I wasn't prepared for this book. I mean, I've read lots of this author's books so I should have known better, but I just wasn't prepared for the raw emotion and the complex feelings this book brought out. Picoult creates characters that make you feel like you have known them forever and places them in situations that are so compelling that you just can't stop reading. The fact that she does all this while offering up valuable insight and memorable perspectives is nothing short of incredible and turns this book into one of her most memorable.

For those who think that maybe it's just too soon for a book like this, I say this book arrives just in time to remind us all of the lessons we hopefully learned at the height of this tragedy.

Jodi Picoult does not disappoint. She is a masterful writer. I could not put this novel down until I finished it. Just when I thought I knew what would happen, the ending was unexpected and I was so wrong. Covid-19 has had devastating, life altering effects. It is a testament to our will to survive and the spirit of courage in the face of unbelievable adversity. The vivid description of both events are a result of the author's thorough and complete research. Include an appreciation of art and a nod to the heroes of the pandemic and you have a winner of a novel.

I can't say enough good things about this title and I read it in one sitting. The author uses the Covid-19 pandemic as a backdrop and incorporates it into the story in a creative way. What if you were on vacation on a remote island when the world stopped and couldn't get back to your loved ones? That's the premise of this brilliant story that had be riveted and turning the page until the end. I was sobbing at the end of this book and I have a few questions to ask Ms. Picoult if our paths ever cross.

Follow Diana through her journey at the beginning of Covid-19 in NYC. Except she leaves behind her boyfriend Finn, a doctor doing his residency and unable to take their previously scheduled vacation to the Galapagos. But of course, Covid-19 is everywhere which Diana soon learns. She can't escape it, she just escaped Finn and wound up in a weird weird place.

How could you not love the exploration of Isabela Island with the locals? I'll say that this book takes some turns that I didn't love, that made me wonder if this will stand any test of time. But I believe it was the book Picoult needed to write to get through this pandemic and I think it may be the book some people need to read to help process it.

Jodi Picoult sure does her research! Every single time I have ever read a book from her I have learned a great deal. While this book was a bit scary to read so soon during our current Covid situation, I also believe it is a must for future generations to see what exactly we went through/are going through. Definitely eye opening to truly see how Covid is affecting everyone, even those that did not come down with the sickness themselves. I appreciate the stories and the time Jodi Picoult put into making sure this book was extremely accurate!

Jodi Picoult is undoubtedly a master storyteller, and this tale taking place during the COVID days resonated with me, as it would with every other reader these days. A young woman follows her fiancé on his medical quest and witnesses unbearable difficulties as a result. A beautiful and harrowing story!

Jodi Picoult delivers another timely, thoughtful book. This one may be more controversial than others given the topic is Covid 19, and so many people don't want to hear that it's more than just the flu and killing a lot of people. Ms. Picoult does a good job of telling the stories of the victims and the medical staff while serving up a big twist.

I am truly at a loss for words about this novel. The novel starts when the world changed for everyone - the coronavirus .. the pandemic. But the story is just not about the pandemic it about the human spirit and our instinct of survival. It is about courage, love and resilience. All the characters in this story, flaws and all are perfect examples of this spirt. It also is a wonderful tribute all the front-line workers, the people that suffered and lived through covid and a tribute to those of us that believed.

At the age of 29 Diana O’Toole has planned out her life and it looks like things are heading in the right direction - married by 30, kids by 35, living in the suburbs of NYC and climbing the ladder at the prestige auction house Sotheby. Living with boyfriend and soon to be fiancé, Finn, a surgical resident at a NYC hospital is about to head off Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, for a romantic vacation.

But March 2020 happens with a deadly virus making NYC the epicenter and Finn must stay behind. Not wanting to let the non-fundable trip go to waste Finn encourages Diana to go on the trip without him. This trip does not go as planned - her luggage is lost, Isla Isabella shuts down along with all the businesses and hotels, WIFI is virtual non-existent, stranded plus Diana doesn’t speak the language. What was she thinking?

Isolation forces Diana out of her comfort zone and she is befriended by a local family; Abuela, Gabriel and Beatriz. I have always said things happen for a reason. This unexpected turn of events gets Diana to re-examine her life, her relationships, choices, life direction and what will she be like when she returns home. There are moments when Diana unexpectantly receives emails from Finn who is on the front line fighting this deadly disease - these emails are absolutely frightening, sad and gives you the reader an understanding as to what the front-line workers endured every single day.

In true Picoult fashion WISH YOU WERE HERE has quite the twist, one I was not expecting. There is a reason why Jodi Picoult is one my all-time favorite authors - she has such a gift of pulling you into a story that when that unexpected thing happens your mouth drops open, she makes you want to turn the next page, she makes you want to stay up all hours of the night reading because you just can’t seem to close the book until you find how it ends.

