Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be stranded on an island during a global pandemic? Thats what happens to Diana OToole, the protagonist of Wish You Were Here, a novel by Jodi Picoult that explores the resilience of the human spirit in a moment of crisis.

Diana is a young and successful art specialist at Sothebys, who has her life planned out. She expects her boyfriend, Finn, a surgical resident, to propose to her on their vacation to the Galapagos, just before her thirtieth birthday. But everything changes when the coronavirus hits New York City and Finn has to stay behind to work at the hospital. He urges Diana to go on the trip anyway, since its already paid for and nonrefundable.

Reluctantly, Diana agrees, hoping to enjoy some time away from the chaos and reconnect with Finn later. But she soon realizes that she is not escaping the pandemic, but entering a different version of it. The island where she is staying is put under quarantine, and she is stuck there until further notice. Cut off from her familiar world, Diana has to adapt to a new reality, where she meets a local family who welcomes her into their home and their lives.

As Diana bonds with them, especially with their teenage daughter who has a secret, she begins to question her own choices and relationships. She wonders if she really knows Finn, who is facing his own challenges in the overwhelmed hospital. She wonders if she really loves her job, which involves selling priceless artworks to wealthy clients. She wonders if she really knows herself, and what she wants from life.

Wish You Were Here is a moving and timely novel that captures the uncertainty and anxiety of living through a historic event, but also the hope and beauty that can be found in unexpected places and people. It is a story of love, loss, and transformation that will make you reflect on your own values and priorities. If you are looking for a book that will touch your heart and inspire your mind, dont miss Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult.