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Patchett, Ann - State of Wonder - February 13th 2012
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Date Chapters Pages PPQCs*
February 13 1 - 2 1 - 64 Rachel
February 14 3 65 - 93 Sashana
February 15 4 - 5 94 - 156 Lisarenee
February 16 6 - 7 156 - 209 Rachel
February 17 8 210 - 251 Kim L
February 18 9 253 - 290 Lisarenee
February 19 10 - end 291 - 353 Sashana
*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions
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Discussion Questions
Chapters 1-2
1. First impressions so far?
2. What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
3. What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
4. What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
5. "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
6. Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
7. SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
Chapter 3
8. What do you think of the Bovenders strange alliance to Dr. Swenson?
9. The Lakashi women can have children up until death, should women of any age be able to have children? Explain your position.
10. Make a prediction about what will happen once Marina finds Dr. Swenson.
Chapters 4-5
11. What did you think about Dr. Swenson and the way people reacted to her?
12. Do you think she showed up because the Bovenders approved of Marina or do you think no one knows when they lady truly will show up? Could it be Milton is the real gate keeper and the Bovenders are just the front?
13. I don't know about anyone else, but I find it very odd that Swenson isn't acknowledging knowing Marina from before. Do you think she honestly doesn't remember her or is just hoping her standoffish attitude will scare her off?
14. I was totally shocked by Mr. Fox wanting Marina to stay. Does anyone else question whether or not he really cares about Marina?
15. Do you think Marina should have headed home or do you think she's wise to see what Dr. Swenson is up to?
16. I was surprised that Marina didn't just send all those letters back to Karen.
17. Do you think this fertility thing could actually be a sort of fountain of youth?
Chapters 6-7
18. Wow! I didn't know Dr. Swenson was that old! Marina says she is in her 70s!
19. I really love Easter. What do you think of him?
20. The admiration and excitement that the Lakashi showed Dr. Swenson upon her return and the curiosity they showed Marina was interesting to me. Did you think so?
21. Why do you think Anders was so attached to Easter? After all he requested for the next person to get him back to America. Does he see Easter's potential?
22. What in the world happened to Marina's clothes at the end of chapter 7?
Chapter 8
23. Now that we are over halfway through the book, what do you think of it so far? How does it differ from your first impressions?
24. Dr. Swenson is very concerned with not influencing or changing the tribe's ways. Do you agree with this or do you think they should be helping and teaching the tribe? What about when she stitched up the head wound for the girl who was hit by her brother? What would you have done?
25. Dr. Alan Saturn and his wife Nancy have an argument over wether Dr. Rapp was a good person for him to have as his role model. Dr. Alan Saturn thought Dr. Rapp's personal life shouldn't matter (i.e. cheating on his wife) and his wife thought that it did matter. Marina sided with Dr. Alan Saturn. Who would you side with?
26. After Easter is almost killed by the snake, Dr.Swenson tells Marina it would be more dangerous for Easter to live in America than the jungle because he knows how to live in the jungle. Do you agree with this?
27. Lisarenee called it. :) Dr. Swenson is pregnant! How do you feel about Dr. Swenson testing the drug on herself? Is it fair to purposefully have a child knowing you won't be around to raise them?
28. How do you feel about Dr. Swenson now that we have had a chance to learn more about her?
Chapter 9
29. So we finally know where the Lakashi get their reproductive longevity from. Were you enRAPPtured (pardon the punn) with it? The man (Rapp) seemed a little too into himself.
30. Do you think Marina should tell Fox about why the production of the new fertility drug is being held up or should she let them find the Malaria preventative?
31. Anyone else thinking things are starting to seem questionable about Eckman's death? Where the heck was the man burried?
32. If you were Marina would you eat the bark?
33. Do you think Dr. Swenson finally remembered Marina? The whole C-section seemed a little odd. I guess she might want to see if Marina would be any good at doing one--A test if you will.
