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Patchett, Ann - State of Wonder - February 13th 2012
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Lisarenee
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Feb 17, 2012 07:29AM
Dragona, That's a beautiful picture you posted of the theater in Belgrade. I love old building that have that sort of style to them.
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Questions for Chapter 6-71.)Wow! I didn't know Dr. Swenson was that old! Marina says she is in her 70s!
I expected it because of Marina's age. But I have a thought about Dr. Swenson that I came to when I listened to the audio book after reading the chapters for this section. Could Dr. Swenson be pregnant? Remember how she seemed to be panting in the pontoon boat when the wave hit? (page 159 hardback) Didn't she seem a little green? Then, and this is the verse that I heard that made me wonder, "She was thicker around the middle than she had been in Baltimore" and then what is Dr. Swenson saying here, "Thank you for the assistance...These are different days. For all I know about the body this is still not what I expected."(page 167)
2.) I really love Easter. What do you think of him?
I do too. He is so smart and sweet. Sort of unspoiled.
3.) 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?
It reminded me of one of the National Geographic shows. I could totally picture this scene. I think I saw something like it once on one of those shows. Swenson said they did it to make sure they were real or something of the like.
4.) 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?
By are own reactions to Easter I think it's clear he's easy to become attached to.
5.) What in the world happened to Marina's clothes at the end of chapter 7?
I'm guessing they took them for their own. Too bad no one seems able to get her stuff back. I keep wondering what Mr. Fox is thinking happened to her. Do you think he'll make the trip to Manaus to find her?
More photos so you feel like you are all going on the journey too:The muddy water:
The tributaries and river:
The animals:
Lisarenee ~ I bet you are right and Dr. Swenson is pregnant! I totally missed that.I am doing today's reading now and should have questions up soon.
I missed it when I read. I just remember thinking her statement struck me as odd. Then when I listened to it on audio it was like something a light went on and the idea hit me.
Questions for Chapter 81. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. 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?
6. How do you feel about Dr. Swenson now that we have had a chance to learn more about her?
She's in her 70's and pregnant?! That's messed up.
Questions for Chapter 81. 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?
I don't think I'd like it as much if it wasn't a buddy read. It's interesting, but I don't think it'll make it into my favorites for 2012 unless the ending is mind boggling.
2. 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?
I can see the point about not wanting them to become reliant on her since she plans to one day up and leave, if she doesn't die first. I think they should be educated. I wonder if her keeping them in the dark has more to do with keeping them from attempting to make a profit off their plants or revealing her secrets. I would have thought educating Easter would have been something she should have done.
3. 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?
The wife, but not because of the cheating. It's because he'd leave a person to die because he might disrupt what he had on his agenda for the day. Remind you of another Doctor???? Plus, he wouldn't raise a hand to help someone in need. What kind of person would step around someone in need instead of helping them?
4. 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?
I'm not sure about this one. Initially I'd say she's right, but once he's made aware of the dangers then I'd say no.
5. 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?
Isn't that the craziest thing ever. If I didn't listen to the audio I wouldn't have suspected. Anyone else find it odd Marina didn't notice?
6. How do you feel about Dr. Swenson now that we have had a chance to learn more about her?
I don't like her all that much. She's kind of impersonal. Can you imagine having her in the delivery room with you? When I was having my first child the doctor made me feel awful because I couldn't push my daughter out. Turned out her umbilical cord was too short. A one in a million sort of thing. He did apologize after and assured me that I wouldn't have a second birth with a short umbilical cord. He said he'd never seen such a thing before.
Questions for Chapter 81. 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?
It is interesting. Not really my genre, but I'm enjoying it.
2. 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?
I don't know. The prime directive in Star Trek has always been to not interfere with undeveloped cultures. When you see doctors on tv shows or in movies, they are almost always the first ones to help an injured person. I find it odd that she said she wouldn't have done it again. But then again, Swanson isn't your typical medical physician - definitely more suited to research.
