Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

Book Review: Wish You Were Here

If you’re looking for a novel that is about self-discovery and finding oneself, while recognizing what is truly important in life, then this book is for you! I cannot express enough how Jodi Picoult evokes emotion throughout this book, while teaching valuable life lessons. In my opinion, this novel will appeal to millennials in their late twenties and thirties, who are really trying to figure out what they want to do with their life. 

While reading this book, I had moments where I was in absolute shock, and times where I cried because the story was so relatable (maybe not the part about being trapped in the Galápagos, but the rest resonated with me), especially since it takes place during the pandemic. 

Throughout the book, the reader experiences the main character, Diana, grow and evolve as she adapts to change while trapped in the Galápagos. She was supposed to go on the trip with her fiancé, Finn, but he gets called into the hospital (he is a doctor) and must stay to treat patients suffering from COVID-19, thus, Diana embarks on the journey alone. Due to the pandemic and shortly after arriving, the island shuts down and will not let anyone leave or enter. This time provides Diana with the opportunity of self-reflection and to think about what she truly wants in life. This includes focusing on the importance of connection, awareness, family, professional aspirations, and reconsidering her relationship with Finn.

I don’t want to give too much away in this review, but I will say that there is a startling plot twist that will have readers on the edge of their seat wanting to know what happens next. I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re questioning what is truly important to you in life and where you want to go next (whether it’s with your career, relationship, etc.).