These Precious Days - Ann Patchett

These Precious Days

By Ann Patchett

  • Release Date: 2021-11-23
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 172 Ratings

Description

The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays.  

"The elegance of Patchett’s prose is seductive and inviting: with Patchett as a guide, readers will really get to grips with the power of struggles, failures, and triumphs alike." —Publisher's Weekly

“Any story that starts will also end.” As a writer, Ann Patchett knows what the outcome of her fiction will be. Life, however, often takes turns we do not see coming. Patchett ponders this truth in these wise essays that afford a fresh and intimate look into her mind and heart. 

At the center of These Precious Days is the title essay, a surprising and moving meditation on an unexpected friendship that explores “what it means to be seen, to find someone with whom you can be your best and most complete self.” When Patchett chose an early galley of actor and producer Tom Hanks’ short story collection to read one night before bed, she had no idea that this single choice would be life changing. It would introduce her to a remarkable woman—Tom’s brilliant assistant Sooki—with whom she would form a profound bond that held monumental consequences for them both. 

A literary alchemist, Patchett plumbs the depths of her experiences to create gold: engaging and moving pieces that are both self-portrait and landscape, each vibrant with emotion and rich in insight. Turning her writer’s eye on her own experiences, she transforms the private into the universal, providing us all a way to look at our own worlds anew, and reminds how fleeting and enigmatic life can be. 

From the enchantments of Kate DiCamillo’s children’s books (author of The Beatryce Prophecy) to youthful memories of Paris; the cherished life gifts given by her three fathers to the unexpected influence of Charles Schultz’s Snoopy; the expansive vision of Eudora Welty to the importance of knitting, Patchett connects life and art as she illuminates what matters most. Infused with the author’s grace, wit, and warmth, the pieces in These Precious Days resonate deep in the soul, leaving an indelible mark—and demonstrate why Ann Patchett is one of the most celebrated writers of our time.

Reviews

  • A great read in every way .

    5
    By Sad today
    I had a hard time putting this book down once I started. I loved every page and every word and every story. I almost feel like I know Ann Patchett. Yes , she is an amazing gifted author , she is also an exceptional person. Right now I’m sad that the book is finished.
  • Yep❣️

    5
    By Susie Berg
    Thanks again dear ❤️🌻❤️
  • These Precious Days

    5
    By Tale-teller
    I wasn’t far into reading “These Precious Days” when I realized my treat was going to be enjoying one essay each day, stretching out the delicious experience. Each selection is a lesson in the art of writing: insightful, thought-provoking, honest, humorous and sometimes sad. Her memories of family, friends, and life experiences come alive for the reader.
  • How does she do it?

    5
    By beballentine
    A perfect collection of essays for this particular time and for all times. Read it now.