Please Note: This program is being held in-person and as a streaming program on Zoom. Program details below are for the Streaming Option.

Register for the In-person Option

Jodi Picoult, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, draws inspiration from real-life events once again in her new novel, Wish You Were Here. Set in March 2020—just before the world changed—the novel tells the story of what happens when best laid plans go awry.

The story focuses on Diana O’Toole, whose romantic couple’s getaway to the Galápagos days before her 30th birthday turns into a solo trip when her surgical resident boyfriend must remain in New York City due to the pandemic.

Once there, Diana finds herself stranded on an island in quarantine. Slowly, she carves out a connection with a local family when a teenager with a secret opens up to Diana, despite her father’s suspicion of outsiders.

In the Galápagos Islands, where Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection was formed, Diana finds herself examining her relationships, her choices, and herself—and wondering if when she goes home, she too will have evolved into someone completely different.

Join Picoult, in conversation with New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer, as she discusses the timely book and her research and writing process.

A signed copy of Wish You Were Here is included in the ticket price.

Book Distribution Information

The featured book is included with the ticket price and will be pre-signed. Note: The book is published on November 30, 2021; please allow two to four weeks after that date (or date of purchase, if after November 30) for the book to arrive.

Books for ticket-holders who attend the streaming program will be shipped by Politics and Prose to your home address, so please review the accuracy of your name and address at the time of registration.

If you do not want your personal information shared with the distributor, please email CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org. Opting out from receiving the book does not reduce the registration fee.

Patron Information

• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.