State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

I'm not sure how I came upon this recent work -- it certainly wasn't from the book's cover.  I do remember reading Bel Canto a number of years ago and enjoyed it.  This books did not disappoint and it would be a good book club title as it deals with a number of issues. 

Book club topics of discussion could include:

• Western medicine versus "shaman" cures. 
• The role of well meaning groups who interact with indigenous peoples. 
• Pharmaceutical research practices
• When is a woman too old to be pregnant? 

Then there are the issues about people's actions in the book.

• Who  had Easter's best interests?  Did Dr. Eckman, Dr. Swenson or the main character, Dr. Marina Singh?  Did Easter best belong with the Lakashi people or with the Hummocca
• What about Dr. Swenson's statement that one does not give the truth to strangers?

And the book moved me.  It was heart wrenching when  Marina had to give the news to Karen, Dr. Eckman's wife, that her husband died in Brazil.  And the ending (I almost gave away the ending) was also poignant.