I was very excited to be able to read an advanced copy of Jodi Picoult's newest book. I hadn't read what the book was about before starting it and was surprised to see it was about Covid. I think this will be a great book for people to read in years to come as a detailed account of what the pandemic was like. I liked the characters and was surprised by the plot twist in the story. While the story didn't end how I had hoped, the main character shows growth throughout the story.

Diana always wanted to be an artist like her father, and has created a definite plan for her life, both personal and professional. After school she became an associate specialist at Sotheby’s in New York. She is on the fast track to success. She and Finn, her boyfriend, are currently living together and she is sure they will be married soon. Finn is a surgical resident and has the same drive and ambition as Diana.

The couple’s plan to go to the Galapagos is the one of the boxes they plan to check off this year. Soon in fact. Even though the trip is expensive, they have decided it is worth it. Of course, that is before a virus begins to plague New York and the rest of the world. Plans begin to disintegrate both personally and globally for the couple. Finn is working double shifts and is afraid to come home and expose Diana. He insists that she needs to go to the Galapagos and he will meet her there once the virus is contained. Reluctantly she decides to go alone.

Once Diana gets to the island, she realizes she cannot leave. Nor can Finn – or anyone else join her. Restaurants and hotels are not open and her luggage has been lost. So begins her journey she never planned to be a part of, but is now required to continue.

From the first pages I was hooked on Jodi Picoult’s story and characters. She is an expert at drawing readers into the story with true to life fiction that grabs you in the first few pages and doesn’t let go until the last words. There is a fabulous twist in the end of Wish You Were Here that will shock and surprise readers. I highly recommend this book to men and women alike – all readers love a masterpiece of fiction and Wish You Were Here is truly one of the best.

Ms. Picoult is one of my favorite authors. She has total mastery of the words and stories she writes that keeps readers anxiously waiting for her next book. She always delivers books that readers will think about long after the last pages are finished. I have met her at book signings, attended book talks and chatted with her at a book fair – and it won’t come as a surprise to most of you – she is charming and quite nice. It is not surprising to hear she has had twelve books that have debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Five of her novels have been made into movies (read the book first – the movies are good but the book is exponentially better).

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2021 Laura Hartman

An interesting and beautifully written novel that explores Covid in an unusual way. One of the best Jodi Picoult books I’ve read. Our patrons will love this and I’m already ordering multiple copies.

Diana and Finn are supposed to travel to the Galápagos Islands together, but the coronavirus has other plans. Finn, a surgeon, can’t leave New York City in the midst of the pandemic, so Diana reluctantly goes on her own.

We all know since the world shut down in March, 2020, nothing has been the same, and people have made major life changes. What will happen with Finn and Diana?

Wow. I thought I knew the direction this story was heading, and I was blindsided about halfway through. This book is engaging, unputdownable, and something that will leave you thinking long after you turn the final page.

initial thoughts: I just finished this book and cannot fully grasp all I will take away from Jodi's latest novel. this is a story that will stick with me for a very, very long time.

it's beautiful, heartbreakingly so, raw & real. also, it held the BIGGEST twist in a Jodi Picoult novel - I literally yelled and threw my Kindle down in my lap. (I won't say any more, as I don't want to ruin the twist or story for folks who haven't read this one yet.)

I'm only a couple of hours removed from finishing this work of art, and I honestly can't tell if my heart is broken or full - it's all over the place.

this novel is about so much more than COVID, and I hope folks won't see a story set in the pandemic, decide they've had enough, and put it back. this story is about finding your people, your home, and doing whatever it takes to live your life as your most authentic you.

a HUGE thanks to NetGalley & Ballantine Books/Random House for this ARC.

At first glance, Diana and Finn appeared to be the perfect match with their dreams carefully mapped out and in lock step. However, as she eloquently stated, when you plan life, you do not truly live. I was certainly shocked by the turn of the book in Section 2 but I do believe that memory will help guide you on the path you are meant to be. Like the Toulouse-Lautec painting that wss further emulated by Kitomi and Sam's record cover, love is vulnerable but can be so fulfilling despite tragedy. I can see why she kept it through Covid as it kept her company. Diana barely escaped her illness but in doing so, she evolved whether it be in her career and her family relationships. She hoped and let fear not the planned path serve her actions.

Wish You Were Here is set at the start of the pandemic. Picoult deftly captures the uncertainty, terror, and emotion surrounding the the onset of COVID-19.

