State of Awe

"I don't know another story to match this," said Dr. Swenson, shaking her head.

I can only concur. The quote above comes on page 344 of Ann Patchett's State of Wonder. Just minutes ago, I finished the 353-page book having read it in two long gulps. And I have the insect bites to prove it. Or at least I feel as if I have been sucked on by Brazilian insects, bitten by snakes, suffered from fevers, and bathed in dirty and dangerous river water. Such is the intensity of Patchett's writing.

This is an incredible book. I am in a State of Awe.