"State of Wonder" by Ann Patchett ****

• Audiobook
• Originally published 2011
• US author
• Review:  What does it take to induce a state of wonder?  Would American researchers induce it in the indigenous people of the Brazilian Amazon?  Would the possibility of a miracle drug which induces lifelong fertility do it to American researchers?  Would the sight of an anaconda trying to squeeze the life out of a young boy do it to a boatload of friends?  Or would something as simple as a family reunion do so for a friend and colleague?  Read the wonderful tale of journeys to a state of wonder as experienced by scientists,, surgeons, and people who are just plain human to find the answers.  Ann Patchett continues to know how to  weave a multi-layered tale which pulls in the reader and keeps them engaged to the last word.  Themes of this story include:  friendship, cross-cultural respect, joy, sorrow, transformation and determination.  It is also a sad statement of the lies we tell to achieve our needs.  Very good book!