3. 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?
I would side with Alan. People's personal life should be private. It doesn't matter that he cheated on his wife - that in no way effects his botanical knowledge.
4. 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?
No. As smart as Easter is, I believe he could adapt to life in America pretty easily.
5. 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?
I think Swanson is a bit of a mad scientist. Crazy to test it on herself. And no, it is not right to purposefully have a child if you can't/won't be here to raise them.
6. How do you feel about Dr. Swenson now that we have had a chance to learn more about her?
I still don't like her.
Questions for Chapter 81. 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?
For me it is just okay. I find it somewhat interesting, but at the same time I don't see myself going and picking up another Ann Pachett book to read.
2. 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?
I think that they would be offended by someone trying to come in and change them unless they requested to learn. Many indigenous people groups don't want our help. I only know this because of my church's work with the Maihuna tribe in Peru. As far as helping to keep a person alive who has been hurt, I would definitely try to save them. Who wouldn't want that for a member of their community?
3. 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?
As far as the cheating goes, I would have to say as long as Dr. Saturn is not trying to follow in his footsteps in that way then having him as a professional role model is fine. However as far as him being a good person, I would side with his wife. Cheating is wrong in my eyes and I don't think he should be praised for it. Not to mention the leaving a young man with tribe members when you have no idea if he is going to die or live is CRAZY!
4. 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?
I disagree. It's not like he would be going there by himself to live. He would have an adult to help him learn and to grow. I think it should be Easter's choice. If he wants to go to America, then I think he should be allowed to go back with Marina if he wants to.
5. 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?
I don't think its fair to raise a child if you have no plans for their future. It doesn't seem to me like Dr. Swenson really cares about the child she is carrying. If she had made plans for the child to be cared for by someone trustworthy then it might have been a different story all together. As far as Dr. Swenson testing the drug out on herself, It doesn't bother me. We ask for volunteers for drug trials so if she volunteered then who are we to say that she can't participate in the testing of her own drug?
6. How do you feel about Dr. Swenson now that we have had a chance to learn more about her?
I dislike her even more. She just doesn't seem to care about anyone or anything other than herself and the research. She is not personable at all.
Still one day behind. o.OQuestions for Chapter 6-7
1.)Wow! I didn't know Dr. Swenson was that old! Marina says she is in her 70s!
I was surprised too.
2.) I really love Easter. What do you think of him?
He is definitely cutest thing in the book so far.
3.) 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?
Well I do not have personal experience, but usually in movies reclusive tribes are behaving like that around foreigners. And Dr. Swenson is their official doctor I think, so they are glad she is back...
As for attention toward Marina, boob grabbing surprised me. :)
4.) 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?
I think he was missing his boys and then he got attached...
5.) What in the world happened to Marina's clothes at the end of chapter 7?
I think they stole them. I remember before Dr. Swenson spoke before how Lakashi love foreign clothes...
@Lisarenee#1 - Wow your theory got me totally by surprise. I usually have crazy theories about books and I did not think of that. But now it seems like a very logical conclusion.
Now I am thinking maybe Easter is also her child... Or am I going too far? :D
r Chapter 81. 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?
It's not a book that I probably would have stuck with on my own, but I think it makes for interesting discussion reading it with a group. I don't know if I would read another by this author or not.
2. 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?
I think they should be careful not to change the tribe and their uniqueness, but I do think they should help with medical stuff.
3. 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?
I think how good a person is should matter when you are looking at role models. I have a son that loves football and I love it when he likes a player that is a good person too. I tell him that being a good person is more important than being good at football.
4. 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?
I don't agree. I think it's dangerous for him in the jungle and until Dr. Swenson came along he didn't really have anyone. I think he would do fine if he went back with Marina because she would be there to help and take care of him.
5. 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?
I think if she wants to test the drug on herself that's her choice, but in this case it's not just affecting herself, it's also affecting her unborn child and I don't think that's fair.
