, let me start by saying (without giving ANYTHING away) - holy moly sis!! This one knocked me on my butt and I didnt see that one coming! Just when you think you are soooo over anything "covid" - this fabulous book lands in your lap, gives you SEVERAL totally different perspectives and shows you new things about a pandemic that you actually lived through (still living through....). My daughter was a traveling covid nurse and had been telling me all along, all things covid - but I learned even MORE things just reading this book. One of my favorite things about every Jodi Picoult books, is that EVERY single book challenges me. I was given this digital advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review, by Netgalley <3

Diana O'Toole has her life mapped out, and it is going exactly how she has planned. She is convinced that her doctor boyfriend, Finn, is going to propose on their trip to the Galapagos Islands and loves that their future plans align perfectly. When COVID-19 pops up in New York just before they are about to leave on vacation, however, Finn has no choice but to stay in NYC, working at his hospital to combat the disease. He urges Diana to go ahead with their planned vacation, though, since they can't get a refund on their money. Reluctantly, Diana goes alone and ends up on the island of Isabela the day it shuts down, under quarantine. Diana finds herself stranded on the island, unable even to communicate with the natives since Finn was the one who spoke Spanish, and without a place to stay since the hotel closed for the quarantine. When a local kindly takes her in, Diana finds herself growing close to the family. As time passes, Diana is forced to slow down, appreciate what is around her, and evaluate her life back in New York.

I think this may be my favorite Jodi Picoult novel to date! Picoult is known for her plot twists, but I have to say that I did not see this one coming at all. As we all lived through the onset of the pandemic last year, everyone should be able to relate to some part of this book, even if most of us didn't get to wait it out in a paradise like Isabela! The nature and wildlife descriptions in the book were amazing and made me want to vacation there someday. As always, Picoult's characters are well developed and realistic. The book had me literally laughing out loud and parts, in tears at others. I highly recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors. Over the years, I have read and recommended many of her books to friends, colleagues and patrons.. This is by far, one of her best books. The subject matter of this book (COVID-19) is a sensitive one and could have been a little too soon to tackle for any other writer. Jodi handles this subject with such gentleness and sensitivity while sharing the true horror of the pandemic. For the first time, this subject didn't feel politically charged, Picoult successfully made it a human issue, not a political one.
Diana, the main character, almost thirty with her life seemingly on track is thrown into the chaos of the pandemic, and like most of us, is forced to really consider life choices and rethink her future. Being on an island without the comforts and safety of her home and routine really gives Diana a lot to reflect upon. Meanwhile, in NYC her boyfriend Finn is struggling as a surgical resident in the early stages and then full impact of the pandemic. Picoult's research is flawless on the subject and you can certainly feel her personal touches to the characters. In true Picoult style there is a twist that only adds to the depth of the novel (no spoilers!). I have become very attached to the characters. and I am truly sad to be finished with this book as it has affected me on a personal level, and I am going to speculate that many readers will feel the same.

I have to say, I honestly wasn't the biggest fan of this book, but I'm still giving it 3 stars because I think that has more to do with me and my capacity to read a book set in COVID times than it does with Jodi Picoult's writing. She created a compelling story and I truly did not see the mid-point twist coming. Following the twist, I found the rest of the book predictable and, frankly, hard to get through. This book hasn't put me off Picoult's writing, but it certainly has put me off any COVID-centric books.

I love Jodi Picoult and read all her books without even knowing what the subject is. This book is about Covid, which we're all still living thru. That being said, the first part of the book was pretty engaging and I was enjoying it...then I felt a little drained since I'm still reading about Covid in the news and it's a constant subject when talking to people. I read books to lose myself...that being said, I enjoyed it just not as much as some of her other books.

Thanks NetGalley, Jodi Picoult, and Ballantine books for this ARC.