State of Wonder by Ann Patchett - 4 stars

[Jen K]

Dr. Marina Singh works for a drug company in Minnesota living a somewhat basic life that mostly avoids risks and loss. When her colleague is learned to have died of fever in the jungles of Brazil after chasing a non-communicative researcher to follow up on the progress made with the millions of dollars sent to develop a new drug that could improve fertility, Marina is convinced to travel to the jungle herself despite her reluctance. The trip forces Marina to face her past mentor who oversaw her worst mistake which led her to switch to pharmacology instead of practicing medicine. Everything seems to go wrong when she arrives from lost luggage to tracking down her hiding mentor but she eventually makes it to the jungle and learns that there is more to herself than she expected.

Some of the story gets a bit outlandish but I enjoyed the adventure. Patchett writes complicated characters and relationships well. I enjoyed watching Marina find her mettle and become more comfortable. The ending was a bit too much of everything but definitely kept me engaged.

[Theresa]

This was a total failure for me. I just felt it went nowhere, that Marina did not progress at all. Probably my least favorite Patchett so far. Bel Canto ranks as a lifetime favorite. I still have a few to read though.

[Jen K]

Theresa wrote: "This was a total failure for me. I just felt it went nowhere, that Marina did not progress at all. Ptobably my least favorite Patchett so far. Bel Canto ranks as a lifetime favorite. I ..."

I can totally see your point of view. The plot was a bit ridiculous like a soap opera but it entertained me well enough. As an endless optimist, I have hope for Marina. :)

I loved Bel Canto too. Just looked it up and its been 11 years since I read it. I may need to consider a reread.

[Olivermagnus]

I'm finishing this up today. I'm a middle of the roader at this point. I do like the descriptions of the Amazon and that anaconda part was straight out of a Hollywood movie.

[Jen K]

Olivermagnus wrote: "I'm finishing this up today. I'm a middle of the roader at this point. I do like the descriptions of the Amazon and that anaconda part was straight out of a Hollywood movie."

Looking forward to your review! The anaconda was crazy!! Do not pull one into your boat ever! Wasn't that a movie with Ice Cube?

[Jgrace]

I had mixed feelings about this one. It was 'thought provoking'. When I read it I commented that it would be good for book club discussion. A good one for next month's tag.

[John]

After reading this book, I no interest in traveling down the Amazon. While reading this novel I found myself swatting at non-existent bugs.

[Theresa]

John wrote: "After reading this book, I no interest in traveling down the Amazon. While reading this novel I found myself swatting at non-existent bugs."

🤣🤣🤣

[Jgrace]

🐜🪳🦟🕷🦎

[Theresa]

🐍🛶