6. How do you feel about Dr. Swenson now that we have had a chance to learn more about her?
I still don't really like her.
Dragona said, "Now I am thinking maybe Easter is also her child... Or am I going too far? :D"I wondered if he could be Martin Rapp's (did I get his last name right) son? The only hesitation I have is Easter's from another tribe. If he was one of he Lakashi I'd be more apt to believe he was Swenson's or Rapp's.
Glad I'm not the only one with crazy ideas. Sometimes they pan out other times I'm way off.
Questions for Chapter 81. 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?
Well I am not exactly thrilled with the book. Some parts are interesting, some parts (mostly Marina's flashbacks) are very boring.
I think I would have probably given up by now, but the discussion in buddy read topic makes it interesting...
2. 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?
Well it is very tricky how not to disturb the balance of a system/society. I think she is trying to keep them out of the influence as much as possible.
As for the hurt girl, I think that everyone would help her. No one normal, could stand by the side and watch the child bleed.
3. 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?
Tricky question. I think that when you look-up at someone you don't have to admire all of their life and decisions. Dr. Alan admired Dr. Rapp for his intelligence and dedication. I think that his lack of morals has nothing to do with it. And Alan will not now go and cheat his wife, because his idol did it.
4. 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?
Well maybe not more dangerous. But every place has it's bad and good sides. Jungle is familiar environment for Easter. I think it would be cruel removing him from it. He is happy there.
5. 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?
Dr. Swenson obviously will stop at nothing in her search. Even perform test on herself.
I think it is not fair to have a child so late in life when you will not be there to raise it. I think I explained it before. Having a child is not just birthing it, it's much more.
Although, I am afraid that for Dr. Swenson this is only an experiment. :/
6. How do you feel about Dr. Swenson now that we have had a chance to learn more about her?
I do not like her. She is too cold and rational and logical. I wonder if something hurt her so bad, and now she closed herself up from the world...
I googled some pictures about things that interested me how they look, so here they are...Candiru Fish (brrrrrrrrr.... I don't know if I could take a bath in a water where this thingy lives...)
Jabiru Stork
Spot Billed Toucanet (so cute :) )
I don't know who was going to do questions today so hold on and I'll post some.
Questions for Chapter 91) 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.
2) 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?
3) Anyone else thinking things are starting to seem questionable about Eckman's death? Where the heck was the man burried?
4) If you were Marina would you eat the bark?
5) 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.
6) "We're being more careful with you now." What???? I really don't like Dr. Swenson.
Questions for Chapter 9 1) 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.
I agree, I also think he was way to into himself. Maybe that is where Dr. Swenson got her self absorption from? I think it is odd that these people ever even thought of chewing the trees in the first place.
2) 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?
I think she should tell them because they are thinking that they are spending all of this money on one thing when truly they are more wrapped up in the Malaria vaccine. Maybe if Marina made different decision I would like her more but really she has been rather blah for me.
3) Anyone else thinking things are starting to seem questionable about Eckman's death? Where the heck was the man burried?
It all seems so fishy. It seems like none of the stories are adding up and if I were Marina, I would start demanding some answers.
4) If you were Marina would you eat the bark?
I really wouldn't see a point unless she really wanted to have a baby and wanted to make sure she wouldn't get malaria. I wouldn't do it.
5) 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.
I think she has and just isn't sharing it yet. I mean why else would she insist on the C-section so forcefully? Not to mention, now all of a sudden she is worried about the tribe and their health when she seemed so nonchalant about the girl with the machete earlier in the book. It just seems like she has an ulterior motive.
6) "We're being more carefule with you now." What???? I really don't like Dr. Swenson.
Again, we get a glimpse into how Dr. Swenson is really all about her own agenda. Not a big surprise. I really really don't like her.
Questions for Chapter 9 1) 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.
