(Oct/Nov 2011) State of Wonder - Ann Patchett

[Lisa]

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

Post your discussion here.

[Cathy]

In early October I took an amazing journey with my sister to Iceland. It was here in the early morning hours with my coffee in hand and late most evenings that I delved into and completed Ann Patchett's latest gem of a read. Patchett is a superb author who I love to read and she does not disappoint.

I loved the juxtaposition of my bundled self in the onset of the Icelandic winter,(actually, not so cold compared to that of New England or other northern regions), with the allure and mystery of the Amazon setting of the story. Both locales provided enough exotic ambiance to thrill me to no end.

This story gets better with time and reflection. Initially, I did not think it held as great an appeal to me as a reader as Bel Canto , but I am recanting my former review and position.

Patchett does an exemplary job of creating the right balance with a complex and intriguing plot, well-developed characters, all within a captivating setting. The medical component of the story was interesting to me as a person in the health care field, but would not deter from any reader enjoying this read. One of the fascinating and most enjoyable aspects of this book is the ethical considerations and dilemmas. Once again, ethical contemplations with a surprising ending, as in Patchett's Bel Canto. State of Wonder is a very thought-provoking, well-written book. I intend to download the book's chapter summary and study guide available on the kindle by Bookrags to further examine some of the finer discussion points and reflections.

This was one of my favorite reads of the year, definitely in the top ten, maybe five. A strong four and a half stars.

[Teresa]

I loved Ann Patchett's "Bel Canto" (except the ending) and was very excited to see all the rave reviews for "State of Wonder." The beginning of the book hooked me; but, I had to read this book in interrupted spurts of reading and was not as interested in the Amazon story where Marina travels to search for answers to the death of her friend, Anders. I loved the character, Easter, and the ending was both somewhat anticipated & yet a surprise. Overall, a fun summer read...just wish I could have read it in bigger chunks of continuous, uninterrupted reading. I love escaping in a good story!

[Becky]

I own this book but have not read it-soon I hope!