Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

WISH YOU WERE HERE

EXPECTED PUBLICATION DATE: NOVEMBER 30 2021

Diana works at Sotheby's as an associate specialist. Finn is a surgical resident at New York Presbyterian Hospital. They have been  saving up for years for a tip of a lifetime to The Galapagos Island. Diana expects Finn to purpose during their vacation but Covid-19 rears its ugly head in New York (only 19 case) and Finn is no longer allowed to go as the hospital is expected to be overrun within days with Covid cases. 

Finn encourages, Diana to take the tip alone. She is hesitant but the non-refundable tickets sway her and she embarks on the journey alone. When she arrives her luggage is lost and  people are leaving the island. The boat she is on will be the last boat leaving the island. but she makes a quick decision to stay on the island. The hotel she was staying is has closed, she has no internet access but luck intervenes. She's given a place to stay and the entire island to explore on her own while Finn finds himself working long hours trying to save lives and watching people die of Covid.

Finn emails Diana quite often about what is going on with the virus. His experiences are haunting and realistic. You will  be left aching  and wanting to know more about his life in rather than Diana's on the island. Be prepared for an emotional overload during Finn's portions of the book. 

Diana and Finn are leading vey different lives. Both of their experiences are unique to one another's however Finn's reality is frightening and pulls you back into reality over and over again while Diana's gives you some reprieve. 

Diana eventually finds her way off the island and back to Finn but the twist leaves you gasping for air. 

Expect beautifully crafted and complex characters. This is one book you won't want to put down. 

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Initial Insult (The Initial Insult, #1) by Mindy McGinnis

 I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio book of, The Initial Insult but was unable get into to it so I picked up a copy of the book and I'm thankful I did because this read took me on a rollercoaster. 

Tress Montor used to have an ideal life. A happy life. She had a best friend, a lovely home and her parents then one night her parents disappeared. Now she lives with her drunk, cantankerous grandfather, who runs a wild animal attraction. Her one idea life is messy in more ways than one. 

Her old best friend, Felicity  was the last person with her parents before they went missing. The friendship is broken and Tress has a plan up her sleeves to find out what Felicity knows about her parents missing. The plan is rather sinister.

They story flips back and forth between past and present day. McGinnis has a unique writing style and will keep you captivated. The book's ending isn't exactly satisfying but I think that's because there is a sequel. I can't wait to read it! 

Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey

 Unspeakable Things has been inspired by a true story. 

Cassie McDowell is twelve years on and lives with her parents and sister in rural Minnesota. It's the 1980s and boys in her town are going missing. They are being abducted and sexually abused. No one really pays attention or cares until a boy goes missing from the rich part of town. When her close male friend goes missing she decides to play, Nancy Drew and figure out who is haring her classmates.

Cassie's homelife isn't ideal. Her parents hold parties, that are not appropriate for minors. Unspeakable acts go on in their home and Cassie and her sister are not allowed to discuss it. She can't sleep at night and lives in constant fear of her dad coming into her bedroom. Her dad is unpredictable and has secrets. 

The writing is dark and can be triggering for some. The reading can be a bit slow and the ending left me wanting more.