Loved it. Each half of the book was beautifully and thoughtfully done, and the twist in the middle was unexpected. I didn’t want it to end. Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Company for sending me an early copy.

Jodi Picoult has done it again! This story is so well written, characters so well developed and will keep you turning page after page until the end. Mirroring the last year, the details about the pandemic and quarantine are very well written and will still be relevant many years from now. Highly recommend!

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this wonderful title. It’s fresh poignant and so important to remember this time. Jodi Picoult’s fiction is a wonderful vessel for this - loved it.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review - You can never fail picking up a Jodi Picoult book to read - they are always great!
This was so about today and what the world has been going through with COVID
Diane, and an art auction person and Flint her boyfriend plan a trip to go to the islands. Then Flint's job as a surgical resident says he cannot take the time off - he is needed at work - he tells her to go as they already have the tickets.
She goes alone, her luggage is lost, wi-fi is bad - the island shuts down and she has to adapt to a totally different vacation. She meets a man and his daughter and as the relationship begins to progress she wonders about her relationship with Flint.
With a world shut down, life has changed and so has Diane. Will her relationship with Flint be the same when she returns? Will life ever go back to normal? Grab this book to find the answers!

As an art associate specialist prepares for a vacation she has saved for nears, Covid 19 begins in the United States. Her boyfriend, a doctor, won’t be able to make the trip. He urges her to use her ticket so that she will be away from the virus and safe. Diana arrives at the island only to find that it is closing for two weeks. She must decide to stay or return home. She decides to stay not realizing that everything on the island will be closed. She has no place to stay and no food until a kindly lady takes her in and has her stay in the unused apartment below hers.

Diana establishes a routine and befriends several of the people living on the island. One of her new friends is a young girl that shows her some of the hidden beauty on the island. She discovers that she has developed feelings for one of her new friends. Does this attraction signify a change in her feelings for her boyfriend?

Jodi Picoult has created an emotionally raw look at the effects of COVID-19 on our lives. Diana’s boyfriend, Finn, works 36 hour shifts in the Covid ward. He is sad, scared, tired and frustrated. Diana gets Covid and recuperates. Picoult takes the reader by the hand and leads us through Diana’s recuperation. The daily frustration and fear is evident. We have all been through this mess and with a gentle hand, Jodi Picoult shows us that we can emerge from the darkness and carry on.

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Fascinating book about a woman who gets COVID and is unconscious for ten days. During that time she experiences a whole other life where she lives and meets people (and coincidentally is stranded because of the pandemic.) - when she wakes up she can’t believe it wasn’t real. In true JP fashion, she has interviewed and researched doctors and covid survivors and long haulers and a large percentage report having incredibly vivid dreams and parallel lives.

Powerful. As usual Jodi Picoult will have you hooked with this novel. Dianna and Finn have planned a trip to the Galápagos Islands and it’s finally time to go. But then COVID hits and Finn suggests she go by herself since he can’t leave. Through this novel experience the beginning of the pandemic from Finn and Diana’s viewpoint and see how they cope, how it affects them and the choices they make and be reminded of where you were and how you felt at the very beginning.

Thank you NetGalley, Jodi Picoult and Ballantine Books for this edition and hearing my honest review. Looking forward to reading more with you
#partner

This book, crafted in what has to be record time, was simply amazing. I was totally expecting an entirely different novel that I had chatted with Picoult about over perhaps the past three years. Having been assured that book was coming in 2022, I was hopeful that this was it. As I read, my disappointment that I would still have to wait longer was replaced with my awe for the amazing author Picoult is, and that as we lived history, she crafted a deep and touching novel that was so timely, born of the history we are still living to this day. No corners were cut, and yet here is a novel that will stand up to the tests of time as if it was years from start to finish. Nothing is held back, and this is an experience that touches every living person on our blue planet.

As a fan of Jodi Picoult , I was easily drawn to this book. In her notes, she states that she wrote this book at lightening speed. We are still in the pandemic, and the book tells of struggles during the pandemic.
They characters are well developed, and it is an easy, fast read.
The author continues to dapple in the "unseen" world as she has in her last few books. She makes you question
what is reality, and can there be multiple realities ?
Highly recommended read

I think most people would agree that if we've learned anything from COVID, it's that art and pop culture got us through. Books, movies, TV and music helped us process what was going on and was also a great distraction. (And shout out to the Tiger King reference in this book because I think 99% of the country did end up watching it.)

