Rating: 
Summary: a "can't put down" book
Review: David Baldacci has written a book that touches the emotions of its readers. The characters are so real and you become so wrapped up in their lives. Little OZ made me chuckle out loud several times, he is so precious. And Lou, what a charmer! Of course, there were some tears, laughter and joy. If you want a book that will absolutely give you pleasure reading it, then don't pass this one up. Thank you Mr. Baldacci!
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Summary: True Grit
Review: Since other reviews have explained the plot of Wish You Well, I will cut to the chase and say that this is a big departure from Baldacci's other works such as Absolute Power, etc. But in its own right, it is a touching story with many heartfelt moments contained in it. When the two children, Lou and Oz,who are important characters in the story, go to the wishing well to give up something dear to them in order to try to bring their mother back from her coma (she was injured in a car accident), I was deeply moved. The character of the grandmother who was formed by the mountains of Virginia is one to be greatly admired--what character and true grit she had. And her lawyer friend is such a wonderful person to look up to, the reader will immediately identify with him. He is a true hero--and there are many in this poignant story. Reader, don't miss this beautiful story of people who have stellar virtues and enduring values and who pass them on to their loved ones--and by extension to the reader.
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Summary: Baldacci's stunning "sleeper."
Review: I'm a avid reader who hasn't read any Baldacci before. Since I haven't read his thrillers, I have no prior expectations. With that in mind, I can still compliment this seemingly incredibly versatile author. This book was so touching as well as a "can't put it down" book. It's not an adventurous story, but one becomes so entranced with the depth of the characters that stopping is impossible. I would love to see this "sleeper" story put on film. With the right art direction and fine acting, it would make a beautiful film. I think Baldacci would like this book on the screen as well.
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Summary: A nice change by the author
Review: Having read all of Mr. Baldaccis works, I consider this a nice change. No FBI, people on the run, government officals. Good and bad in a different way. I found it very "To Kill a Mockingbird" like. The young characters were interesting. The older ones quite wise. The lawyer, Cotton, was excellent in this one. The early differences between the two children and their great-grandmother get overcome and a beautiful relationship becomes of it. The childrens faith in her and their ill mother is apparent. The nasty neighbor and family add a nice twist. The overall feeling of "Who needs the money", although odd at first, seemed very natural by books end. Life is much less complicated without an over abundance. Don't expect your normal ration of Baldacci, but none-the-less, something special
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Summary: Recollections of Purple Mountains Majesty.
Review: A delightfully written book that showcases 1940's Americana. This is the story of two children whose life is changed in the flash of an angry moment. What follows is a story of undaunted spirit as Lou and Oz are sent off to live with their great-great grandmother, Louisa Mae Cardinal, in the mountains of rural, Virginia. The lessons of hard work and simplicity bring to light the strength and determination of those that make their home in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains .It is with Louisa Mae, that a true respect for the land is instilled within the children while learning the importance of a supportive mountain community during rough times. They find that true treasure lies within themselves, not in the material goods that the outside world puts so much importance upon. When Natural gas is found on Louisa Mae's farm that love of the land is heartily put to the test. The book wraps up with a courtroom scene in some ways reminiscent of "To Kill a Mockingbird". This book is not only touching but uplifting. There are several revelations that are quite unexpected, along with a cast of characters alive and vivid with the history of the era. Lou has a wonderful way of saying just what we all would like to say leaving the reader with the satisfaction that a strong purposeful character brings to a book. Their speech patterns only add to the time and place. You can hear the soft twang of the mountain folk. Baldacci has brought these mountains to life in this book and I for one enjoyed it tremendously. 2/6/01
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Summary: Rich and compelling
Review: I've read David Baldacci's other novels and have enjoyed all of them. Not to disparage his other works, "Wish You Well" demonstrates that he can reach well beyond the confines of formula books and write a rich and compelling story that in its very absence of "suspense" proves to be suspenseful! I was far more intrigued with the potential conclusion of such a realistic plot line than with his earlier page turners. His other books are fun; "Wish You Well" is emotionally engrossing-- and fun.
Rating:
Summary: A delightful departure in genre for Baldacci
Review: In this wonderful novel Baldacci abandons his usual suspense mode and treats us to a beautiful story of two children, raised in New York, who are taken in by their great-grandmother in Virginia after a car wreck kills their father and disables their mother. The shock of finding themselves in a home with no electricity but plenty of back-breaking chores is lessened by the kindness of their great-grandmother and the beauty of the surrounding mountains. They are befriended by a young boy named Diamond and a local attorney despite the rough treatment they receive by schoolmates who tease them about being Yankees. Life is relatively bucolic in their first year in their new home, but complications set in when greedy men from a natural gas company plot to take away the land where their great-grandmother has lived a lifetime. This book is beautifully crafted by Baldacci and the characters are well-defined and heart warming. This is a winner!
Rating:
Summary: Different but still excellent
Review: The way Baldaccci can switch gears the way he does, and do it so successfully is a testament to what a superb writer he is. Normally, I prefer only legal thrillers and Baldacci is certainly my favorite. However, I loved his new book. Hopefully it will be made into a movie. If it is, it is certain to be a classic.
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Summary: Strong storyline-must read
Review: Wish You Well by David Baldacci is the story of a girl named Louisa Mae Cardinal, Lou for short, and her brother Oz's life. Lou and Oz were in her family's car with their father, Jack Cardinal, and mother Amanda Cardinal. Jack Cardinal is a famous author who has many awards for his books. Suddenly Lou and Oz's life changes. They are in a car accident and their father has died. Along with their mother, who is clinging on to life, Lou and Oz travel from New York City where they live to Virginia on a train to go live with their grandmother on a farm. As Lou and Oz begin to love their new life, different events happen, some rewarding some not, that change their lives. From finding and losing friends to sitting in a trial in a Virginia courthouse, this book is guaranteed to keep you reading for hours and hours. I strongly recommend everyone to read this book. It is an amazing book that will keep you reading for hours at a time.
Rating: 
Summary: Baldacci does best when he writes what he is familiar with.
Review: I AM SURPRISED BY THE NUMBER OF POSITIVE REVIEWS OF THIS BALACCI BOOK. I HAVE READ EVERYTHING HE HAS WRITTEN AND FOUND THEM TO BE GRIPPING AND ENTERTAINING.WITH WISH YOU WELL I FELT TALKED DOWN TO AND FOUND NUMEROUS ERRORS SUCH AS NO ONE WOULD TAKE A TRAIN FROM NY TO WESTERN VIRGINIA AND GO THROUGH RICHMOND. THE CORRECT ROUTE WOULD BE THROUGH DC AND THEN TO THE SW ON EITHER THE C AND O OR THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY IN THE LATE 30'S. THE PLOT WOULD BE APPEALING TO AN EARLY TEENAGER.I WAS DISAPPOINTED AND LOOK FORWARD TO MR BALDACCI RETURING TO WHAT HE DOES SO WELL!! HIS RENDITION OF THE VIRGINIA COAL COUNTRY DIALECT WAS AWFUL.
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