“Never be so focused on what you’re looking for that you overlook the thing you actually find.”
― Ann Patchett

State of Wonder had me in various states. Probably not wonder, it was good but not on that level. I found myself in a state of irritation, frustration and lack of motivation. I wasn’t hooked with this book but I wanted to read it until the end. I found it in Hay-On-Wye actually and challenged myself to choose something different, inspired by the literary foundations of the town. I can almost tell you where I picked up all the books I’ve read and acquired over the years (especially the Kindle ones…)

If you’re looking for a challenging read full of ethical dilemmas and terrifying discoveries, this is the book for you. Don’t expect it to be a Summer read, it’s one that will resonate and stay with you long after you’ve finished.

If you enjoyed: Anything by Elizabeth Gilbert (in fact I confuse this with ‘The Signature of All things’ when I’ve had too much coffee) or Zadie Smith.

The good news: Don’t let this be your first Ann Patchett read and put you off. Stick with it and reward yourself with Bel Canto afterwards. It’s worth it!

Discussion Points: What would you have done at the end?

Date published: 7th June 2011

Published by: Harper Collins Publishers – HarperCollins Publishers LLC is one of the world’s largest publishing companies and is part of the “Big Five” English-language publishing companies.