The Right Book at the Right Time

Title: State of Wonder

Author: Ann Patchett

Publisher: New York : Harper, 2011.

Review/Summary: Dr Marina Singh isn’t one for adventure. She hasn’t even left Minnesota much until she is sent to the Amazon to delve into the mysterious details of the death of her lab partner, Anders Eckman. After working as research scientists at the Vogel pharmaceutical company for seven years Eckman was asked to go check on another scientist’s miracle drug project in Brazil. He never returns. Now Marina is compelled to follow and she finds herself on an unpredictable journey of discovery. Facing sweltering heat, terrifying wildlife and obstructive natives Marina finally locates the camp where Eckman was last seen. There she is reluctantly greeted by a transformative figure from her past and Marina struggles to learn what really happened to Eckman and what exactly they are all doing in this Amazonian rainforest. A multi-layered, subtly rendered and thrilling read.

Who Will Like This: Patchett fans. Patient mystery readers.

If you like this, try this: Bel Canto, also by Patchett. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.

Recommended by: Jen, Children’s Assistant

Does this look like something you’d like to try? Check out the Fairfield Public Library catalog to check availability or place a hold!

Title: Fire Your Doctor!

Author:  Andrew Saul, Ph.D.

Publisher: Basic Health Publications, December 2005

Summary: I first learned about Andrew Saul when I watched the movie Food Matters. He is somewhat of an authority on orthomolecular medicine (nutrition therapy). He brings 30 years of experience researching non-medicinal options to many common ailments into all of his books. He is a bit snarky with a wry sense of humor which makes reading about health, nutrition and mega-doses of vitamins something you won’t just put back on the shelf and forget about. After finishing Fire Your Doctor! I moved on to an earlier book of his with similar information; Doctor Yourself. One of the things I like about his writing style and the style of the movie Food Matters is they don’t try to scare you into eating healthily. They present solid facts about what you SHOULD be eating and why and leave the rest up to you. He is very proud of the fact that he raised two children from birth through college age without even one dose of antibiotics! Want to know how they did that or more about him or his books? Visit his website: www.doctoryourself.com and look up an ailment of your own, a friend or family member.

Recommended by: Jim S., Systems Administrator