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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Review: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett 

Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 384 
Format: book 
Buy the Book: Amazon 


Goodreads:  A provocative novel of morality and miracles, science and sacrifice set in the Amazon rainforest--a gripping adventure story and a profound look at the difficult choices we make in the name of discovery and love.




Kritters Thoughts: Quite a different book than I normally read, but I was intrigued as I had never read a book by Ann Patchett.  Marina is our main character and within the first chapter she finds out that a good friend and colleague has died while on a mission for their pharmaceutical company.  She is challenged by her boss and the deceased's wife to go find out the details and get the dish on what is happening in the Amazon.  Never to say no to a mission, Marina sets out to find Dr. Swenson, a former mentor and find out what exactly is happening in the Amazon.


At first, I wasn't falling in love with the story, I just wasn't sure if this would be my kind of book, but once she set sail for the Amazon, the book really started to pick up for me.  Patchett takes her time to describe the surroundings, so the reader is easily able to find themselves swept into the Amazon - I could see what the characters were seeing.    


I would call this an Indiana Jones adventure book for a female audience.  It had all the feel of an adventure with two females at the lead.  If you are a fan of science, mystery and intrigue, this Ann Patchett book would be worth picking up for your summer reading.




Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

4 comments:

  1. I've read so many positive reviews about this one. Sounds like I need to check it out soon! Calling this one an "Indiana Jones adventure book for a female audience" seems right on the money.

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  2. I'm glad you enjoyed this one even though it got off to a slow start for you.

    Thanks for being on the tour! I'm featuring your review on TLC's Facebook page today.

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  3. wow, comparing her to Indiana Jones sounds tough on the writer. she's such an amazing writer, with fantastic descriptions that make you really feel the jungle.
    here is my review: http://wordsandpeace.com/2011/07/05/bell-canto-and-state-of-wonder/

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  4. Wow, what a comparison between State of Wonder and Indiana Jones. I can see it though. The science aspect was cool but I liked the Amazon parts better (my thoughts:http://manoflabook.com/wp/?p=5355).

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