Wish You Were Here: A Book Review (with a Fun Twist)
Let me start this review by saying that I wish I could send you all to the Galápagos Islands, even just for a quick visit, so you can experience the beauty and unique character of this Ecuadorian archipelago. Maybe it’s because I have a bit of wanderlust in me, or maybe it’s because Jodi Picoult’s Wish You Were Here made me feel like I was right there with Diana O’Toole, the novel’s protagonist, discovering the islands and their secrets.
But let me backtrack a bit. Wish You Were Here is Picoult’s latest novel, and as soon as I saw the cover (which features a gorgeous illustration of a sea turtle) and read the blurb, I knew I had to get my hands on it. The novel follows Diana, an art auction specialist from New York City, who is about to go on a romantic trip to the Galápagos Islands with her boyfriend, Finn, a surgeon. However, just before their departure, a virus hits NYC, and Finn gets called back to the hospital. Diana decides to go on the trip alone, even though their plans have changed and the islands are under quarantine.
What unfolds is a story of self-discovery, resilience, and unexpected connections. I won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say that Diana’s trip doesn’t go exactly as planned. Her luggage gets lost, the Wi-Fi is sketchy at best, and she finds herself stranded on an island with limited resources. However, she also meets some incredible people, like a teenage girl named Jules who is navigating her own family drama, and an older couple who run a sustainable farm on the island.
One of the things I loved about Wish You Were Here is the way it tackles big themes like climate change, identity, and family, all while taking place in a relatively small and contained setting. The Galápagos Islands obviously hold a lot of significance in terms of history and ecology, and Picoult seamlessly weaves in information about Darwin’s theories of evolution and the islands’ unique animal species. However, the novel is also about people coming to terms with their pasts, figuring out who they want to be in the present, and finding hope in the face of uncertainty.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Jodi Picoult novel without some twists and turns along the way. There are secrets revealed, relationships tested, and characters who aren’t always what they seem. Picoult has a knack for keeping readers on their toes, and Wish You Were Here is no exception.
Now, I don’t want to make it sound like the novel is all heavy stuff. Yes, there are moments that are poignant and thought-provoking, but there are also moments that made me laugh out loud. Diana is a relatable and witty protagonist, and her dry humor had me chuckling more than once. There’s also a romance subplot that is both sweet and sexy, and a few scenes that had me tearing up (in a good way).
Overall, I would highly recommend Wish You Were Here to anyone looking for a compelling and entertaining read. Whether you’re a fan of Picoult’s previous work (like Small Great Things or The Book of Two Ways) or just looking for a good book to curl up with this winter, this novel is worth checking out. It will make you want to travel and explore, hug your loved ones tighter, and maybe even reexamine your priorities. Plus, it has sea turtles. What more could you want?
“Don’t miss out on the incredible insights and storytelling in this book. Order your copy today or sign up for a 30-day free trial of Audible and immerse yourself in this captivating read like never before.”
Price: $13.99
(as of Mar 30, 2023 06:47:02 UTC – Details)