I'm rather meh about the whole thing. I knew it would be something weird.
2) 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?
I don't know. The preventative would be a good thing if they made it readily available to everyone, but as it seems, both drugs would only be available to those with the money.
3) Anyone else thinking things are starting to seem questionable about Eckman's death? Where the heck was the man burried?
I have no idea what to think about this. I hope we find out where he was buried, and I hope they don't end up burying their dead in the grove with the trees (the Martins, right?). That could totally be the missing ingredient for the drug(s).
4) If you were Marina would you eat the bark?
if I were afraid of getting malaria, maybe. I forget, did they mention if it started acting immediately or if it has to build up in your system?
5) 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.
I think she did. I think Marina could have turned the breech, but Swenson wanted to see how she did with a c-section because she would have to have one soon. Selfish.
6) "We're being more carefule with you now." What???? I really don't like Dr. Swenson.
Well of course they will be more careful with her. She can actually serve a purpose for Swenson. I cannot believe people put up with this woman. Really dislike her.
Answers for Chapter 91) 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.
Haha! Good one, Lisarenee. I can't believe it is from a tree, but better than from some animal's excrement or something equally as nasty. I'm quite glad to know it is from a tree. If that makes any sense. Lol. And as far as being too into himself, I would have done the same thing. It was my work and my discovery.
2) 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?
Nope. I think she is doing just fine. She has fainlly realized all that is at stake and being quite will be better in the long run.
3) Anyone else thinking things are starting to seem questionable about Eckman's death? Where the heck was the man burried?
I still hold to my original belief that he is not dead. Where he is, I don't know. Maybe he fell in love with a Lakashi and they keep hidden from Marina? His fever was just a cover up. Or maybe he got lost? but, I still don't think he is dead.
4) If you were Marina would you eat the bark?
I think I would be too curious not to. I wouldn't be scared to since it doesn't seem to have any advers effects on the women (except being to old to have children and still having them, but you can obviously prevent that). I would be more than happy if it meant I wouldn't get malaria.
5) 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.
I think she has remembered who she is. She's been a lit nicer to Marina in a Dr. Swenson kind of way. I think she sees the potential in her and remembers it as well.
6) "We're being more careful with you now." What???? I really don't like Dr. Swenson.
I think she means that she can now see her as an asset rather than a pest. Eventually, I think Dr. Swenson will want Marina to take over the whole operation. I'm actually beginning to like Swenson. She's one of those crazy science ladies that does everything for the sake of her job without in sentimental feelings towards others and no BSing or gossip.
Laura- #2- Interesting viewpoint. However, right now both go hand in hand. I don't think they know how to separate the malaria vaccine from the prolonged fertility.Alley- #3- That's a thought. After all what better way to replenish the grove than with a substance that already has the "right stuff" in it?
#4- I can't completely remember. I'm pretty sure I remember it saying that it has to build up a little, but not for long.
Questions for Chapter 91) 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.
Well Mr Fox already told Marina, it's from a tree bark, I just though they would peel it, grind it and then eat it, not directly from the tree. I was surprised, but I must admit this way is easier.
Rapp was too much into himself. Noooooooooooooo.... You think?
2) 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?
I think Dr. Swenson is right, and that if they all came there they would destroy the environment and the Lakashi. It's better if the science team could find out how to reproduce the plants. Although I doubt it will be that easy. It seems that a lot of factors are involved.
3) Anyone else thinking things are starting to seem questionable about Eckman's death? Where the heck was the man buried?
If I understood correctly, Lakashi were enRAPPtured (love the pun, Lisarenee) when they buried him, so they probably don't remember.
4) If you were Marina would you eat the bark?
Well, at least she will not have nightmares from it. And she is safe from malaria now.
5) 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.
I doubt she remembered her. I think she would tell her if she did. It was just ptobably a test, because Dr. Swenson will need one too..
6) "We're being more careful with you now." What???? I really don't like Dr. Swenson.
