State of Wonder

State of Wonder
By Ann Patchett (384 pages)
Published by Harper Perennial
Bookish rating: 4

Have I mentioned that one of my favorite reading combinations is escapism + non-stupidity? Well, it is, and State of Wonder serves up a delightfully non-stupid, escapist read--I mean, we get to go into the freaking Amazon!--in an intelligent, well-written novel.

Marina, a doctor now working for a pharmaceutical company, must go to the Amazon to get information about a co-worker who croaked under somewhat mysterious circumnstances. There, she must deal with her former mentor, who is working on a miracle drug for the company. There are anacondas, bugs, heat, foilage, and a surprising dose of made-up-yet-weirdly-believable science.

Marina's mentor, Dr. Swenson, is the strongest and most interesting character. She's super flawed, in a really fascinating way. We also meet a little deaf native boy who is extremely compelling---he probably generated the most conversation in our book club.

Patchett evokes the intimidating thickness of the Amazon, its hiding creatures, buzzing bugs, and the sense that the jungle itself is vibrating and alive. I had the joy of reading the last several chapters of this novel in a very hot, humid house after losing power during our "land hurricane," so I felt particularly immersed in the moist jungle world Patchett created.

If you're looking for a an old-fashioned good read that takes you to another world, along with good writing, State of Wonder should do the trick. Recommended.