You knew it was coming—the topic was already becoming part of the plot lines for popular TV shows like “The Good Doctor” and Grey’s Anatomy,” but I was still surprised how quickly I’d come across an advanced copy of a novel about the COVID-19 pandemic.

I adore everything Jodi Picoult writes so if anyone was capable of writing a pandemic story, she would be top on my list. And to clarify, this is not a novel about the pandemic as much as it is a novel about how the pandemic has affected New York residents, Diana, an associate specialist at Sotheby’s, and her boyfriend, Finn, who is a surgical resident. Diana. The couple has planned a getaway to Galápagos, where Diana is convinced Finn will propose—well, she knows he will because she found the ring. Moreover, she is following her life plan: great job, check; marriage by thirty, check. But it’s all hands on deck for doctors in New York, including Finn, because, though it feels like the pandemic is far away in China and Europe, it’s coming to the United States. So, Finn convinces Diana go ahead with the trip, but when Diana arrives at her destination, the island is shutting down (for two weeks—remember how naïve we were?) and she is stuck with closed hotels and restaurants and limited access to Wi-Fi. But Diana find a place to stay in the apartment of a kind older woman, though her grandson (Gabriel) is much more suspicious of Diana’s intentions. Meanwhile, Gabriel’s daughter is struggling and when she reaches out to Diana, Diana is forced to reconcile with her own choices.

My boyfriend I had planned a trip to London in early March, coming back March 14. We debated going up until the last minute and while there, the president implemented travel restrictions, first from Europe, and then the U.K. We got back to the U.S. in time, but reading this novel forced me to wonder, what if? While the novel is told from Diana’s point of view, we get Finn’s story of trying to provide health care just as the number of COVID cases explodes because of his brief phone calls and emails. But COVID isn’t the only topic Jodi Picoult addresses—we see the unique environment of the island through Diana’s eyes. Want to swim with a penguin or sea lion? Diana does it. One reason I have adored Jodi Picoult’s writing is because of her poetic prose and though there are places where she gets heavy handed with the metaphors, I am ready to book my own trip to Galápagos to experience what Diana has.

I wasn’t ready to read a novel about the pandemic, unless it was this novel. Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, Hodi Picoult, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Jodi Picoult, once again, delivers with a timely and beautifully told story of how the Covid-19 pandemic makes one woman reevaluate her life. The remarkable plot and setting in the Galapagos is icing on the cake.

WISH YOU WERE HERE
BY JODI PICOULT

I would be remiss without firstly thanking Kathleen Quinlan who I can't thank highly enough for so kindly sending me an email notifying me that my favorite Author Jodi Picoult has just published a new book called, "Wish You Were Here." I am forever grateful to Kathleen and owe her a debt of gratitude. I was so excited that I dropped everything and read this beautifully written evocative novel and to say that I am swooning over this novel is an understatement. This is Jodi's twenty-sixth novel and I have read each and every one of them and loved all of them. This latest one is fantastic and I can truly attest that she gets better and better as a writer with her beautiful prose. Once again she has written an amazing novel with character's who I loved.

She has really outdone herself by delivering a fantastic novel that I LOVED! It was sooooooo good !!! It captivated me from the very beginning until I read the outstanding ending She is one of those rare Author's that always manages to write compelling and completely unique narratives that captures relevant themes and issues that everyone can relate to. Her characterizations are always so incredibly fresh and interesting that I feel as though I am experiencing what they are as I forget that I am reading and feel like I am intimately acquainted with them on their journeys until I read the final stunning words.

Each time that Jodi writes a new novel I am amazed at how brilliantly original her subject matter is. I think that her latest novel called, "Wish You Were Here," is not only going to inform the reader, but will also validate their individual experience. I am highly, highly recommending this to everyone that I know without giving details that would spoil the plot, which every single person can relate to by reflecting how they look backwards and ahead. The writing flowed and the dialogue sparkled and popped and I was deeply immersed so that I read the entire book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. It is that good that I can assure you that once you pick this one up you will lose track of time as I did.

