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.

In Wish You Were Here, Jodi Picoult has re-created that horrible time of early covid pandemic. Her narrative oozes the uncertainty, the fear, the lack of information, the confusing barrage of frightening misinformation of those months. Her characters are emotionally rich and appealing. Picoult leaves her readers questioning their choices about the importance of family, of each other, and of life. And she takes us to the shore of the ocean of unconscious and asks if we are courageous enough to test the water.

I received this book for attending an event. I haven’t read Picoult before though I know she’s popular and prolific. But it’s a pandemic book and not really where I wanted my head to be. It is a good story and somewhat cleverly told and structured, but ultimately I wish it hadn’t been a COVID story especially since I enjoyed the non-virus parts of the book more. But it’s not really fair for me to wish the book was something the author didn’t want it to be.

When I read Jodi Picoult's first book "My Sister's Keeper" I love it so much I started a book club for the mere reason that I wanted to talk to someone who had read it. I have since read every book that Picoult has authored. I have learned many things from her writing. I learned about brittle bone disease, heart transplants, and many more subjects that I would not normally come across. Wish You Were Here gave me insight on medical personnel involved in the fight of their lives with Covid, It also taught me a little about Alzheimer's and the effects of ventilators on the human body and mind. This latest book is Picouli's is her best. The story is about forgiveness, the will to live, and true love.

Be right back, I need to book my trip to Galápagos Islands.

I have always been a huge fan of Jodi Picoult. I absolutely love her style in which she narrates the story. Told from multiple points of view brings everything together while showing how things change depending your perspective.

You can always tell that Picoult does her research prior to writing. This story takes place during the pandemic . Diana has her life perfectly planned, married by 30, done having kids by 35, climb the professional ladder and move out of the city and into the suburbs. When Diana's boyfriend books a trip to Galápagos Island right before her 30th birthday, she believes her life is right on track. The night before they are suppose to leave for the trip, Finn says he has to stay behind, working in the hospital has been insane and they need every available person to help take care of the surge of COVID-19 patients. Finn insists Diana still go on the trip .

What could go wrong?

Just about everything. Diana's suitcase is missing, the wifi connection doesnt exist and the hotel Finn had booked is shut down. Not only that, but the island is now under quarantine and Diana is trapped . When Diana meets a local family, she forms a connection with the daughter. What secret is this teenager keeping?

You are going to have to pick up your copy on November 30th to find out!

Easy 5 star read. I devoured this novel in one sitting!

Ooo Jodi Picoult with another knockout novel!! Her writing style is one of my favorites and I love how each story always has the most entertaining characters. This one was a great read... I loved the suspense and I always want more after I finish her books!

Wow, this book took me on a ride. I really don't want to give any spoilers on this one, so I'm not going to give a synopsis. Read the back of the book if you want or go in blind, but it's an amazing story.

I loved the story. I was in love with the location in some of the story. I found myself googling so I could see what the character was experiencing. I fell in the love with the characters and really connected to the MC. I was grieving the losses that she had, as well as celebrating the joys. This was a wonderful story that will stay with me for a long time!

Readers that enjoy stories of love, life, and family experiences will enjoy this one!

I do want to give some content warnings. This book is about COVID. There is loss, grief, discussion of the traumatizing experiences for medical workers as well as people quarantined. There is also discussion of self-harm from cutting. ​

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

This was a very unique story centered around the pandemic, and the world wide quarantine. Diana and Finn plan to go to the Galapagos for a vacation, just as the pandemic hits. Finn is a surgeon in the hospital, and it is all hands on deck. The story takes us through a breathtaking view of the island, as well as the scare of contracting COVID, and being near death.
There is a major twist half way through the book, which changes everything. While I truly enjoyed it, I thought the middle was a little drawn out. Overall a great read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Diana O'Toole takes a trip to the Galapagos Islands when her boyfriend, an ER surgeon becomes so busy in the care of COVID cases. At least, I think she did. She had wonderful interactions with a local tour guide, his daughter, and Abuela, who took Diana in when the hotels closed. Reading of Diana's trip was fascinating. She counseled the daughter, Belize, and enjoyed the hospitality of Abuela. One day she is in the ocean with Gabriel, the tour guide, and then she is not.
At this point, the novel has quite a twist. Diana has become near terminal with COVID, and her boyfriend Finn now takes a bigger role in the novel. If you can accept this story as laid out, you will enjoy it very much. But, how did Diana get so sick and her COVID working boyfriend did not? That's just one of the questions you might be asking yourself.
I enjoyed the novel, and thank NetGalley for the ARC.

I wish I could write as well as Jodi Picoult so I could eloquently say how much I loved this book. There is so much to this book - the feeling of chaos and uncertainty and helplessness in the face of a pandemic, the healing of hearts, the feeling of redemption, the power of forgiveness, the power of dreams. I could go on and on. And when you think you know, when you think the story is too predictable... keep reading. The surprises are huge.

Literally breathtaking. A beautifully written book about living a life versus a plan, and the choices we make along the way. Not since "My Sister's Keeper" or "The Pact" have I been so moved by a Jodi Picoult book.