Morgan's July Picks

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

Some rainy summer day escape into the tropical world of State of Wonder. I was amazed by the scenery, the characters and the incredible meeting of science and pure mystical wonderment. This is the story of one woman's incredible journey into the Amazon in search of answers regarding her colleague's sudden death as well as an attempt at a covert investigation of another scientist's work.

This book transports the reader deep into the jungle where they are faced with snakes, cannibals, magical trees and many vignettes of the strength of the human spirit. While this story is a little odd in places and definitely leaves a lot up to the imagination at the end I found myself riveted throughout the book. Somehow this book, which came out in 2011, slipped my attention until just recently. If you too had not yet picked it up it is definitely worth a read.

Astor Place Vintage by Stephanie Lehmann

I had the distinct pleasure of reading this book as a pre-read for MainStreet BookEnds in preparation for a visit from the author. First of all Stephanie Lehmann is a really fun person who has obviously researched  her work quite intensely and is very passionate about the changing roles of women at the turn of the century. The book itself is an engaging portrait of New York in two times, 1907 and 2007. 

The plot switches between both time as two women's lives mirror each other in fun and engaging ways. Olive is a feisty and heroic protagonist is 1907 who must find her own way in the world while facing down the challenges she meets in a patriarchal turn of the century New York.  I loved the story of Olive and the old city as well as the window both provide into another time and place for women and their roles in society. 

Present day we meet Amanda who is a struggling business owner and NYC resident. A romantic at heart Amanda discovers the story of Olive in a box of old clothes we wants to buy for her vintage shop and is transported and transformed by her journey in another woman's shoes. Amanda is a flawed character but she is utterly relatable and very interesting to get to know.  Definitely a great summer read that will have you thinking from the start!