Book 50 "State of Wonder"

STATE OF WONDER

By

Ann Patchett

This blog posting is a special one for me on a couple of accounts. First, it's book number fifty that I have read since the end of June. Mild accomplishment for many readers out there. However, before I set out on the journey of reading 365 books in a year (thanks to a challenge from the book "Tolstoy and the Purple Chair"), I read maybe around ten to twelve books in a year. Even though I am failing bitterly at reading 365 books within a year, I am being rewarded with falling in love with reading. Regardless if I even come CLOSE to the 365 mark (which I probably won't), I can honestly say that this has been a fulfilling journey. I have been treated to some amazing books thus far, met some amazing people in different book stores in a three-four state area and hope to continue.

Book fifty has been one of my favorite. State of Wonder is one of those books that you see on the book shelf, thumb through it, and say to yourself, "Hmmm..I wonder if I'll like this book?" That's how it was for about 6 months between Ann Patchett and myself. Hamlet said it best, "To be or not to be." I can rephrase that line into "To read or not to read?" Ultimately, I broke down and read the book. Let me blog this with a certain degree of sincerity. It moved me. The ending was perfect. I didn't break down and weep, but was a beautiful piece of literature. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

The book itself was about researcher Marina Singh, who was sent by her boss at Vogel (a drug manufacturer) to the jungles of Brazil following the death of a co-worker. It is there that the company is looking into a miracle drug based on a tree bark used by a native tribe. Upon her arrival, Marina must find out the circumstances of her colleague's death, as well as find out why work has slowed to a crawl on the drug.

The books consistently engages the reader and at times brilliantly moves between a drama and action packed adventure. Brilliant.