Science Book Club: State of Wonder

We are WAY overdue for our  fourth installment of the STS Science Book Club! This time, it’s a novel with not one but TWO women scientists. Perfect for reading on those sunny but COLD days. Don’t forget your warm beverage of choice. You can check out the other books we have reviewed here!

Part of living that sweet, sweet post-comps life has been the return of leisure reading. I hadn’t made any reading goals the last few years because, honestly, I couldn’t handle the extra ‘work’ and often opted for a solid Netflix session instead. Now that my days are free from classes and teaching (this year only), I’ve brought reading back as part of my routine.

The Kindle and Audiobook apps on my phoneor tablet are my go-to for finding new books to read, but I do adore a good (re)gifted book that comes with a friend’s recommendation. I received State of Wonder as birthday present from Rachel, and it was great to read in warm, sunny GA. Rachel was recommended this book from another lady scientist, National Geographic Young Explorer (and also her badass labmate), Jordan!

The author, Ann Patchett, has penned several other novels and a children’s book. She often writes about relationships between women with all of the humanity and tragedy life brings. You can check out all her titles at her Goodread’s page (Editor’s Note: Find us on Goodreads if you want to see all the science, YA, and fantasy titles we are reading).The Magician’s Assistant and The Patron Saint of Liars are both available on Kindle Unlimited ($10/month) and I will definitely be checking them out.

What is State of Wonder About?

This work transports you to the forefront of scientific advancement among the beauty and danger of the Amazon. Pharmaceutical research scientist, Dr. Marina Singh, is sent to investigate the progress of a groundbreaking drug after her friend and colleague, Anders Eckman died attempting the same inquiry. This mission includes tracking down her former mentor, Dr. Annick Swenson, an uncompromising woman who is leading the research and running things exactly as she sees fit. Dr. Swenson was part of a dark event of Dr Singh’s past that had Marina turning away from a career in Obstetrics.

Why We Liked It:

Rachel: I really loved the fresh feeling this narritaive had. Not only was it a book featuring women and reproduction as central themes, but the main character is a scientist who also happens to be a middle-aged, unmarried, woman of color. And then, that women gets to go on an adventure to the Amazon?! Sign me up. I also appreciated all the deep character development in the novel. They all felt like fully fleshed out people, and I think science fiction, which this book is, can sometimes neglect when the science is so central to the plot.

Meridith: This book was a captivating read and it was enjoyable following these women through their travels and experiences as this story unfolded. This is a great book to read with a friend. I immediately called Rachel once I finished and was so glad to have someone to talk it over with. I appreciate that this book is concerned with the motivation behind the scientist’s actions and decisions even at the expense of the characters likability. These women are deep and complex and are both faced with difficult goals and making sacrifices for their work.

What could have been better:

Rachel: I think Meridith and I agreed that the book was a slow starter. For myself, I don’t mind a slow start when it means the characters are being developed. However, so much happens in the last third of the novel, and some of it did feel a bit rushed. I honestly would have preferred a longer novel that didn’t feel so crammed in the end, but I know “make it longer” isn’t something authors are generally told by publishers.

Meridith: I am always on team “make it longer”, so I agree with Rachel. You really need to sit and digest the last bit for a long time, but that’s not necessarily a fault.

Who should read it:

This book is probably best for young adults and up. Lots of different science fields are intertwined in this work and while you don’t need a deep knowledge of any of them you might benefit from a cursory background understanding. This novel is perfect for escaping into a wholly different side of science while also addressing many of the moral implications of drug development.

A give away!

If you enjoyed this Science Book Club review, be sure to check out our other posts: OTHER POSTS. Just as we love to received recommended books, we also love to pass them on to others! We’ll be giving away our copy of State of Wonder to one lucky reader (US only, sorry).

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