34. "We're being more careful with you now." What???? I really don't like Dr. Swenson.
Chapters 10-11
35. What is your opinion of the choice Marina made to exchange Easter for Anders? Did she do the right thing? If yes, explain why you think so. If not, explain how she could have done things differently.
36. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
37. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
38. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it? (view spoiler)
39. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
Who is planning on reading this one and are you on a wait list and, if you are, where are you on it?
I am also on a wait list for this one. I am number 34 out of 36 but I might just buy this one if it comes down to it. Its the one I want to read the most out of all of them.
I am planning on reading this one. I put the ebook on hold, but I will just buy the book for my Kindle if it doesn't come in on time.
Same message as on Legend. I can't go on the waiting list until Friday or next Monday, but when I do, I'll probably be 372 out of 142 copies. o.O
I have already read this book. I hated it.
I read this a couple of months ago and absolutely loved it!
I will be joining in. Not on a waiting list, but I am waiting for it to be sent to my local library from another. Usually takes a week or so to get it.
#768 on 146 copies. Probably won't be reading this one :-/
#39 of 47 for me. The library has 60 copies so hopefully I'll get it in time.
I plan on trying to read it. Got it already.
Now #33 out of 34. I am going to check my school district libraries for this one and one of the other ones to see if I can get it from there. I guess thats one of the benefits of being a teacher.
I just got this one from the library today.
Sounds interesting. I think I will give this book a try. I am pretty sure I already have it somewhere.
I have this on my e reader so would like to join in. What's the start date?
We're still trying to determine the start dates of the three books. I think this one might start later in the month since a lot of people are saying they're in the hold queue at their libraries. The same seems to true of Legend by Marie Lu so I'm not sure which will be last. Let me talk to the other mods and we'll start setting dates in the next day or two. Since I have all three books I'll start dividing up the chapters to see what the reading time frame (how many days) will be.
Yay! Chapter numbers. Here is the breakdown for reading. We're still determining the day we'll start reading, but I'd guesstimate it will be mid to late February.Date Chapters Pages PPQCs
February 13 1 - 2 1 - 64
February 14 3 65 - 93
February 15 4 - 5 94 - 156
February 16 6 - 7 156 - 209
February 17 8 210 - 251
February 18 9 253 - 290
February 19 10 - end 291 - 353
24 of 39. I think I may end up buying this one in the end.
I've got this one from the library. No holds. Got to pick it right off the shelf! Hopefully, if I have to recheck it there will be no holds.
Start date February 13th.
Jack wrote: "I'm in. This will be my first time, so be gentle."We won't bite...maybe ;)
I'm in - just picked it up today. Reading one (or more) of Ann Patchett's books has been on my to-do list for quite a while - glad to finally have a motivator!
I am in. I finally bought the book of Amazon for my kindle because I was still number 28 out of 34 on the waiting list at the library.
Laura wrote: "I am in. I finally bought the book of Amazon for my kindle because I was still number 28 out of 34 on the waiting list at the library."I'm 10 of 30. Looks like I'm going to end up buying it too.
:( It's crazy how sometimes I can walk in and get the book off the shelf and others like you and Jex have to wait ages to get the book. You would think the wait times would be a little more equal, especially from new releases! I guess it is a good thing it is not though or almost no one would ever get to read the BOMs.
I'm out. I'm 172 out of 233 on the waiting list. o_O Enjoy everyone!
I've now got the audio and hardback copy from the library to utilize. Yay!
Plowed through the entire second half of this yesterday - wow. Can't wait to discuss.
Sorry for the delay everyone. Finally finished reading today's chapters and I like it so far. Which brings me to the first question...Questions for Chapter 1 & 2
1.) First impressions so far?
2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
4.) What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
7.) SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
Answers for Chapter 1 & 21.) First impressions so far?
