Jodi Picoult is a smart writer, no doubt about it. Wish You Were Here starts off strong, with Diana O’Toole heading to the Galápagos solo when her surgeon boyfriend Finn stays behind in New York to deal with COVID. Stranded on Isabela Island with no luggage, no Wi-Fi, and no plan, she finds shelter with a local woman and bonds with a troubled teen named Beatriz and her (very available) dad. Diana begins to rethink her carefully plotted future.

The first half is beautifully written, full of rich detail and emotional weight. The island setting pops, and the early pandemic backdrop is all too real. Picoult’s research shows—whether she’s describing riptides or overwhelmed ICUs, it’s sharp and vivid.

Then comes the twist. And... oof. She leans hard into New Age territory and throws in themes like LGBT identity and political undertones that feel forced. I didn’t mind the soul-searching, but the plot device she uses to get there felt like a cheat.

I get what she was going for—resilience, evolution, finding light in the dark. But for me, it went off the rails. I put off reading this because it was about COVID. Honestly? I wish I hadn’t read it.

Three stars.

** Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.

A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.

1.5/5 - Not for me.

It's interesting to me how this book is being panned on Goodreads/Storygraph for being too liberal. If there's anything I can credit this book with, it's the perspective it took on the pandemic being apolitical - a concept we unfortunately as a society fail to grasp.

Indeed, my frustration with the book, and consequently my inability to enjoy it, came almost entirely from the arrogant and laissez-faire manner in which protagonist Diana O'Toole ignores COVID protocols and minimises her partner's contributions to fighting the pandemic. I would have loved to have read a book from Finn's perspective, who to me was the most complex and fascinating character, yet one who was poised as an obstructive force in the protagonist's perspective because he was seemingly overly concerned with a virus that was claiming lives. I found myself getting worked up constantly at the protagonist's disregard for her partner, for the pandemic, for rules around her mother's living facility... And unfortunately that wasn't the worst of it.

Beyond this frustrating storyline, I simply felt that the characters were too flat for me to relate to. The citizens of Isabela felt like stereotypes - down to the sweet little abuela; the fiery Latin rival; the hot tour guide. It felt very one-dimensional, although it could have had to do with the fact that I listened to the audiobook in parts and had to struggle through some truly terrible Spanish pronunciation. The odd insertion of loosely masked "Beatles" references as the "Nightjars" really ground my gears - I would have much rather seen an invented rockstar, than one that was so obvious and yet oddly renamed. I found this subplot distracting and offputting. Diana drove me insane - she's so self-focused that I'm not surprised she invented a world all her own - she seems to think both worlds, the real and the invented, revolve entirely around her. Beyond that, the twist felt like a letdown - by the time we form bonds with the characters, we recognise they were never real.

That being said, the twist WAS interesting and I like an unreliable narrator. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Glapagos and I stand behind Picoult's personal stance on COVID-19. I also loved the discussions of art, especially the history around Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. For this, I've rounded my review up from 1 star to 1.5.

I have read other Picoult books before and have mixed feelings; unfortunately this one for me should have been a pass but I am open to reading others in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 STARS

Wish You Were Here ended up being a late read for me, but I’m sticking with my goal of reading 80% of the books from my NetGalley shelf, and honestly, I might have skipped this one if it weren’t for that commitment—mainly because it’s centered around Covid. However, I’m glad I didn’t pass it up. While the pandemic backdrop was expected, Picoult does a remarkable job of exploring the emotional toll of isolation and loss. I wasn’t prepared for the mid-story twist, and once it happened, the pace of the novel finally picked up. The characters are well-developed, and the story offers an authentic portrayal of how people adapt to shifting circumstances.

Wow.. just wow. I didn't know much about the book before reading it but i'm really glad I read it. The book centers around life when Covid at the beginning. Even 5 years later, it still feels like such a surreal experience and I loved how Jodi describes it so vividly - down to the lockdowns and non-stop watching shows like Schitt's Creek and how there are only so many home made loaves of bread one can eat. That there were people who believed it was a hoax while thousands were hospitalized and dying. And how your world just stops and you have to live with a new normal. I was definitely thrown by the twist in the book but it made me happy how the book wrapped up at the end. Another beautifully written book

It wasn’t my favorite. I viewed the current events differently and the book wasn’t as intriguing to me. It also felt slow to start which was part of it. I like Picoults novels but this one fell flat for me.

