Rating: 
Summary: Best book I've read in a long time!!!
Review: This book has it all! You laugh, cry, feel pain and anger. It transports you back in time to a simpler life, and yet it's a life that could be lived today. The characters are strong and so very true to life. This would make a great movie, can't wait to see it on the screen.
Rating: 
Summary: Painfully average
Review: Although I admit some of the scenes and characters in this book are sustaining, I can't agree with anyone using words such as "great," "moving," and, especially, "literature."Baldacci's book is a chore for anyone who reads with a high standard. A lot of the writing is unnecessary. A good chunk of the descriptions and character motives insulted my intelligence. Parts of this book are hopeful, but a scene -- or even a hacked-out sentence -- ruined everything. I gave this book too much of a chance at the beginning, and had too much invested in it later on. Otherwise, I would have stopped reading several times, just out of principle. THERE ARE SO MANY BETTER BOOKS OUT THERE, PEOPLE! Just because this book may pass as thoughtful and introspective to some, it doesn't make it literature. It's brain candy at best. For those who enjoy Baldacci's thriller genre, I would recommend expanding to other authors who have done the type of story retold in "Wish You Well" many times before, with much more expertise.
Rating:
Summary: A fascinating look at culture shock!
Review: This is one of the best books I have read recently, I could not put it down. What a wonderful clean read that could be enjoyed by anyone. The book emphasizes the cultural differences between city and country and does it with grace and respect for those who do not have modern conveniences but still have a strong spirit, determination and true grit. A perfect gift for the holidays for anyone who enjoys a good story with remarkable characters.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: Wish You Well is a descriptive, well-written book that transports a person to a simpler period of time. You will be able to visualize every character, and most of them you will fall in love with. The book has the capacity to make you laugh, cry, and feel anger. I found it difficult to put the book aside. And best of all there were no bad words; a pleasant change from most books.
Rating: 
Summary: Go Tell It On The Mountain
Review: This must be the year of the 'breakout' story with Grisham's "Painted House," Lehane's "Mystic River," Landale's "Bottoms" and now Balducci's "Wishing You Well." All reach back to childhood in simpler and more austere times. The author draws the characters, young and old --even the villains-- fondly. Lou, the 12-year old principal story mover, is many faceted. She is far from perfect; has a propensity for arrogance and holds grudges like a bad-tempered Missouri mule. Her devotion and loyalty to her family and friends and her sincere contrition when she has hurt someone ultimately tip the balance in her favor. What I liked best was the author allowed her to be a child with a child's quick enthusiasms and wonder. I am tired up to here with child characters/actors who are 10 going on 40. The story moves along, but creaks in a few places. Overall, I felt it was more a young adult book. Many reviewers compared the book to Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird." I did not see much similarity, given these were orphaned, uprooted children living a hard hand-to-mouth existence in the rural mountainous south. I found the story more like a hard-edged "Walton Family." The goodness- will-triumph parallel was there. "Wish You Well" is not a disappointment. The story is engaging and well detailed, but the solutions are a little too easy. When all else fails, slip in a miracle or two. Grade C+
Rating: 
Summary: Wake me up - please
Review: I slept throught this book. It was like rocking in a hammock on a warm summer day, with just a slight breeze and your eyelids grow heavy and the book slides off and falls to the ground -- and that is where I left it. What a snoozer. If you like gentle stories, with rich backgrounds of daily living this is it. This is so unlike his other books, I was disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Agree with the Booklist review
Review: This book took me a long time to get through. Eventually the story of Oz and Lou in the hills of Virginia drew me in, but the writing style is pretty cliched. The characters are either good or evil, no in between. I could practically see the halo around Louisa Mae's head and the devil's pitchfork in George Davis' hand. Maybe this is why I don't usually read suspense novels, Baldacci's usual genre.
Rating:
Summary: Rather slow moving
Review: This book was recommended to me by someone who had recently read a novel entitled "Catherine's Travels" by Adele Crouch. They said this book was similar and I needed to read it. The only similarity I saw was that each book contained a heroine. Catherine's Travels was much stronger. Had far better descriptions and gave me the sensation of being a part of its place and time. I could easily see Catherine's Travels as a top rate movie, in comparison Wish You Well was one of those books you kept reading in "hopes" that something would happen. Unfortunately, only the predicatable did. I feel that Baldacci should stick to writing books like Absolute Power. Even though there is evidence of numerous hours spent researching Virginia, the writing was dry.
Rating:
Summary: Surprising Departure
Review: Having read and enjoyed all of David Baldacci's books, his "Wish You Well" was a surprising departure from his standard convoluted plots. I thoroughly enjoyed the fleshed out characters and family dynamic insights. I'm hopeful Mr. Baldacci will provide us with another demonstration of his diverse writing styles.
Rating: 
Summary: Wishing You Well
Review: What a pleasant surprise! I have read most of David Balducci's books and have enjoyed them. As a true mystery/suspense fan, I was reluctant to try his latest effort since it seemed to be quite a change in both subject and style. I am pleased to report that this author has been able to pull it off. While not a riveting story, the characters give us a flavor of the life and times of the early 1940's. Characters bring many warm memories to mind even though the readers' individual experiences may have been quite different. And, in these days and times, a happy ending is a real morale booster and treat.
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