I really like it so far. Patchett's writing is really smooth in my opinion. Having not read the synopsis and by the title, I was not prepared for what I think this books is going to be about. Interesting, but I love when that happens. ;)
2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
I'm not quite sure if it has anything to do with what has been mentioned so far. I'm really skeptical, especially with the picture that has been painted of Swenson.
3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
I don't like her. I think she is using the company's money for her own means...especailly after two years.
4.) What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
I just want to know why her and her mother didn't move with him to India. Did he already have another wife or girlfriend or was marrying a American woman just a notch on the 'ol
5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
Apart of me wants him to be dead for his own sake. But, I don't wish death on anyone either.
7.) SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
Thanks for making today's questions, Rachel! In typical Sashana fashion I'm already behind but I'm going to do some midnight reading.
Questions for Chapter 1 & 21.) First impressions so far?
I love it so far. I always love a little intrigue and mystery at the beginning, even if its not truly a mystery book. I am not sure what is in store for us with this book. I think it is going to be one of those unexpectedly good books.
2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
I don't think it has to do with anything mentioned so far. I think that Dr. Swenson is doing something unethical but I have no idea what it is.
3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
I am with Rachel on this one. I don't like her at all, especially given the picture the author has painted of her. I think she is all about herself and doesn't really care who she hurts along the way.
4.) What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
I am not sure what to think about this story. It is very sad but it makes you wonder what happened for her mother not to follow her husband. I hope we find out a little more about this situation later.
5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
I thought the letter said so much about his love for his family. I love how the author was able to show so much emotion in so few words.
6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
I hope that he is still alive, although I hope he hasn't had to suffer much if he is. I can't say one way or the other what I think yet of this. Its too early in the story.
7.) SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
It makes me wonder exactly what she was thinking. Surely the nightmares can't be worse than knowing you could possibly get a disease and die.
Questions for Chapter 1 & 21.) First impressions so far?
I like it. Can't wait until Marina gets to the Amazon.
2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
I think she might have started the fertility research but discovered something else. Something shady maybe?
3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
I am not sure about it. She seems a bit hardcore, so I wouldn't put anything past her.
4.) What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
I know! I hope we learn more about the whole situation.
5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
I did too, a little. I hope he's not dead.
6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
From what I've read about Swenson so far, I wouldn't put it past her to keep him hidden. Especially if he discovered what she was actually doing. (if she really is doing something unsanctioned by the company)
7.) SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
I know, right? Something bad is gonna happen because of it, I can feel it!
Questions for Chapter 1 & 21.) First impressions so far?
This book reminds me a lot of a movie Medicine men. I loved that movie, so now this book seems to me a lot like a pale copy of his plot so far. It's a little bit annoying and I even thought about quitting, but I will read until the end. I am intrigued to find out how many stupid decisions is Marina going to make.
2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
Well, I am guessing that it's going to be the same trick as in the movie. That fertility is just one of the effects of the drug and that there are some other more important diseases that it can cure...
3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
Well typical genius. Yeah, she is a little bit mad (you know the saying: there is a thin line between madness and ingenuity). They are usually annoyingly self-assured and the more annoying is that they are usually right.
4.) What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
Yeah. I wonder why they did not just move to India and made their sad story a happy one.
5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
It is very sad. I think that this tragic side story did not get enough attention. Especially since I feel that mostly it is Mr Foxes fault, he let his feelings cloud his judgement and he sent poor dr. Anders when Marina would have done a much better job.
6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
I think he is definitely dead. Now is his death and fever accidental or intentional I am not sure... Maybe he tried that new drug and died from side-effects?
7.) SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
Yeah, I know. I wanted to throttle her. This is such an irresponsible move, that I am starting to question all other decisions made by Marina.
@Dragana-I can see the similarities between some of what happened and Medicine man, but I don't see enough for me to think of it as a pale copy of his plot. I hope you keep reading!
I am already behind in the reading. I didn't get time to read until late last night and then I fell asleep halfway through. Grrrr......... I am hoping to get caught up today.
