Battle of the Network Ann(e)s

There are two Ann(e)s who I find to be "go to" authors: Anne Tyler and Ann Patchett.  So, this November, I was feeling particularly lucky to be reading both The Beginner's Goodbye (Tyler) and State of Wonder (Patchett).  So, who won this epic battle?  Ann Patchett, by a long shot!

The Beginner's Goodbye tells the story of a man who lost his wife in a tragic accident.  He begins seeing her soon after.  Ghost, hallucination, take your pick.  The story essentially shows him coming to grip with both her death and the failings of their relationship.  To me, it came across as a bit "twee" and was not up to some of my favorite Tyler works, such as Saint Maybe and Breathing Lessons. 2/5

State of Wonder is a far more interesting tale which explores issues related to medical ethics, culture, class, and friendship.  It begins with a pharmaceutical research finding out that her colleague and friend has died on a trip to South America.  She is tasked with bringing his body back, but perhaps more important to her boss and significant other, is finding out more about the medical research taking place in the small village that her friend had visited (he too had been sent to find out more about this research).  She goes on an epic journey that I loved and could not stop reading.  Highly recommended!!  5/5 Stars

Of note, State of Wonder was up to the incredibly difficult task of awesome holiday read!!  So do take it away or let it take you away :).