Happy New Year! Today I’m sharing my review of These Precious Days by Ann Patchett. I loved this book so much and I am ready to read all of Ann Patchett books now. I think this was my favorite book I read in 2021.
Synopsis
The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays.
“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 suprising 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 di Camilo’s children’s books 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.
Why I Decided to Read this Book
I had previously read one Ann Patchett book (The Dutch House) and loved her writing. When I saw she had a new book coming out I had to get it!
Rating
5 Stars, I know this one is non-fiction but I have to give it all the stars (Check out my rating system!)
My Thoughts
I don’t know how to review this book to show how much I loved it. Ann Patchett’s writing is amazing and I want to read all her books. Also, she is just an awesome person and I want to be her friend, honestly reading these essays made me feel like I was having a conversation with a friend. The essays are about a variety of things, her life, friendship, reflecting during the pandemic, being an author and bookstore owner, and even about deciding not to have children (that essay was so powerful). My favorite essays were: Three Fathers, There are no children here, My year of no shopping, and These Precious Days.
What I love the most was the writing, it is easy to read but so beautiful, I’m not sure how to explain it. You can feel the connection to her through her writing and I loved it. There is an essay about book covers that explains the cover of the book (which I’m obsessed with) and I didn’t realize the back is also a different cover until I read that essay.
One of the essays included in the book was published on Harper’s magazine. You can find it here and read it to see if it is something you’d be interested in. That was one of my favorite essays included in the book. I can’t recommend this book enough and I hope you read it. If you do, let me know what you think!
Content Warnings
Death, terminal illness, cancer, grief
Who I Recommend this Book to
This essay collection is great for any reader. There is something for everyone in these essays.
Get the Book!
Did this review of These Precious Days convince you to read it? Check out the links below to order it from Bookshop.org, Amazon and libro.fm. Please consider ordering it from a Black owned independent bookstore. This list of Black owned independent bookstores accepts online ordering.
If you’ve read this book let me know your thoughts in the comments!
