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State of Wonder Q&A

(47 Posts)
GeraldineGransnet (GNHQ) Thu 19-Jul-12 16:24:51

The July book club novel is State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. Shortlisted for this year's Orange prize, the novel is set largely in the Amazon rainforest and is the story of a scientist who sets off to find her enigmatic former professor and find out if she is hero or villain.

Ann is based in America and will be doing a Q&A for us - add your questions before 10 August.

joannapiano Fri 20-Jul-12 09:15:52

Thank you Gransnet, for my copy of State Of Wonder.Very interesting theme and characterisation-it reminded me of the Sean Connery 1992 movie Medicine Man.I have really enjoyed the first three chapters of the book.

whenim64 Fri 20-Jul-12 09:41:52

Me too, it's unfolding into a fascinating story.

Grannybug Fri 20-Jul-12 09:48:50

Thank you for my copy of State of Wonder Granset. I am really enjoying the story line.

Ganja Wed 25-Jul-12 08:08:32

I was in the middle of this when it was announced as the July Book Club choice.So pleased lots more people will be reading it. I think it's absolutely wonderful. Very interesting moral dilemma, and incredible detail about the Amazonian jungle. Enjoy! smile

whenim64 Wed 25-Jul-12 08:12:38

I'm 2/3rds through State of Wonder and have found it fascinating, too.

jeni Wed 25-Jul-12 08:18:40

I'm enjoying it. I'm about 3/4 way through!

Grannybug Wed 25-Jul-12 10:14:45

Surprised myself by really enjoying this book and finishing it in three days!

toria100 Wed 25-Jul-12 21:54:15

Thank you Gransnet for my free copy. I am half way through. A real page turner. Most compelling read for some time. Where did Dr Swenson character come from ? Unlike anyone I've ever known. Can't wait to see what happens.

Harrikat Thu 26-Jul-12 11:31:27

I'm fascinated by the idea of Amazonian women becoming addicted to the tree bark, & chewing it directly from the trees - does this come from anthropological studies? It's a great read.

randomangel59 Thu 26-Jul-12 12:41:50

I also loved this idea and the author takes us there and we are wrapped up in the story in an unputdownable way! Is there any evidence that this happens and if not how did this author come up with this captivating and controversial notion?
Great read, thank you to Gransnet for sending me the book - just enough twists and turns to keep me going and not stopping until I had finished.
I am pretty housebound at the moment and this book took me away - thank you again :>)

annemac101 Thu 26-Jul-12 14:29:44

Thank you for the copy of this book. I'm halfway through it and it's so different from my usual read. I'm enjoying it and have no idea where it's going which is good because I don't like it if a story becomes predictable.

weather Thu 26-Jul-12 19:31:12

Thankyou for the book...I was a little unsure if it was ME but having read one third so far I find I am longing to go to bed to read some more..very interesting some interesting info too

jeni Thu 26-Jul-12 19:54:07

Loved it!

iona Fri 27-Jul-12 16:04:33

I would never choose this book but I couldn't put it down. The best thing about this book club is that it broadens my reading. Fantastic book.

Butternut Mon 30-Jul-12 13:12:29

GNHQ - Geraldine
How do you get a free copy of the Book of the Month? Is it too late ? Do you post to France?

JosieGransnet (GNHQ) Mon 30-Jul-12 14:19:20

Hi Butternut,

It is too late for July's book of the month, I'm afraid. You just need to look out on the homepage and in the newsletter for when we announce the latest book club book.

Unfortunately the publishers we work with are unable to post out of the UK at the moment - sorry about that! sad

Butternut Mon 30-Jul-12 16:00:36

Thanks Josie.
That's such a pity sad that the publishers won't post outside the UK, particularly as Gransnet has quite a few members living in foreign lands. Perhaps this might be something you could address, as and when you have time??

mischief Tue 31-Jul-12 22:48:20

Thank you so much for the copy of State of Wonder. I have read one of Ann Patchett's books before which I thoroughly enjoyed and this one is equally enthralling. The research that they do in the jungle is very suprising, but I must say I wouldn't want to start having children again at 63. Very enjoyable book and I agree with iona, the book club is ideal for broadening my reading. I usually read historical novels and non-fiction but this is very refreshing. I will certainly be passing this book on to my daughter as recommended reading.

weather Thu 02-Aug-12 16:54:01

I am really enjoying your book..it is so different..do you think they might make a film or tv film of it?
Is there any truth in the story line .....is there research going on for having children throughout our lives...I don't think I would want to be pregnant now at 67
thankyou so much for all the time and effort you have spent writing this for our enjoyment

whenim64 Thu 02-Aug-12 17:01:17

I found State of Wonder fascinating and would like to know if any such tribes exist that use the tree bark and mushrooms described in the story, and whether the auhor knows of groups of people with such immunity to malaria?

newt148 Thu 02-Aug-12 17:10:41

thank you for my copy loved it question "where did the idea come from" we all know the mess us women get into in our heads,
once "the Change/menopause" sets in was it anything medically or mentally connected..stil at this stage in my life would still love the choice....I know im mad but part of me went with the menopause....

Hameringham Thu 02-Aug-12 20:28:36

A fascinating story. I must read more of Ann Patchetts books.Thank you for my copy.

jeni Thu 02-Aug-12 20:41:48

I really loved it. Didn't think I would but I did!

magwis Fri 03-Aug-12 07:07:15

Thank you for my copy of State of Wonder. I found the first few chapters a bit frustrating as just wanted things to unfold. As it began to unfold I found I just had to keep reading. Was there any truth in the tribe/research etc? Not sure that in our culture a woman would choose to have a child in later life.