With every book I have read (22 out of now 27 novels) that Jodi Picoult has written I always learn something through her amazing storytelling and WISH YOU WERE HERE is no exception. From delving into the art world, Toulouse-Lautrec, to exploring the Isla Isabella with its amazing habitat, to the Covid wards in NYC and the struggles that all health care workers and covid patience experience are told through Diana, Finn and Diana’s Galápagos friends.


Jodi you get all the stars and more

I havent read a Picoult book in a while. The last one I read just didnt do it for me. But #Netgalley answered my request for this one and I must admit, it was a page-turner. Simple story - Diana O'Toole had her life all planned out. From her dream job to marrying her surgeon boyfriend.

But then the pandemic hit and life changed. She and Finn were planning on going on vacation in the Galapagos and being a surgeon, Finn had to remain behind to take care of the many cases flooding the hospital. But not being able to get a refund, Finn encourages her to go by herself....and she decides to, and in doing so changes her life forever.

By then I am thinking she meets someone on the island and questions her life in NY - but Picoult takes us in an entirely different direction with this one. One you will be turning the pages to find out what happens, questioning what you think you know about life and realize how blessed you really are. I loved this story and you will too. Place on your TBR list for it is to be released November 30, 2021 #Netgalley #WishYouWereHere #Picoult #fourstars

Is it possible to live in an alternate universe and not know it? To have a whole complete other life so real and vivid you can reach out and touch it whenever you want, you only need stretch your finger one more inch and there you are touching it? If that is possible then could it also be said that that universe has an alternate and that one and that one, etc..

Diane O'Toole is a associate specialist in the cutthroat art auction world for Sotheby’s.. She is a shoe in to being the top associate. but first she has to go on vacation with her boyfriend. That's when the Covid-19 virus hits. He is a doctor so he stays behind but since it is a nonrefundable ticket she goes on ahead to the Galapagos. That is whee things get interesting, where you wonder if whether she will stay true to her boyfriend, whether she will betray her new young friend..

But is this the real reality or the alternate one

You have got to get this book to find out;. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Mind blown! I don’t even really know what to say because I don’t want to give any of the amazing plot away. I love Picoult but was a little let down by her previous book. She is totally redeemed in my mind. I could not put this book down. I finished it in 24 hours. Initially I thought that I may not be ready to read this book. With so much of it revolving around Covid- it felt too soon. And it may be too soon for some people. However, I kept reading and am blown away. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of I Wish You Were Here.

Absolutely stunning novel! Diana had her life all planned out. Her boyfriend, Finn, a resident at the hospital, was going to propose to her while on vacation in the Galapagos and all their plans would fall into place after that. But just days before they were due to leave the pandemic hit and Finn could not leave, so Diana went alone. On the island everything was on lockdown and her communication with Finn was sporadic. Finn would send her emails filled with the hardships of the covid patients and his own difficulties dealing with dying patients every day. Amazing story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jodi Picoult is back in the game with this touching and emotional novel set during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diana is nearly 30, about to make a major sale in her art auction job, and is happily in a relationship with surgical resident Finn. They are about to take a two week vacation to the Galápagos, and Diana just knows Finn is going to propose to her there.

Life is perfect.

Until the very real COVID-19 pandemic hits NYC.

It’s all hands on deck at the hospital where Finn works, and there’s no way he can leave for vacation. He convinces Diana to go without him so that the money they spent isn’t completely wasted.

Reluctantly, she goes on the trip, but it’s not the luxurious dream vacation she had in mind. The island has shut down and everyone is in lockdown. There are no ferries to get to the airport, and no flights to get her back home. The hotel she was supposed to stay at is closed.

Luckily, she meets a local woman who lets her stay at the empty apartment attached to her house. Feeling isolated and completely alone, Diana meets a local family who help her out and start to embrace her.

The longer she’s on the island and the more she starts to enjoy it, Diana will question many things about her life - what she wants out of it and who she wants in it.

While some readers may not be ready to embrace a story set during COVID times, I couldn’t help myself. Picoult writes a gripping story that is largely unputdownable. As usual, it’s immediate how much research she put into it. We learn about the world of art (and art auctions), the culture of the Galápagos, and of course...the pandemic.

What I really appreciated was learning about the emergency healthcare workers on the frontline in the early days of lockdown when there were so many unanswered questions. Of course, I’ve read and seen stories on the news, but Picoult personally interviewed so many of them and used their experiences in the story. She’s right when she says we can never thank them enough for all that they do.

I wish I could go into more detail with my thoughts, but I’m not able to do so without giving spoilers. I can imagine that what happens in this book might not sit well with ALL readers, but ultimately it worked for me and made me think. Again, the research Picoult did is astounding...but it’s not information overload (unlike her last book which shoved Egypt down my throat).

The author’s note is a must-read as Picoult goes into detail about the writing and research for the book, and how it came to fruition. I absolutely loved reading about her writing journey.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 11/30/21.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

This book is SO intense. Jodi Picoult takes on COVID, and delivers a raw, beautiful story. This book is a rollercoaster so I'd recommend going in without any information. I appreciate Picoult's ability to take on hard topics, and would highly recommend this! A quick warning it is INTENSE and really dives into the early days of covid. It felt *very* heavy to read this book especially since we are still in this.

