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

Beautifully written and read

I took a gamble on this book. I have come to Ann Patchett late in her career and Tom Hanks lead me to her. Thank you.

Moving

I read Dutch HoUse and chose this book by the same writer. What a pleasure. Many of the essays were very special. Ann Patchett shared pieces of her life as if she were among friends.

Precious stories

This is a beautiful book written and read with great tenderness. It touched me greatly

New Fan

I’ve gone from not knowing Patchett to enjoying her capture of the twists and turns of life.
I enjoyed hearing her voice.

Stunningly Beautiful

I so enjoyed listening to these beautiful essays. I spend a lot of time driving back-and-forth, and it filled so many hours with love and life and beauty.

Couldn’t put it down

Everything was so perfect in this book. It made me think about my life, and where I was going.

Getting to know you.

I look forward to reading more of your books. The Dutch House was my first book of yours.

Fantastic set of essays

I laughed out loud, mused, almost cried, and took so much more away from this than I expected!!Thank you, Ann Patchett

All the feels!

I could listen to Ann read all day! She shares her life with her reader, all of it! She is an amazing writer! And, I love her bookstore!

Life changing

The fact that I am facing my own mortality, this hit hard. What mess would I leave? What is my legacy? Will I have friends that love me like that? This spurs changes in my life. This book was one of the most meaningful I have read.