Picoult is a prolific writer who creates characters that are flawed and vulnerable, yet demonstrate some of the very best of the human spirit with their strength and compassion. Diana, although a challenging personality, is one of those characters. At times she is frustrating, but the connections she makes with the Galápagos and its people is not only rewarding to the reader, but some of the most beautiful writing in the book.

The feeling of isolation permeates the narrative, whether it is Diana's struggle of not speaking the language and being the only tourist on the island, to the physical separation of Diana and Finn. This ties into the feeling of desolation and loneliness experienced while under quarantine. The depictions of what the pandemic is like for those on the front line are harrowing, anxiety inducing, and quite frankly, terrifying.

Injecting culture, Wish You Were Here also offers a glimpse into the art world. Diana works for Soethby's as an associate assistant—she is working on acquiring a painting to auction from a character reminiscent of Yoko Ono. Her career trajectory is not only an interesting backstory, it also illustrates her passion and drive as well as her tenacity.

And of course, it wouldn't be a Picoult novel without a mind-blowing twist. She completely blindsides and breaks her reader's heart—but leaves them with hope—in this story about resilience and love.

In the breathtaking beauty of the Galápagos Islands, Diana will learn not only who she really is, but the person she wants to become.

I have a personal rule that I don’t read books about school shootings because I was in one, which is why I’ve read most of Picoult’s books but not Nineteen Minutes. In some ways, this book reminded me of that rule— it hit too close to home. It was too fresh, too real. None of that is necessarily a bad thing— fiction should make us feel, but ever since covid, I’ve retreated to literature for escape, not feeling.

Unlike many (if not all?) of Picoult’s other books, this one is told by only one character, which only serves to intensify the feeling of isolation for Diana.

As always, Picoult delivers on a twist. I thought I had discovered what the twist was, and I was immediately proven wrong. While the story was intriguing, I felt that the climax happened too early, so the rest of the book dragged toward (what I felt was the inevitable conclusion). Overall, an enjoyable read but not my favorite of Picoult’s.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Diane is living her dream in New York. She is dating a doctor and working for Sotheby's. It all changes with covid. Diane questions the decisions she has made in her life. I liked this book.

I have always liked Jodi Picoult's books because they written beautifully, but also because they are always so different, in a way and they make me think and sometimes examine my own life. This book made me do that too. I would say that this one was actually one of my favorites (if you haven't read The Storyteller - go buy in now) because its so relatable. A viral pandemic, thinking of yourself one way, and wanting certain things and then the world turns topsy-turvy, and you wake up and realize...maybe I don't. I won't spoil the ending for you, or what choices Diana makes, but her the journey to her self-realizations and better understanding of herself and the world makes for great reading. You will savor every page and won't want to put it down. I just HAD to know what she was going to do. So I didn't stop reading until I did.

To say that I was shocked by this book is an understatement. When I first saw it, I thought eh I don’t really know if I want to read a book centered around covid, but I am so glad I did.

Wish You Were Here focused on Diana O’Toole, a 29 year old who has her whole life planned out, down to the tropical vacation she is supposed to take with her boyfriend. When he can no longer make the trip with her, she must go alone. That is just the start of her plans changing.

Jodi Picoult transports you into a whole different world. Her beautiful writing captures the parallels of two places during a worldwide crisis. I was so engulfed by Diana’s journey that I could not put the book down. There are themes of self discovery, love, purpose, passion and trauma. While reading this book, you really contemplate all the things that truly matter and think about what makes a life fulfilling. The courage that Diana’s character has is a great lesson. I would recommend this book to anyone in a heartbeat!

This book was the first 5 star book of the year for me, I couldn't put it down! I was reading it on my lunch break which was a mistake because I shed some tears at the end. I didn't think I could stomach a book about Covid especially so soon, but this was a winner!

This was an interesting book to read. Not only because it was entertaining, but also because it was written during the CoVid19 pandemic and the characters dealt with that disruption in their lives. The storyline is that of a busy couple who are "planners". On their list is a vacation to the Galapagos Islands. They are all set to go when the pandemic begins and she goes alone since he is a surgical resident and is needed to stay at the hospital. She becomes stranded on the island completely cut off from her family, friends and life in the big city.

