State of Wonder by Ann Patchett Summary
Overview of State of Wonder
In Ann Patchett's "State of Wonder," a scientist ventures into the Amazon seeking answers about her colleague's death. This New York Times bestseller left author Emma Donoghue "in a state of wonder" - and sparked a publishing scandal when mistakenly declared an Orange Prize winner.
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Key takeaways
The Amazon Beckons: Where Science Meets Mystery
In the heart of the Brazilian rainforest, a revolutionary scientific discovery awaits-women of the Lakashi tribe bear healthy children well into their seventies. For pharmaceutical giant Vogel, this represents billions in potential profits. For Dr. Annick Swenson, the brilliant, uncompromising researcher who's spent decades studying the tribe, it represents something far more complex. When Anders Eckman, sent to check on the company's investment, dies mysteriously in the jungle, pharmacologist Marina Singh reluctantly agrees to follow his trail. What begins as a corporate mission becomes a profound journey into the nature of wonder itself. The journey starts with devastating news. Marina must tell Anders' wife Karen that her husband has died from an unspecified fever. Karen collapses at Marina's feet while their three young sons play upstairs, oblivious to how their world has just shattered. In the aftermath, Marina learns the truth-Dr. Swenson, her former mentor from medical school, has maintained radio silence for years while continuing to receive substantial funding. Anders was sent as a "corporate ambassador" to pressure her into results. Now Marina must face not only the physical dangers of the Amazon but the ghosts of her own past with Dr. Swenson.
Nightmares and Preparations
Unexpected Encounters
Into the Heart of Darkness
Secrets of the Martin Trees
Ethical Boundaries Blurred
Return from the Underworld
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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