4.5 rounded up

Thank you to the author, Random House Publishing Group, and NetGalley for providing an early copy to review!

I was beyond thrilled to receive an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Jodi Picoult is one of my absolute favorite authors and was so excited to read this. This book is the first I've really read that is based on COVID. LOVED IT! This book is amazing as are all of her earlier books. READ IT ASAP!

I’ve just finished this book, and have mixed feelings. Although I’ve enjoyed all of the author’s books, not sure about this one. I admit I skipped through some of the many descriptions of art, paintings etc.. I also struggled to read about the pain and suffering of COVID. To me it was too soon, and I just didn’t want to relive any aspects of it again. I realize Di almost went through another life while almost dying, it just gave me pause.
The best part for me was Di’s relationship with Finn and her mom. But I love character driven books and that’s the best part of all of Jodi’s books. It was very well written, no question and thought provoking.
I’d recommend it. I’m just still not sure if I enjoyed it.

Thank you so much for the honor of reading and reviewing Jodi Picoult's new book, Wish You Were Here. I am a devoted, die hard fan of Ms. Picoult and love every book she writes and this one was no exception. The only negative comment I can muster is the book takes place during the height of COVID and that is the last thing I want to be reminded of. I read to escape the unpleasant. That said, I was intrigued by Diana and her parallel lives she is living and I learned a lot what front line workers were enduring from Finn. The conflict Diana had with her mother and the possibilities that two universes exist captivated my attention. I will be recommending this book as I do all of her books.

I got to read this as an ARC by NetGalley. I didn't request it because I am somewhat "over" Picoult. Her latest books are a chance for her to stand on a soap box and proclaim her views of controversial topics. It's not that I disagree or agree with her views, but she has become biased in giving just one side of the issue. In the past, her books have given the reader a chance to consider both sides, however, not so in her latest novels. The idea of Covid is a very touchy subject in many people's lives. I couldn't believe it took her over halfway through the book to switch gears so suddenly like it was an easy out for her to use the unreliable narrator. She needs to put more thought into her twists because people who are familiar with this style could see this coming. The idea the main character left the day of the world shutting down seemed very unlikely and the fact she continued on her dream journey seemed even more unlikely. I don't think I'll be reading her latest and "greatest" novels any time soon. She's lost me as a dedicated reader. Sorry that I'm maybe being too honest.

Diana and her serious boyfriend, surgical resident Finn, are meant to get engaged on their vacation to the Galapagos Islands when COVID-19 hits New York City.

I want to note that this entire book is a trigger warning for COVID, and I think many people may have a hard time reading it as the entire plot circles around the pandemic. It goes into great detail regarding how people are treated in the hospital, what it is like having COVID, how one dies from COVID, quarantine, the lasting impacts, etc. While we are still so fresh off of last year and now dealing with the Delta variant, this could be a mentally difficult book to go through.

It's also tough to review this one without spoilers. I have not read much Picoult, but what I have read I've enjoyed, and I have heard she is great at throwing twists in there. This one certainly threw me for a loop!

The book overall was a little slow-moving to me and some of the characters and situations also a bit too cliche. In the previous work I've read, I feel like things were faster-paced, and despite handling such a serious topic, this one never really gripped me. I got frustrated with the MC at times, but I'm still questioning if it was justified.

I did appreciate how Picoult addressed trauma and PTSD; whether it is in the world or in a post-medical situation. Dealing with a sudden illness or triggering event can be a shock to the mind and body and you must take care of yourself in order to heal. I was grateful she mentioned doing so here, including taking action such as therapy.

Overall, if you're a fan of Picoult I think you'd like this read, but please ensure you're in the proper mental state to read a pandemic setting book.

VERDICT: 3 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Randomhouse Publishing Group Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! Post to come on Instagram and on Pub Day, 11/30/2021!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is an amazingly accurate portrayal of the 2020 Covid pandemic. I was sucked so far into this book that at one point I thought to myself “how terrible it would be if this actually happened,” and immediately realized that it was happening. Speaking as a Public Health Nurse who did contact tracing, enforced isolation and quarantine orders, and heard first hand stories of how Covid affected those in my community I can honestly say that this book was meticulously researched. I also speak as a person with COPD who rigorously adhered to social distancing, isolation and masking and ended up with Covid. I lost my fiancée to Covid and the author accurately depicts the horrors of intubation and not being able to be with your loved one at the end. The mental anguish that occurs to all of us because of Covid is present in her writing.
Why then did I want to read a book that made me cry and remember the horrors of this past year? 1} because Jodi Picoult wrote it and I love her books, 2} my feelings of this past year were validated through the experiences that the author wrote of and 3} because sometimes when you feel dead inside you relish the memories and tears.
Thank you Jodi.
There is a heck of a twist about half way through the novel that will absolutely stun you!!