WOW! What a twist that I never saw coming which elevates this to be an unforgettable read that is a new favorite of 2021. When I can, I always attend her Author events and book signings so that I can add a signed First edition, First printing hardcover of her physical book to add to my collection. I have all twenty-five of her previous novels which have been personally inscribed to me by Jodi who goes out of her way to write something inspiring to me. She is always so humble and personable and I enjoy her talks about what inspires her to write a particular story. She used to vacation every Summer in Newburyport, MA where I first had the pleasure of meeting her when her children were small. Now, two of them are married and have graduated from college that I know of at this time. I love Jodi's personality to which she remains humble and kind regardless of her stellar success as an accomplished award winning writer whose achievements are staggering and remarkable.

With each new book that she crafts that I have read and enjoyed I am awed by how diverse each one is that she manages to create. I am sorry that I have read this one so fast instead of slowly savoring it and making my reading of it last. I was so enthralled by its main character named Diana that I couldn't help myself and gave in to my temptation to devour it. I am already looking forward to her next work of art and hope that I get a chance to see her if she decides to tour now that everything is now opening up after over a year of isolation because of the pandemic.

I can firmly say that her newest offering will appeal to everyone not just women. Everyone who loves to read no matter what their favorite genres or male or female of all ages across the board will find this novel is a masterpiece and they will know someone if not themselves to have experienced what transpires with Dianna. Jodi is one of the finest contemporary writer's in the world. Her body of work is outstanding and I can always depend on her newest release to be original. What I am trying to convey is that the subjects that she tackles is always unlike anything that else that you have read before. Jodi's novels have a vision that is her signature style that wholly belongs to her that nobody else has ever imagined yet. Which is quite a feat of that few author's can claim to be able to be in the same category for writing such fresh and sometimes controversial themes.

You will marvel at how this author has sculptured such a timely masterpiece in record time as she shares in her Author's note. Be sure to read it because she shares how fast this work of art that is so unlike anything that I have read at the time I have written this review. This makes her a true trailblazer to be the first fiction writer who I know of to have rendered this universal and historical topic with such a stark and realistic savvy portrayal. I am proud to share that I live in the same State as this prodigious author.

For me to reveal a summery of this plot in this novel would reveal spoilers which I feel would ruin your enjoyment of discovering how universal and timeless this plot is. I will guarantee you that you have recently lived it or know someone else who has to some degree. This will appeal to everyone and I urge you to pre-order your copy today. I am still swooning over this. It is eery, evocative and emotional at times once you untangle the curve ball that will come as a shock and I will guarantee you that it will leave you as to not in your wildest dreams see coming either. Jodi Picoult will dazzle you and you will come away believing that she is still writing at the peak of her power. If you haven't read any of her books I would highly encourage you to do so.

Publication Date: November 30, 2021

A special thank you to Kathleen Quinlan whom I can't thank enough for taking the time out of her busy schedule to inform me that Jodi Picoult had a early digital copy of this marvelous novel waiting for me to read and review with a link provided waiting for me to download with an automatic approval.

As always thank you to Net Galley, Jodi Picoult and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for generously sharing with me my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#WishYouWereHere #JodiPicoult #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #NetGalley

This is an original book that relates to near death experience but also with the recent Covid Pandemic crisis. This will assist future generations who read this book to remember the Global shut down and pandemic related to a virus.

The Story follows Diana through her prepandemic priorities with her boyfriend Finn their goals and dreams of the future. The Diana goes on vacation right before the shutdown without Finn who is studying to be a surgeon and has to be available to work with Covid patience. Diana finds a different life in the Islands and a new side of herself that she lost, until another near death experience awakes her to the reality of what has happened to her and her life..

Jodi Picoult writes about life, death and how priorities change with a different perspective. She gives voice to the pandemic as well as documents the fear, uncertainty associated with the shut down. No matter what people's perspectives are about the pandemic, the political arena and everything else that has since surfaced it brings light to how the pandemic has changed everyone's life and perspective on the future.