Jodi Picoult is a go to offer for me so I was very excited to read her newest. This is such a change from her previous books. I love the magical realism genre! She did a wonderful job of capturing the Covid experience.

Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Jodi Picoult is one of my go to authors and this book just fell flat for me. I wanted to love it as I did most of her previous books, but I simply could not get into this story and connect with the characters. As usual the subject matter was well researched, however I was not engaged with the story and after the twist the book just dragged for me.

Diana O'Toole and her partner Finn are up and coming professionals. Finn is a resident in surgery and Diana is working at Sotheby's in the art auction business. Diana is the daughter of a groundbreaking photographer whose work has been featured at MOMA but who spent more time on her career than being a mother. Still, Diana at almost thirty is right on track on her life plan. She and Finn are about to take the trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos islands and she's pretty sure that Finn plans to propose there.


Then it hits. Covid comes to the United States and New York City is especially hard hit. Finn works with an overwhelming number of patients, most of whom do not survive their hospitalization. Although he takes every precaution, he is worried about bringing the virus home to their apartment. Diana and the rest of her peers are furloughed with no income. Finn suggests that Diana go without him on their trip, as she should be safe there. Diana reluctantly agrees.

When she arrives, it is to find the island closed. Her hotel isn't open and neither are restaurants. She has no Internet service. She manages to find a place to stay when she meets a grandmotherly woman who takes her in under her wing. She becomes friends with the woman's granddaughter who is hiding several secrets about her life. She also meets the son who is an attractive tour guide and farmer who she can't help but grow close to. Will her relationship with Finn survive this isolation and separation?

Jodi Picoult is known for her women's fiction books, most of which center around an ethical decision. Diana learns much about herself during this time period, lessons which the reader may feel can be applied to their own life. The characters are finely drawn and the reader is engaged in Diana's life and situation. This book is recommended for readers of women's and literary fiction.

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult is a thought-provoking and emotional story that explores themes of loss, grief, and the impact of the pandemic. The novel follows Diana, an art historian, who is stuck in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic while her fiancé, Finn, is stuck on a medical mission in the Galápagos Islands. Diana’s life starts to unravel as she deals with her own isolation, the fear of losing Finn, and the emotional toll of a world that’s suddenly very different.

What I loved about this book is how it captures the uncertainty and pain many of us felt during the pandemic, but it also dives deep into the emotional lives of the characters. Diana is a relatable protagonist, and her journey is about finding a way to move forward when everything feels out of control. The story also touches on difficult subjects like healthcare, the value of art, and how we cope with the things we can't change.

Reading in Between the Wines book review #114/130 for 2024:
Rating: 3 🍷🍷🍷
Book: Wish You Were Here
Author: Jodi Picoult
Available now!!!

Sipping thoughts: I am a huge psychological thriller reader and rarely detour from them. However, I don’t think anyone can go wrong with a Picoult book, which is typically Women’s Fiction. This book was released right after the surge of covid in 2020/2021. This book takes us into the world, of which Diana is trying to navigate how it is to try and be safe and be in a relationship with a frontline doctor. This book will cause you to suspend reality, explore your goals and future, and evaluate whether the anchor in your life is grounding you (holding you back) or keeping you grounded.

Cheers and thank you, @RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine and @Netgalley, for an advanced copy of @WishYouWereHere.

#WishYouWereHere #JodiPicoult #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #NetGalley #ARC #advancedreader #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #GeneralFictionAdult

"Wish You Were Here" by Jodi Picoult is a captivating and timely novel that beautifully weaves together themes of love, loss, and resilience amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. I particularly enjoyed the depth of the characters and the intricate relationships that unfold throughout the story. Picoult’s signature storytelling shines as she captures both the heartache and hope that come with difficult choices. The twist adds an unexpected layer, keeping readers engaged and prompting reflection on our own experiences during these challenging times. Overall, "Wish You Were Here" is a compelling read that resonates long after the final page, showcasing Picoult’s talent for tackling relevant issues with grace and empathy.

