Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

State of Wonder

I've just finished State of Wonder by Ann Patchett, and the fact that I've come to the end of this book has put me in a state.  But don't worry, it's just a state of disappointment that the story has come to an end.

Dr. Marina Singh is a researcher for a drug company in Minnesota, the state where she was born and raised.  Her lab partner and friend, Anders Eckman, has been on assignment at the company's drug research station in the Amazon, but he has suddenly died. Marina is asked to go and investigate. Two places and cultures could not be more diametrically opposed than Minnesota and the Amazon, and from the moment she lands in Manaus, Marina is assaulted by the heat, the bugs and the crowds.  But when she finally makes contact with the head researcher and heads down the river into the jungle, she finds herself pulled into a mysterious world made of equal parts wonder and danger.  Marina, quite literally, will never be in the same state again.

Seldom can a book truly take you mind and body to a completely different place, a place totally foreign, beautiful and frightening, but State of Wonder does all that and more.  I loved this book, and I hope you agree.

mk, tbc


Saturday, August 4, 2012

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

I've been busy, but also procrastinating.  Truth.  And I've realized that the longer I wait to post the harder it gets. Therefore, I vow to post IMMEDIATELY after reading a book in the future.  Well, I'll give it a try.  Maybe. That concludes the confessions portion of our agenda.  

You MUST read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie because:

1.  It is a GREAT story.
2.  It's based on a true story.
3.  That is the story of Sherman Alexie himself.
4.  Sherman Alexie is a Spokane Indian.
5.  Everything you think you know about life on a reservation is probably false.
6.  You'll find out what happens when Sherman leaves the Rez to go to a non-Indian high school.
7.  It has terrific illustrations.
8.  It was a National Book Award winner.
9.  It's perfect for summer because it's an entertaining and quick read.
10.  Thus, you won't miss much of the Olympics.
11.  The Olympics are the reason I'm procrastinating.

Order it, read it, enjoy!
Go USA!!!!!