I felt the book started off really strong, I became fully immersed in the first half of the book and loved the descriptions of the Galapagos. The second part of the book was not as enjoyable, not as engaging and at times quite frustrating.

Overall it’s an ok read but the first half I was reading quickly because I wanted to know what would happen next whereas the second half I read quickly as I just wanted it to be over.

I am annoyed at myself for not having read this when I first got it from NetGalley (I took a big break from reading but am glad to say that I am back!). Jodie Picoult never disappoints, she has been one of my favorite authors for a very long time and just when you think she has reached her peak, she does it again!

I absolutely loved Wish You Were Here, I read it in less than 2 days! It is very different to her other books that I have read, the overall tone of voice seemed a lot more casual or something - not in a bad way at all, I just felt like I was reading something very light and easy. And then bam! The plot twist of all plot twists comes and the second half of the book is the usual emotional rollercoaster that I know from Picoult! I love how she managed to take the age old story telling cliche of 'And then I woke up' and totally make it work! I genuinely did not see it coming at all, it blew my mind.

One thing that I guess was nice with reading this a little late was it threw me straight back into the days of Covid. Not that it is a nice thing to re-experience, but it reminded me of how scary the whole thing was. I think so many of us look at back at that period like it was a dream and we have forgotten how truly scary those first few weeks and months were. And the big moments that we and so many people missed; my sister never got a graduation from school, I went months without seeing my long distance boyfriend (now husband) and so much more. They seem small in comparison to how so many people lost so much but it still had an impact.

The level of research Picoult does always amazes me and it is no exception here. From the expertise in art, to the Galapagos, to what the front line workers experienced durig Covid, she didn't leave a stone unturned.

Honestly I could write forever about this book but it is fantastic. I cried, I laughed and I loved the characters. I would have loved to have met Diana's parents in real life, they sounded so interesting and I am so happy Diana had the reconciliation she needed with her mum. My heart bled for Finn and really made me realise how hard it was for those who were on the front line during the pandemic.

So yes great great book! Jodie Picoult does it again!

Honesty one of the most incredible books I have ever read. I didn’t think I would ever, ever want to read about covid in a story but this was done so cleverly. I am still in sheer amazement at how shocked I was in places, and how connected to Diana and what she was feeling I felt as a result.
Jodi Picoult’s book topics always send me on a personal emotional journey, and I really think reading this helped me process some of the trauma I felt from the pandemic.

This was my first time reading a book from the author but I am delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading more books from the writer in the future

While I love Picoult, not all of her books have worked for me. The pandemic context was too close to the trauma I still carry and sadly this book just didn't work for me.

I really didn’t like the main character. She was very annoying. The second part of the book was so ridiculous. I am usually a fan of this author so was very disappointed

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

This is certainly a tough read and should come with the content warning of Covid.
I did wonder if it would be too soon for me to read about the pandemic, but I felt like I was in safe hands with Jodi Picoult. What a skill for storytelling she has!

A surprisingly easy to read 'COVID novel'. The twist made me gasp out loud. Jodi Picoult always delivers!

I would read Jodie’s books forever and beyond. She is a writer who needs to be celebrated and revered. I just don’t know how her brain can hold so many topics and create these stunning books. I loved wish you were here with all my Heart thankyou

The download date was unfortunately missed, I would be happy to re-review if it became available again. I have awarded stars for the book cover and description as they both appeal to me. I would be more than happy to re-read and review if a download becomes available. If you would like me to re-review please feel free to contact me at thesecretbookreview@gmail.com or via social media The_secret_bookreview (Instagram) or Secret_bookblog (Twitter). Thank you.

Wish You Were Here is a novel by Jodi Picoult that was published in 2021. The book tells the story of Diana O'Toole, a young woman who finds herself stranded on a remote island in the Galápagos Islands during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diana is on a romantic getaway with her boyfriend, Finn, when the pandemic hits. Finn is forced to return to New York City to help with the COVID-19 crisis, leaving Diana alone on the island. Diana is forced to come to terms with her own mortality and the fragility of life. She also learns to rely on herself and to find strength in the face of adversity.