NO SPOILERS….
…..It’s mid June, 2021. I’m reviewing this novel early.
“Wish You Were Here”, will be released in stores in November, 2021.

Diana O’Toole, an associate specialist at Sotheby’s, (one of the worlds largest brokers of art collectibles), and Finn Colson, (a surgical resident at the New York Presbyterian Hospital), were going to Galapagos.
It was an expensive trip for two millennials in New York, but they had been saving up for four years. Diana was sure that Finn would propose to her once on the island.

At last minute, due to a virus, (only 19 cases of covid in New York at the time), Finn was told that within a couple of days, the emergency dept. at hospital would be swamped. He couldn’t leave.
Finn thought Diana should still go — take the vacation alone.
Disheartening and hesitant, Diana agrees.

Once in Galapagos…the archipelago of the volcanic islands—marine turtles, sea lions, penguins, iguanas, hood mockingbirds, mangrove trees, black lava, strong sun, and where Charles Darwins theory of evolution by natural selection was formed, Diana’s vacation goes haywire. Her luggage was lost. She was in a country where she didn’t speak the language. The internet connection was spotty at best, and the entire island was newly under quarantine. She meets a few locals - and with relentless storytelling, Jodi Picoult starts reeling us in.

Jodi Piciout is a great observer and describer of the vagaries of life. She has a way of creating characters that are flawed, yet sympathetic, vulnerable, yet strong. She demonstrates that once again, no topic is off-limits or too difficult to handle.
She pulled this novel off flawlessly….by eliciting strong emotional reactions.
The reveals are skillfully written… showing readers bits and pieces until the full picture emerges.

….As the narrative took a compelling, and unexpected turn, I found it impossible to put this book down.
….I wanted the story to move in a different direction…yet the choices Jodi made were an uncomfortable gift. While Diana, (a protagonist that was both challenging and easy to understand), was grappling with what she wanted, what she needed, and how life circumstances were changing her….I was asking myself the same questions.

….I was sad to leave the characters I came to care about…..[characters who Picoult reached deeply into their souls to make them come alive]
….I was sobbing towards the end (I can’t intellectualize or explain the rawness of my full anguish, away even if I tried) — I just know I felt overwhelmingly sad.
….My body felt drained. I was aware of my own fragility, and vulnerability to the shock, sadness, and loss experienced from the powerful realistic emotional punch of heartbreaking unyielding mind-boggling storytelling.

It cuts to the bone—not sunny, nor sappy…..
…..yet Jodi Picoult, not only wrote this novel free from fear, passionate, gentle, and for her characters survival, but for ours too.

It’s no accident Jodi Picoult is one of the foremost Best Selling authors of her generation. And this novel, might just be her finest work yet.

Book Review for Wish You Were Here

Full feature for this title will be posted at: @cattleboobooks on Instagram!

Thanks so much for the review copy. It was so nice to travel to Galapagos. Holy plot twist, Batman. I love that she tackled the subject of Covid. People are going to love this book.

Wish you were here
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, I was so excited to be invited to read and review Jodi Picoult’s upcoming novel. I have read most of her books, she is definitely on my favorite author list. I was fortunate to meet her in person at a book signing of the Storyteller in Connecticut some years ago.
Needless to say, I was not disappointed. The author once again wrote a novel I couldn’t put down.
Diana works for the auction house Sotheby’s and has all her life planned out: get married at 30, have a child at 35, buy a house in the suburb, etc. But then COVID and the pandemic happens, upending all lives, not just Diana’s. Diana’s boyfriend Finn is a doctor in a New York City hospital experiencing first hand the horror of the pandemic. As usual, the author has done thorough research writing this book, the medical aspects of Covid, the art auction word and the Galapagos island that is on Diana’s bucket list of places to visit.
I found Diana’s current experiences interlaced with her background a little choppy , but that didn’t take away from my overall positive review of this book. In usual Jodi Picoult fashion, you will find the unexpected twist, when you least expect it.
I cannot believe how quickly this book was written, especially reading the author’s note at the end, saying she couldn’t read or write in the beginning. Many years from now, when hopefully this pandemic will be in our rear view mirror, as a bad memory this book will show readers what it was like. Definitely 5 stars.
Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and Jodi Picoult for the advanced copy.