Dr. Swenson is just being... well Dr. Swenson. I think that she more likes to shock people with talking, seems like she usually does the right thing.
I think that probably human blood will attract something that anaconda blood will not. (if you are a predator and sense a wounded anaconda is nearby I would probably avoid her, just in case it is still pissed)
Does doctor Swenson's personality remind anyone a little bit of Spock from Star Trek? Just a random musing of mine.
Questions for Chapters 10-11
1. 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.
2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
4. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it? (view spoiler)
5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
uestions for Chapters 10-111. 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.
I was surprised that she didn't ignore Anders and put up more of a fight. At the same time, it was obvious that these people loved him and that he must have been their child. As hard as it was for her to leave him, I think it was the only way to do it without possible death or never leaving the Amazon.
2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
I never really connected with her at all during the story. I never really disliked or liked her character and honestly the only thing that really made me angry was when her and Anders made love. I don't care how horrible your experience was, there is no reason for him to cheat on his faithful wife with Marina.
3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
It wasn't that Anders was alive. I think it was more that Easter got left at the cannibal tribe. Then finding out that he was basically kidnapped by Dr. Swenson. I knew she was horrible but kidnapping a child is like the lowest of the low for her.
4. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it? (view spoiler)
It died while inside the womb and Marina had to do a C-section to get it out. I think this is the best thing that could have happened because I can't see Dr. Swenson being a good parent or the child having a good life.
5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
It was all pretty blah throughout the book. Not much really seemed to spark my interest. I was expecting more action and Marina didn't even make it to the jungle until about midway through the book. When the end came and it actually got somewhat interesting, the author finished it so fast. Almost like she forgot she needed to end the book and then crammed everything into two chapters. I know other authors do this and I love it but in this book it just seemed forced. I gave it three stars out of five but really I wanted it to be about 2.5 stars.
Questions for Chapters 10-111. 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.
I don't know if she really had a choice. I don't think she realized what was really happening when it happened.
2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
I agree with Laura about the seemingly out of the blue love scene between Anders and Marina. It upset me.
3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
Yes, I was, but I knew something was fishy about his death.
4. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it? (view spoiler)
The baby died before it was ever born. Had a rare case of Mermaid syndrome where the legs are fused together and the sex of the baby can't be determined.
5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
I think this will get 3 out of 5. I truly didn't like Dr. Swenson and how just a few kind words after Marina had the accident with the baby would have kept Marina on the path she had been meant to be on--that of a surgeon. She had no clue the accident was not as uncommon or the biggest mistake she could have made. It was upsetting.
Questions for Chapters 10-111. 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.
I guess she didn't really have a choice. Easter was going to be taken no matter what. I was really bothered by the fact Marina didn't seem to be that upset about it.
2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
I was so mad when she and Anders made love. I didn't like or dislike her character, but after that part I didn't like her at all. I changed from liking Anders to disliking him. Pretty much the only characters I like in the book was Easter and Milton.
3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
I wasn't surprised Anders was alive. I figured he would have to be. I was shocked when Easter was given up.
4. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it? [(Forgive my ignorance, I did some major skimming throughout this whole story and I was trying to speed read because I was behind so it's no surprise I missed some major details). (hide spoiler)]
5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
I gave the book 2 stars. I was going to give it 3 stars until the last chapter. I hated the last chapter.
Questions for Chapters 10-111. 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.
Ugh. I don't think it was the right thing, but it was the only thing she could do. Easter was the child they thought was dead. They would have kept him no matter what I think.
2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
A little. Sleeping with Anders and not really fighting harder for Easter...
3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
Not really. The biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment for me was the entire rest of the book after they discovered Anders was still alive. So much happened in just that little bit. None of it good, except Anders getting home.
4. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it? (view spoiler)
It died and had some weird birth defect - from her old eggs probably. She had no business getting pregnant anyway.