Wish You Were Here is a powerful and moving novel about resilience, hope, and the power of love. Picoult's writing is beautiful and evocative, and she does a masterful job of capturing the fear, uncertainty, and hope of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wish You Were Here is a must-read for anyone who has been affected by the pandemic, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Overall, Wish You Were Here is a powerful and moving novel that is worth reading. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Being a huge fan of Picoult, I really enjoyed reading books. I was in a weird slump for a long time in the lockdown induced haze and everything in general and reading a book about similar things has definitely slowed down my reading pace. I read this books in bite size and took my time to finish. It pulled me out of my slump and that is a victory in itself. I won't say the characters are memorable. But it gave me an immense satisfaction of reading and finishing a Picoult book and that's enough for me.

If you are a Jodi Picoult fan, you will enjoy this book. If you haven't read any of her books yet - start with this one. Set during covid times, it will resonate in many ways.

A truly great read.

I spent so much time in my mid-20s reading Jodi Picoult's back catalogue! I love a moral dilemma and a family drama story, so her novels really appeal to me when I am looking for an engrossing read.

Wish You Were Here is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of grief, loss, and family dynamics. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Diana and Jo, who are dealing with the aftermath of their sister's death. The sisters are forced to confront their own feelings of guilt and regret as they try to come to terms with their loss.

One of the strengths of the novel is Picoult's ability to create complex and multi-dimensional characters. Each of the sisters is flawed and relatable, and their struggles with grief and guilt are portrayed with great sensitivity and nuance. The novel also explores the dynamics of family relationships, and the ways in which they can be both supportive and destructive.

Another strong point of the novel is its exploration of the impact of trauma on individuals and families. The story is told through multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to see how different characters are coping with their grief and how their experiences are interconnected.

Some readers may find the novel to be overly sentimental at times, and the use of multiple narrators and flashbacks - if you're not a fan - can be confusing.

Overall, Wish You Were Here is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that explores important themes with great sensitivity and depth. It is a compelling read that is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who appreciate thoughtful and introspective fiction (and Picoult's style, of course!).

I love Jodi Picoult but I couldn't bring myself to read this when it was first released as I needed a break from covid and this was too close to home. I'm glad I waited, I really enjoyed this book.

Covid has reared its ugly head and Diana finds herself stranded on one of the Galápagos Islands or does she! Didn’t like the blatant use of the John and Yoko story which wasn’t necessary. Other ways could have been found to introduce that element of the book. The descriptions of the Galápagos Islands were lovely and the snippets about the history, geography, flora and fauna were interesting. What isn’t lovely is yet another author pushing their political leanings in the guise of a novel. Diana was selfish and boring, some of the characters were caricatures. I liked Finn and to think what happened to him was done on a mere whim. It’s a little bit early to start cashing in on the covid horror quite honestly and verges on the distasteful!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing to review this book I really enjoyed and if and feel if you like Jodis other books this one is much the same

Diana and Finn are meant to be heading off for the trip of a lifetime together. However Covid is just starting to hit New York.
Diana arrives in the Galapagos to find herself stranded as they've locked down. Her only forms of communication are through dodgy internet and postcards to Finn.

Diana finds herself throughout the time on the island reflecting on her life.

Twists throughout that I didn't see but ones you'd expect if you are a Jodi fan.

This book hit close to home with the covid topic and I wasn't a massive fan of the long chapters.

I felt like I needed more closure from the ending.

However I am a massive Jodi fan and can tell that she thoroughly researched before writing about such a sensitive topic.

This was a bit of a slow burner for me, but I’m glad I stuck with it as it does pay off.

Thisbcould be quite a teiggering read if you’ve been affected by the COVID pandemic.