Usually we require distance and time to be able to fully process traumatic events, but this book served a very valuable purpose. It showcased the heroics of frontline workers and made what they went through very, VERY obvious. It's something that we know on an intellectual level but this made me feel it on a visceral one. Finn's emails to Diana literally took my breath away. But the book also showed the necessity of grief and stopping to really think about what's been lost.

Perhaps most valuable of all? The end was set a couple of years into the future. Obviously I know that it's going to end (and that, thanks to vaccines, it's already in the process of ending) but seeing the world starting to move on and then being much closer to normal than we are now felt like the best possible thing to read.

But here's the other thing. This review may make you think that this book is Dealing With COVID: An Exercise in Trauma and it's really not that. One of the best things about Jodi Picoult's books are that the characters are passionate about things. (Sidebar: it's not that I don't care about things like art or multiverses or evolution or elephants or any of the other things I've learned about in her books. It's that they're things I don't really think about and so reading people talk about the things that they love makes me very interested and engaged in those topics. Hearing Diana discuss art with various people in this book was just fascinating and added real depth to it for me.)

This book feels like magic and also a little bit like a continuation of The Book of Two Ways. Both seem like they were meant for this specific time (The Book of Two Ways with its discussion of death and grief felt like a metaphor for COVID and pandemic life and this was a more upfront discussion) and both have been a vey real part of getting me through this particular time. They're both acknowledgments that, although things can be very bleak, there is always hope.

There's a part toward the end where Diana is speaking with someone whose art she may auction off (a very fun semi-veiled reference) and the woman says that art is a conversation, that the artist begins the dialogue but that the viewer continues it with what they're bringing as their perspective and that the perspective will always change because the viewer is changing.

This feels like the absolute best conversation. Highly recommended.

Wow. This is book is nothing like Jodi has written before and I loved it. It is based in March 2020, right when Covid hits NYC. To read about what just happened a year ago, was quite chilling honestly. To hear the perspective of a doctor in the epicenter of this virus to how many people reacted differently to this virus...it was fantastic. A decent amount of the book is based in the Galapagos Islands- a now dream destination for me to visit. You will laugh, cry and truly enjoy this novel.

O-M-G! This is one intense, emotional novel!
I loved it and will be re-reading again to remember how it made me feel! It is that good!!
Diana and Finn plan a trip to the Galapagos, where Finn will propose and they can begin their life and goals together.
However, Finn is suddenly unable to go on this trip.
He is a hospital resident in NYC, and it has become "All hands on deck" due to an incoming virus that is threatening the world!
Finn tells Diana to go on vacation without him. She will be safer away from the city.
She leaves and even away from the tragedy in the USA,; the loneliness, isolation, lack of supplies, lack of internet and feelings of guilt for Diana begin to take over as they do for everyone world wide.
The journey continues for Diana.
How long must she remain on the island? Will she be able to leave? How will Finn be alone without Diana?

This is one book that is not an easy read, yet definitely will be one that will be shared and read for years to come!
I give it ten stars!!

The pandemic from the aspect of a survivor is a fascinating twist. It is impossible to write anything about the story itself without creating a spoiler. However, Diana and her boyfriend Finn are very well-crafted characters who, like the rest of us, are thrust into the great unknown of Covid 19. Their perfectly planned lives are completely up-ended in ways they could never imagine. Picoult writes about an incredibly difficult time in our human history and manages to inject very little politics into what has become a political nightmare. While we do not yet know much about the truth of the pandemic at this time, this novel focuses on the truths of two people on the front lines of the illness. Their realities were shared by millions of people around the world who cared not about politics, but about the safety and care of their loved ones. And in that sense this story is one that will ring true no matter what we discover in hindsight.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this title.

Diana O'Toole has her life planned out, but when Covid hits, everything is thrown off course. As the world begins to change before her very eyes, her boyfriend insists that she takes their planned trip to the Galapagos Islands and get out of NYC.

Diana's time on the islands changes her, helping her to slow down and realize that the perfectly planned life she saw for herself may not be what she actually wants.

I quickly read this novel. It was enveloping and readable. As with all of Jodi's novels, there were tough subjects, quirks, and twists. It wasn't as in-depth as some of her books, but I actually enjoyed that it was a lighter read, despite the heavy subjects involved.

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

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