5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
2 stars from me. It was ok until the ending.
With all the praise for Ann Pachett's books was anyone surprised with the how much we all seemed to not so much care for the book?
Laura wrote: "With all the praise for Ann Pachett's books was anyone surprised with the how much we all seemed to not so much care for the book?"I figure the higher they are, the harder they fall. I'm always disappointed whenever I read a popular book or (new to me) author and I don't like it. I feel like the odd girl out, or that I'm missing something. I'm glad I wasn't alone in my dislike for this book in regards to this group.
Answers for Chapters 10-11
1. 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.
Just because they were his biological family didn't mean it was the right thing to do. After all, he doesn't know them (because he spent most of his life with Dr. Swenson). I'm surprised that Anders begged to be exchanged so quickly; silly me for thinking that he thought of him as a son. I'm also surprised that Dr. Swenson wanted Marina to go back for Easter and that she called him 'mine.'
2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
Throughout the book I kept thinking that she was a scientist with morals, especially when standing next to Dr. Swenson. Now, I see so many similarities to her and Swenson. It's sad really.
3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
I wasn't surprised about Anders being alive because I read a few reviews and consequently saw a few spoilers. However, I was surprised that Marina and Anders had sex.
4. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it?
Thanks for explaining guys!
5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
I was bored out of my mind while reading! I felt no emotional attachment to any of the characters. Honestly, I wouldn't have finished the book but I went to my grandma's house and I needed something to do on the 3 hour drive back home. I gave the book 1.5 stars.
1. 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.I couldn't believe she left Easter behind. She could have tried to go back for him or something. All I can hope is that Easter finds his way back to the Lakashi. She shouldn't have taken him with her at all actually.
2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
I always thought she was did whatever needed to be done for her best interest and no one else's. The only honorable acts she did was saving Easter from the anaconda and going to rescue Anders, which was semi-honorable since she left poor Easter behind.
3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
I knew he was alive all along! Where he was I didn't know, but never believed he was dead. My biggest "i-can't-believe-it' momentS were: 1.) Marina JUST UP AND LEFT the tribe and the Amazon after all that. I thought she was doing pretty good until then and would see to it that the operation was completed. 2.) I couldn't believe her and Anders had sex. Like really?? 3.) I couldn't believe the way it ended with Anders running towards his boys and marina just driving on.
4. What happened to Sr. Swenson's baby? Did she have it? (view spoiler)
It died and Marina performed a C-section on her.
5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
I enjoyed the book, but disliked the end. It's almost as Patchett decided that she was tired of writing and just wrapped it all up. I didn't feel like it ended the way it should have. What happened to Dr. Swenson, the Lakashi, the vaccine, the fertility drug, Marina and Mr. Fox?? Not my idea of a good ending and for this it only gets three stars instead of four.
Rachel, I've been reading the book then listening to the audio version of the part I just read after. The Fertility drug will never be made. The drug they are going to give Mr. Fox will end up being the malaria vaccine. It sounds like Marina has already figured out her relationship with Mr. Fox is over. When he finds out she's in on the drug switch he'll leave her. I don't know if they actually made the drug and just won't deliver it or if they even started making it. At one point Marina states she's going to take some of the branches with her and keep them in the freezer and continue to eat them.
Here's a question. With the increased window for fertility while eating the bark, did Marina ever consider she may now be pregnant? Does anyone really think she did anything to prevent it? Strangely that didn't even cross her mind.
Lisarenee wrote: "Here's a question. With the increased window for fertility while eating the bark, did Marina ever consider she may now be pregnant? Does anyone really think she did anything to prevent it? Strangel..."I thought of that too. She might me walking around with a little Anders. This book left so many loose ends.
Finally finished....Questions for Chapters 10-11
1. 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.