Wish You Were Here is a thought-provoking novel that skillfully explores love, identity, and the unexpected turns life can take, all against the backdrop of the pandemic. Known for her ability to tackle complex issues with emotional depth, Picoult once again delivers a compelling story that feels both timely and timeless.

One of the most striking aspects of *Wish You Were Here* is its emotional exploration of the pandemic’s impact. Picoult doesn’t shy away from addressing the profound sense of isolation, uncertainty, and grief that so many experienced during this time, but she also finds moments of beauty and connection in unexpected places.

The novel takes some unexpected twists, which add layers of intrigue and depth to the story. Picoult masterfully handles these plot turns, keeping me on my toes while still maintaining the emotional core of the novel. The surprise elements enrich the narrative, making it a multifaceted exploration of love, loss, and the courage to rethink one’s future.

When I first received this, for me it was too close to pandemic to read, Jodi Picoult is like an old friend where no matter how long it’s been since you have read her, you look forward to an extra long good visit. Wish You Were Here is that very thing. In the Galápagos Islands, Diana is cut off from all communication with her modern day life and love. As she adapts she finds her self changing. For most of us pandemic time was our own Galapagos and we too changed both as individuals and the culture of our communities. I’m glad I waited to read this as my perspective is different than it would have been at the time.
She has given us new titles to read since this and I will always recommend Jodi!

As the COVID pandemic begins in March, 2020, Finn is a surgeon in a New York hospital. He encourages his girlfriend, Diane, to go on their planned trip to Galapagos without him. He knows that he will be needed at the hospital. As soon as Diane reaches the vacation destination, she finds herself trapped there as lockdown begins. Meanwhile, Finn is overwhelmed with the devastating effects that COVID is having on the patients he sees in the hospital.
Wish You Were Here gives us a look at how much was lost, in so many ways, because of the pandemic.
I was given an ARC of the book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#wishyouwerehere
#jodipicoult
#covid19
#netgalley

Wish You Were Here was a pandemic-based, COVID novel. This has put me off in the past, so once I realized where Picoult was taking us, I wasn't sure I would want to continue. I'm glad I did though. The journey that Diana experiences far exceeded my expectations. The emotional connection I felt to her and the people on the island was intense. I felt invested in the story and finding out what would end up happening.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for a free and unbiased review.

I LOVE every one of Jodi Picoults books. I think that she is amazing both for the average reader, as well as a book club reader. Being a book club leader I am looking forward to reading this with my group. I was fully surprised by the endish part of the book, which shows what an amazing writer Picoult is. I look forward to reading any and all books she writes!!!

I enjoyed this read but definitely not the COVID parts, it just brings those feelings I dislike. The twists were good and would definitely recommend it to a friend.

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult is a perfect fit for readers who appreciate thought-provoking, emotionally charged stories that explore the complexities of human relationships, personal growth, and the transformative power of travel and self-discovery, especially those who enjoy literary fiction with a strong focus on character development and introspection.

Thank you so much Oebguin and NetGalley for my gifted copy.

I really could not get past covid parts. Even 2-4 years later, it just isn’t the right time to bring it up for me

I tried really hard with this one. I really did. Unfortunately, it did not work for me. It would be rude and a disservice to rate this as I know several others really enjoyed it.

It is not for me and I had to DNF (did not finish) for reading reasons. I could not connect with the plot of the characters at all. I did not and could not force myself to read it as I picked it up and put it down several times, but could not get into the book.

I appreciate the opportunity, but it is not going to be one I will recommend going forward.

Thank you again for my gifted copy.

I wasn’t sure about this one because I knew the heavy topic would be Covid- sometimes that can be too daunting to read when you want to escape with a book. Although the overall arc was a covid scenario, that wasn’t the main theme of the book. It’s more of a what if story and honestly I walked away wanting to add the Galápagos Islands to my travel list! This was a thought provoking book that will stay with me a long time.