Laura wrote: "@Dragana-I can see the similarities between some of what happened and Medicine man, but I don't see enough for me to think of it as a pale copy of his plot. I hope you keep reading!"Oh, I will definitely. I already finished with chapter for today. Waiting in lines is useful sometimes. ;)
I was a little bit quick in my judgement. Maybe Ann Patchett was inspired with the idea of the movie, but definitely she has some unique elements here in the book.
Kim L wrote: "I am already behind in the reading. I didn't get time to read until late last night and then I fell asleep halfway through. Grrrr......... I am hoping to get caught up today."So am I. So with that being said, expect today's questions to be late.
I've finished, but will only comment on where I was at that point (for the questions where I can do so).1.) First impressions so far?
Pretty sure I'm going to love the story - it had me from the first several pages. Couldn't wait to see what happened. I thought Marina was really too "milquetoast" for me to like her very much... perfectly nice, sympathetic character, but I'm so instinctively drawn to strong female characters that I figured I was just going to find her mildly irritating all the way through the book. On the other hand, I found Dr. Swenson to be loathsome and I hadn't even met her yet.
2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
Along with being easily annoyed (see above), I'm also basically trusting, so yes, I figured it was primarily about fertility. That's a powerful enough motive as it is. However, I was certainly open to the possibility of there being more to the story than just that.
3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
Bitchy, insensitive, self-absorbed, probably genius. Loathsome.
5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
I agree with Laura's comment that Patchett can show so much emotion in so few words. That's a real talent.
6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
Yeah, I believe he's dead. This doesn't seem like a sinister, someone-trying-to-get-away-with-something sort of book. I thought the story might be a little more complicated that Dr. Swenson was making it out to be, but someone dying of a fever in the Amazon isn't exactly a stretch of the imagination.
Laura- #7- my thoughts exactly!Alley- #2- I'm pretty sure that is what is going to happen eventually.
Dragana- #1- Never seen the medicine man so I can't say. I wouldn't be surprised if she was inspired by it though. Nothing is 100% original anymore, everything has pretty much been done!
#2- I agree, I can se this happening.
#6- Hmmm...didn't think of him taking the drug himself.
Lavinia- #3- Nice words to describe Swenson. I think the same.
I still have to read today's chapter, but I did finish yesterday's reading.Questions for Chapter 1 & 2
1.) First impressions so far?
I like it so far. I am interested in the story and finding more out about the characters and their stories.
2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
I agree with others that she might have gone down to start the clinic, but then got into something shady.
3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
I do not like her. She seems too full of herself.
4.) What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
I am definitely interested in hearing what happened between Marina's mom and dad to break up their family.
5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
So did I. I really like Anders and Karen.
6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
I think he is still alive.
7.) SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
I couldn't believe it when she threw out the pills. I thought it was pretty dumb. I can kind of see where she is coming from though. I have fibromyalgia so I deal with pain pretty much 24/7. And I won't take medication for it, because the meds have a long list of scary side effects like suicidal thoughts and emotional problems. I would much rather deal with physical pain then to deal with scary emotional stuff. So maybe it's worth it to her not to be an emotional mess?? I don't know, but she is still taking a big risk.
Kim L- #7- I can see that, I guess. I just can't fathom not taking something to lessen the probability of contracting a fatal disease! However, on a little side story, I had the amazing opportunity to have wonderful parents who put me in private school when I was young which meant we could take vactions whenever we wanted to. I would miss a week or two from school about twice a year. I've cruised all over the Caribbean and the tip of South America. We had to go get our malaria pills and hepatitis shots, plus others, when we traveled to Costa Rica. I remember having to go to the local Center for Infectious Diseases to get those shots and crying because I kept telling my mom that I didn't have a disease. I was old enough to know that the shots were to PREVENT them, but for some reason going to that Center made me think that I already had it and didn't know it. I mean, what a scary name for a place! :)
Rachel wrote: "Kim L- #7- I can see that, I guess. I just can't fathom not taking something to lessen the probability of contracting a fatal disease! However, on a little side story, I had the amazing opportuni..."