This is possibly the most stunning, breathtaking, mindblowing book I have ever read in my entire life. The whole thing felt so real, raw, hopeful, and devastating, from beginning to end. And I have NEVER had full body goosebumps while reading like I did with this book. Jodi Picoult has knocked it out of the park! I need more than five stars, and more than one read through to fully explain how amazing this book was.

Every year, I look forward to another Jodi Picoult book. Wish You Were Here is worth the wait. It has been said that we’re all in this pandemic together, but we certainly all aren’t feeling it in the same way. Picoult takes a unique approach to one woman’s experience with COVID and the way the aftermath plays out. An excellent read, I would recommend it to all.

one thing I should mention before writing this review, is that I have been in a medically induced coma for a week and intubated for 5 days.
With that being said, Ms. Picoult NAILED what its like being in a coma.
The thoughts, the feelings, the fleeting glimpses of something else.
For myself, I could see words float by from when my husband read me the newspaper.
This story hit me like a gut punch.
I could relate to Diana, I went through physical therapy. I remember how exhausting just waking up and trying to sit up.
This book hits me in the heart, from what Finn was going through, to the people trapped in paradise.
I fell in love with this book and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!

Its so believable and the author really makes you think about time, death, and where your brain/mind goes when your body is sedated.

Thanks to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult . From the sunny Galapagos Islands to the grim reality of the pandemic in NYC, Ms Picoult has written an amazing, well crafted, and thought provoking story. The villain in all of this is COVID19. All the characters, Diana, Finn, Gabriel, Beatriz, are extremely reliable. Even the sunloving, pier blocking sea lion is well portrayed. The ending is pure Picoult Gold and is the OMGoodness moment. Highly recommended.

Thank you to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, Ms Picoult, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Random House/Ballantine for an e-ARC of "Wish you were Here." This book wasn't the book that Jodi likely planned to write in 2020, but it became the one that will help us remember the crazy time we lived through that was 2020. Just as the whisperings of a virus are starting, Diana and her fiance, Finn, prepare to travel to the Galapagos Island. Finn is a resident, so he has to stay behind and work, while he encouraged Diana to take the trip. The virus morphs into the pandemic we lived through, and the book does an admirable job of expressing the frustrations physicians lived through, the uncertainty and the loss we lived. There are some twists that take the book into a direction I hadn't anticipated, but it was fascinating. Beyond so. I highlighted many pages, and it sparked conversations with my family. I also loved the author's afterward, with her experiences throughout the pandemic. Get this book, read it, and then save a copy to read again in a few years to see how we feel looking back. Highly recommended.

What an awesome treat! A Jodi Picoult book to savor and reflect post quarantine. Picoult has managed to give voice to how a lot of us felt while in the throes of the pandemic. The medical emails were spot on and intense. The Galapagos descriptions gave this reader such vivid descriptions that I’ve just added it to my travel bucket list. I really needed this unexpected surprise from Jodi Picoult!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review a book by one of my favorite authors! When I was invited to read this one I had no idea what it was about and I just dove right into it not knowing the plot takes place during the Covid pandemic. While I was reading this I had mixed feelings because as of right now we are not yet completely done with Covid even though restrictions have eased up. I just was not ready to read a book with Covid in it just yet. I totally agree that she needed to write about it and preserve history in her fictional way, but it really just is too soon and some parts did feel rushed. However, her book was great and as usual contained some great wisdom. Diana and Finn are supposed to go on vacation in the Galapagos. When Covid hits she still goes, but Finn has to stay behind because he is a doctor. The BIG twist at 60% really saved the book in my opinion so JUST KEEP READING!