I liked how the author dealt with the topics of relationships, and evaluating life choices. #Wishyouwerehere #netgalley

Diana O' Toole is engaged to be married her fiance Finn a surgeon resident when the COVid pandemic hits.They had planned a romantic getaway to the Galapagos Islamds. But because of the pandemic Finn cannot go but urges Diana to go without him. She protests and is reluctant at first, but finally she agrees to go. They say will write each other daily by email and phone when they can. However, when Diana gets to the Islands she finds it closed. There is no communication nor internet. This is a trip that will change her greatly! The beauty of the island and the people she meets there are all a part of this story. This story is told from three main POVs and Diana is our main character. The two things i love most about Picoult's books are her complex and well defined characters, and that her books are about the dynamics and tensions in relationships. i don't want to give away too much. I'm a huge fan of Jodi Picoult's. What a great book! I highly recommend it. Thank you to Jodi Picoult, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read thi

I did not see that coming. I learned alot. As I always do from Picoults books. She has a way of immersing you so deeply in the setting that you feel as if you've been there. This book was no exception. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. There were a few chuckles and definitely some tears. Everything I could want from a Jodi Picoult novel.

I'm the kind of person who finds reading books set during the pandemic to be comforting. It helps me process this hell of a time that we are all still living through. If you are not that kind of person, you might want to wait before you read this one.

But if you're ready, then you should not hesitate to pre-order this. Jodi Picoult has outdone herself with "Wish You Were Here." Not only does she tell a compelling and engrossing story, she manages to offer reflections on so many ways our lives have been affected by COVID-19. From patients suffering from the disease, to health care workers on the front lines, furloughed workers, couples navigating their new co-habitation realities, end of life care...there's just SO MUCH in here and I honestly cannot wait to read it again and again.

I don't want to say too much about this book, because I want everyone to experience it for themselves. I will say that this book caused me to think about my life in a different way and I'm so grateful that I was able to read an advanced copy. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

PS: If we know each other in real life, when you get to "that part" can you text me your reaction? You'll know it when you read it.

Jodi Picoult crafts beautiful stories that always, always shock me at least once; Wish You Were Here was no exception. After living a year+ of pandemic life, reading heavy pandemic fiction was a lot, but I think this book will make a great time capsule of this weird moment in all our lives. The story itself was great, as I've come to expect from her.

This book is absolutely wonderful. I loved it so much.
I have it toward the top of my list to read again. This is
one you don't want to miss out on.
I had no idea what this book was about, I went reading
totally blind, and for this book that's exactly what you need
to do. It makes it so much better.

Thank you so much, NetGalley, Jodi Picoult, and your publisher
for allowing me to read and review this amazing read!

First, let me say that you want to go into this one blind. Don’t read too much about it; just dive in. You must trust me on this.
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What happens when you are stripped of all the elements that you think make you who you are? When all of the essentials are stripped away, who are you? And is that you your authentic self or simply the version of yourself that emerges under extreme duress? These are some of the questions that Wish You Were Here evoked.

What I Loved 🌿

✨Like all of her books, this one is thought-provoking and has lingered with me.

✨I loved the elements of the book set in the Galapagos. The remarkable descriptions sent me on a rabbit hole of Googling locations and sites to learn more.

✨The boots on the ground perspective of an NYC doctor in the height of the pandemic were raw and real but also important.  

✨That plot twist I absolutely did not see coming. What?? Hold on what? I’m still thinking about it and will be for a long time to come.

✨The ending. How often do you get literal chills at the end of a book? Not so often for me.

What I Struggled With🌿

✨ Some of the doctor’s descriptions of Covid treatment are very difficult to read, and this may be too soon for some readers. I honestly felt distressed reading some of it.
••••
At its heart, Wish You Were Here reads, at least in part, like a love note to frontline healthcare workers. It is also very much a testament to the grief that comes from being battered and broken by Covid. Whether from suffering with the virus itself or from experiencing the isolation, division and loss of the pandemic, we all have something to grieve. Wish You Were here is a masterful exploration of that theme.

Content Warnings🌿
Self-harm, mention of suicide, Covid

My thanks to Ballantine Books and @NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before its November 30 publication date. You’re definitely going to want to put this on your TBR.

Disclaimer: full review will be up on pop-culturalist.com

I'm a huge Jodi Picoult fan and this book doesn't disappoint! This book gave me chills and I adored Diana;s narrative in this. Full review coming closer to publication date.