Oh, I agree. I don't she should have thrown away the pills. If she wasn't going to take the pills, she have told Vogel she wasn't going. I am curious to see if that decision is going to get her into trouble.
ETA: What a neat opportunity to have as a kid! I have never been out of the country, but I think we will travel some when the kids are older.
Kim L wrote: ETA: What a neat opportunity to have as a kid! I have never been out of the country, but I think we will travel some when the kids are older."It was amazing. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Travelling taught me a lot about tolerance and diversity of others along with beauty, gratitude for what I have, among many other things. I hope I can do the same for my kids at least a few times throughout their childhood. You must travel. It is wonderful!
Chapter 3's set of questions will be posted tomorrow at noon EST.
Questions for Chapter 38. What do you think of the Bovenders strange alliance to Dr. Swenson?
9. The Lakashi women can have children up until death, should women of any age be able to have children? Explain your position.
10. Make a prediction about what will happen once Marina finds Dr. Swenson.
Answers to Questions for Chapter 1 & 21.) First impressions so far?
Not hooked yet. It's kind of sad.
2.) What do you think the drug is that Dr. Swenson is trying to research? Does it have to do with the fertility of the Amazon tribe that has already been mentioned or is it something else?
Definitely an extension of the fertility period in a woman. Just think the end of menopause and potentially osteoporosis.
3.) What are your impressions of Dr. Swenson so far?
No clue what to think??? Mysterious, stubborn, not very friendly?
4.) What a sad side story! (Marina and her father)
Yep.
5.) "... I will pray that the letter carrier sends this to you so that you can feel the full weight of my love. Kiss the boys for me. Kiss the insde of your wrist." AWWWWW! I teared up when I read this part!
It's a bad situation made all that more tragic because we know he'll never come back and he obviously loved his family.
6.) Do you think Anders is really dead or is Swenson keeping him quiet because he found out too much?
I think he's dead.
7.) SHE THREW AWAY HER MALARIA PILLS?!?!? I understand they give you horrid nightmares, but gosh!
You've never had a bad reaction to medications. That would be a big temptation to just chuck them. Stupid? Yes, but I can see how she'd be tempted.
Questions for Chapter 38. What do you think of the Bovenders strange alliance to Dr. Swenson?
She pays their bills, so I can see it.
9. The Lakashi women can have children up until death, should women of any age be able to have children? Explain your position.
Health wise, being able to not go through menopause would make osteoporosis less likely in woman thereby reducing some of the effects of aging on their health. This is a great health benefit even if the woman didn't desire more children. Should they have more children? Men do so if they're willing to got through all that pain of labor I say let them.
10. Make a prediction about what will happen once Marina finds Dr. Swenson.
I have no idea, but I'm guessing because this is a fairly long book she goes to the camp with her.
Questions for Chapters 4 - 511) What did you think about Dr. Swenson and the way people reacted to her?
12) Do you think she showed up because the Bovenders approved of Marina or do you think no one knows when they lady truly will show up? Could it be Milton is the real gate keeper and the Bovenders are just the front?
13) I don't know about anyone else, but I find it very odd that Swenson isn't acknowledging knowing Marina from before. Do you think she honestly doesn't remember her or is just hoping her standoffish attitude will scare her off?
14) I was totally shocked by Mr. Fox wanting Marina to stay. Does anyone else question whether or not he really cares about Marina?
15) Do you think Marina should have headed home or do you think she's wise to see what Dr. Swenson is up to?
16) I was surprised that Marina didn't just send all those letters back to Karen.
17) Do you think this fertility thing could actually be a sort of fountain of youth?
Nothing But Reading Challenges
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