Diana and Finn are young New Yorkers, each growing in their own careers, and expecting an engagement and marriage in the near future. A trip to the Galapagos islands seems like the perfect place for that engagement to happen, but then this virus starts to grow and raise concerns. Finn suggests that Diana go on without her as he isn't able to leave his work at the hospital. Diana gets to the island just to see the last charter boat back to the mainland. She stays and finds herself exploring not only the island and new culture, but getting to know the people there better, and also exploring and getting to know herself and her life better too.

When I saw this book was about Covid, I was a little hesitant, but it is presented and woven into the story in a very effective manner. I appreciated that this story also shared more of the experiences of some of the healthcare workers whose lives were turned upside down by the covid virus.

This book has some significant twists and unexpected events, that made me exclaim out loud while i was reading!

The first half of "Wish You Were Here" is pretty formulaic. Diana is in art sales at Sotheby's, and she has her life planned out to the nth degree. This includes hospital resident Finn, and they are about to embark on a trip to the Galapagos when Finn is called back to the hospital to deal with an outbreak of this novel coronavirus. He convinces her to go on her own, which she does, and, of course, gets stranded there when the world closes down.

It's hard to remember time when we knew so little about what was about to smack us down that a doctor could advise his fiancee to take a vacation to a remote foreign island while he tended to the dying. The island has spotty internet, so their communications are sporadic and confusing. Islanders take pity on Diana and help her survive, especially a teenage girl and later, her father. The pandemic is going full blast, so . . .

And then, "Wish You Were Here" becomes a different, much more interesting story. No spoilers from me, but the novel delves into the subconscious, what happens to people's minds when they are unconscious and their bodies are battling to survive. Where do those dreams and thoughts come from? Diana's mother was always emotionally absent, but will her advanced Alzheimer's allow another version of herself to push through?

I see that a lot of reviewers didn't like "The Book of Two Ways," which I adored. Picault's exploration of the life to death transition and how two cultures do their best to explain it was riveting to me. What I liked about this new novel is her exploration of these issues, the question of what is real and what is not, and the balance that is so delicate that it took an unheard of virus to make us aware.

~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and the timeliness of the topic. I've read several other books by Picoult, and this one is similar in that it's highly readable and there's typically a "twist". It depicts the anxiety and fear of the unknown that we all experienced, especially at the beginning of COVID. I'll continue to read more by Picoult in the future!

I know that Jodi Picoult is a Princeton grad, but I believe she is the only alumna who consistently writes "ripped from the headlines" novels" that go on to become best sellers and popular films. And she manages to do it in record time. The Book of Two Ways was published within the past year and suddenly, she presents Wish You Were Here, another sure-to-be best seller.

Considering how quickly this book followed her last, it is surprisingly timely and gripping. I couldn't stop reading and finished it in one day. Wish you were here begins in the earliest days of the pandemic when
Diana O'Toole, Sotheby's impressionist art maven has to take a vacation for two to the Galapagos alone because her boyfriend Finn, a surgery resident in New York's Columbia Presbyterian hospital is unable to join her due to the rapid influx of Covid patients..

She arrives, sans luggage (isn't it always lost?), on the island of Isabela, with almost nothing. She doesn't speak Spanish and has only the clothes she's wearing and a bathing suit. Picoult's writing and her way with a phrase will enchant you from the beginning. I hesitate to say more so as not to distract from a novel you simply must read. You will learn a lot about Covid, Alzheimer's, art and photography and biology. You will finish the book with a deep sigh of satisfaction and await her next novel. (Soon?) Go, Jodi! Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this early chance to read. All opinions are my own and unsolicited.

There isn’t a whole lot that I can say about this book without ruining the twist that I didn’t see coming, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. it was a way of paying homage to the last year that we all went through and also lessons learned from this past year. Well done Jodi!!!