These Precious Days

Essays

De: Ann Patchett

Narrado por: Ann Patchett

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.

©2021 Ann Patchett (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Heartfelt Essays, Beautifully Performed

Ann Patchett is a national treasure. This collection of essays is honest, timely, and deeply moving. With "These Precious Days," Patchett welcomes readers into the different corners of her life. There are stories of family history, her college life, and friendships current and past. There are glimpses into her writing process, and odes to her favorite authors. Her love of storytelling is infectious. Famous novelist, bookstore owner, and friend to many talented artists...what a life she has! But she never seems unapproachable. Her writing is down to earth and comforting, and Patchett's audiobook performance is gently profound. This book is a warm blanket to wrap around your shoulders on a crisp Autumn day. BEAUTIFUL!

A must for Ann Patchett fans

And for anyone who needs a beautifully heart wrenching listen. Just so gorgeously written and hearing it in Ann’s voice makes it all the better.

Excellent essays made better by her narration

I loved everything about this collection of essays. AP's writing is warm, relatable, and memorable. Highly recommend.

Hung on every sentence

If you loved this is the story of a happy marriage, you will love
this. And ann narrating - such a treat!

I wish I could listen for the first time again!

Just can't say enough about Ann Patchett and these stories. One after another I was riveted wanting everything else like work and Clients, and laundry to go away so i could further absorb. Finished in 2 days :)

Beautiful Stories

I’m a new listener and reader of Ann Patchett and quickly becoming a great fan.

Wonderful!

Ann Patchett is an insightful and brilliant nonfiction and fiction author to cherish.
I’m looking forward to her next publication.

A gift for the reader!

Ann has successfully used her rare & precious gift of storytelling to show us her true self. What courage it took to share with us these deeply personal experiences and heartfelt emotions.

Wonderful storyteller!

Ann Patchett is such a terrific storyteller with an exemplary life. Thank you, Ann Patchett.

The title essay is everything 🎨🐕🥒🥦🧅🥕🧘🏽‍♀️

So far I've read one of her novels, and one of her book of essays. I think I like her essays best, they are incredibly personal, You come away at the end feeling more like a neighbor and a friend rather than just a reader.

Not every essay will resonate with every reader. The one about her three dads, and the one about her choice not to have children didn't land right for me, they felt a little like she was trying to get back at some people who had annoyed the heck out of her.

But the essay about her husband and his plane was so good, as were many others. But the best of the best is the title essay about her friend Sookie. Wow, stunning, gorgeous, heartbreaking, and so personal and intimate there were times when I almost felt like I had to look away. I am in no way an expert on Ann Patchett's writing, but I have to imagine that that essay is Ann Patchett at her very best.