Well if you look from the perspective that Easter is actually stolen from his tribe by Dr. Swenson, then their action does not look so bad. But Marina and Dr. Anders did not know that. So intentionally leaving a child, they both claimed to love very much to the tribe of cannibals, is not a very noble act in my opinion.
2. Marina made some questionable decisions during the past few chapters. Has your opinion of her changed since the start of the story?
Nope. I never did like her, so there is nothing to change.
3. Were you surprised to find out that Anders was alive? What your biggest 'I-can't-believe-it' moment from chapter 10 & 11?
Yeah, finding out that Anders was alive was a surprise. But bigger surprise for me was mermaid-baby and sex between Marina and Anders.
5. What is your overall thought of the book? Feel free to post your review and (or) star rating.
I always feel bad when I read some 'book of quality' and I do not like it at all. But talking with you and seeing that nobody did seem to like this book very much, made it easier.
I was indecisive between 1 and 2 stars, but in the end I gave it just one, because I would never recommend this book to anyone to read.
Okay, guys I hate to rip on a book, but I'm now going to do so from a medical standpoint. There is no way a plant or drug of any kind could make a postmenopausal woman menstruate again. Every woman has a set number of eggs and once they're gone, well, they're gone. I remember them saying this on an episode of Private Practice so I looked it up and it's true. Your body doesn't produce eggs as you age, it's something you're born with hence the reason people say it was probably due to "old" eggs.
Lisarenee wrote: "Okay, guys I hate to rip on a book, but I'm now going to do so from a medical standpoint. There is no way a plant or drug of any kind could make a postmenopausal woman menstruate again. Every woman..."My mom and I were talking about this very thing this weekend when I was telling her about this book. I was telling her how stupid the whole book seemed after I had finished it and thats when she reminded me of this fact.
Lisarenee wrote: "Rachel, I've been reading the book then listening to the audio version of the part I just read after. The Fertility drug will never be made. The drug they are going to give Mr. Fox will end up bein..."I know how it ends. I finished the book. I just was saying I think it is a waste to not go further with the fertility drug or that she did not stay and help with the malaria drug. The way the book ends they still do NOT know how to separate the two from each other to begin making either drug. And she never takes those branches home with her.
Lisarenee wrote: "Okay, guys I hate to rip on a book, but I'm now going to do so from a medical standpoint. There is no way a plant or drug of any kind could make a postmenopausal woman menstruate again. Every woman..."Not to sound rude or anything, but it is a book and it is fiction. Anything could happen in a book! Which is why I wished this book wouldn't have ended this way.
Fiction or not lets remember that there are no impossibilities when it comes to science.
I realize this is fiction, but for a book to be really good it should at least be believable. As to no impossibilities even science has some limitations and while one day it may be possible to create more eggs, I doubt such a thing would be possible via medicine. I think you'd have to do something much more drastic. Cloning is about the closest thing at present. Although if you can get DNA patterns down and pin point various things which would be key in creating life, you could potentially manipulate things, but I think it'd be something that would be done inside a test tube in a lab. Not something created by a drug.
When you're eggs are gone, baby, they are GONE!
I'm going to have to agree to disagree on this one! There are plenty of books that are good that aren't believable or doable, or at least not in this world. Maybe the next, but not this one.
Rachel wrote: "I'm going to have to agree to disagree on this one! There are plenty of books that are good that aren't believable or doable, or at least not in this world. Maybe the next, but not this one."Ditto.
I guess I just feel they didn't address this issue and should have to make it a bit more believable.
I guess I expect the unbelievable and make allowances in books labeled fantasy that I find questionable. Out of curiosity, what would you label this book as? I was leaning toward Realistic fiction till I remembered the egg thing.
The neatest thing that I’ve heard about is what they are doing in Sweden. They are taking someone’s old eggs and someone’s new eggs. Then, using amazing “transplantation” (for lack of my knowing the better word) techniques they are putting the outer lining of the new eggs over the old eggs (after first removing the outer lining). That way, the eggs can be impregnated.
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