Summary & Study Guide State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

by BookRags

State of Wonder Study Guide contains comprehensive summaries and analysis of the book.

This study guide includes a detailed Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Character Descriptions, Objects/Places, Themes, Styles, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion on State of Wonder by Ann Patchett.

55 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Barbara P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I just finished reading a second book by Ann Patchett - State of Wonder. This book is quite different than the first one I read which shows her ability to create imagination and wonder and intrigue with quite different story lines. State of Wonder is quite intense and soon into the book the characters became like friends/associates/family to me. Following each of their lives from beginning to end was exciting and so surprising. The surprises through the book and particularly towards the end offered a genius and wild imagination.
I also read this book in just a couple of days. Couldn't put it down. Oh how I love these books that I get lost in and absorbed in the unfolding story.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not think I would like this book but it was great. The only book of Ann Patchetts I have not read is Bel Canto

[Pat Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story more for the accurate descriptions of the way the midwestern American characters felt in the Amazon jungle than for the actual story, although the main female characters definitely intrigued me. There's Dr. Swenson, the 70 year-old pregnant woman, whose indefatigable but icy persona attains near-mystic status for most people who meet her. Then there's the young Dr. Singh. While in ob-gyn training under Swenson, Singh made a terrible surgical error because she deferred to Swenson, who terrified her. The error caused her to quit her residency and become a pharmacologist. Singh never dreamed that one day she would again meet Swenson in the Amazon jungle, where she would be forced to confront her past under duress.
The author posits intriguing and unanswerable moral questions about individual rights and responsibilities in conflict with the greater good.

[J.A. McLachlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read the book State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett, not the study guide, but after trying several times to place it on my currently-reading list, and repeatedly having it replaced by this silly guide, I just gave up.
Don't give up on the book, though. It is a great, fast-paced and intriguing read - a mystery with interesting and well-developed characters, a believable female protagonist, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. The ending is surprising, emotionally gripping and wonderful! I enjoyed it very much, and will look up other books by this author.

[Regina Mastrogiacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the story was very engaging. I loved the way the author used words to describe what was going on. I was intrigued with the story from the beginning. I like that the main character had to deal with things outside of her comfort zone, but I felt she was still more concerned with the outside world than understanding the world she was in.
I glad that the main character accomplish her goal, but I wanted to know what happened to her too, now I will always wonde.
I'm glad that main character accomplished her objective, but I wanted to know what happened to her at the end

[Kim Dwinell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book... picked it up at a neighbor's "little library" in their front yard. It started out so wonderfully, so odd, descriptive, it took such weird turns. I really enjoyed the ride. And then... the end! Nooo! I felt like perhaps the book had sat without an ending and the editor said, "by this weekend- ready, go!" and this is what came out. The character seemed to become schizophrenic in her choices and decisions. However, there are parts of this book which are thoroughly engrossing and which made me feel it was worthwhile to read.

[Elly Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* Extraordinary. I did have a little trouble getting started with this audiobook; not sure why. Finally I paid attention and soon was hooked. It only got better and better. Medical research and adventure and mysteries and lots of great story stuff. Really enjoyed this one and will be looking for more by Ann Patchett.

[Chistie Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and am still digesting the depth of Ann's compelling, complex tale & refreshing writing style with potent perspectives like this one towards the end of the book. " No one tells the truth to people they don't actually know, and if they do it is a horrible trait. Everyone wants something smaller, something nearer than the truth".

[wildflower]

I enjoyed the fact that the setting for this story is the amazon basin.
I like the book a lot.The characters and relationships were very well developed and engaging.
Well worth the read. A very interesting journey.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. State of Wonder follows a handful or pharmaceutical researchers into the Amazon jungle. Detailing their quest for a possible new drug with several interesting twists along the way. It tells of their interactions with various Amazonian tribes.

[Donne Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit far-fetched to think a drug company would fund this type of research project with so little output.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. I love this author.

[Kristi Faraguna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.