These Precious Days

Essays

By: Ann Patchett

Narrated by: Ann Patchett

Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

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

My First Audiobook

I loved hearing the essays from the writer's life being read by the writer. I felt like I knew her friend Sookie (and all the others) and didn't want her to die. Even though I know we all do eventually die.
My interest was peaked in reading this book by a "teaser" story on the internet from this book that had been also published by the New Yorker about decluttering, so we don't leave that "legacy" to our adult kids who want none of it. So relateable; now that I have retired, we are in the process of releasing all the things we enjoyed gathering for our whole marriage so far. This was indeed a great choice for my first audiobook. I can't wait to listen to my next audiobook!

Author Read Memoir

Lots of interesting tidbits and helpful insight. I enjoyed this immensely. Always a treat to have the author as narrator.

Ah, Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett writes clearly and beautifully, which must come from her clear and beautiful thinking. Whatever the source of her gift, and no doubt it involves a lot of hard work, her writing is life-enhancing. Through her extreme generosity with personal and poignant stories, we see ways (hers and her husband’s) of approaching the world that exemplify clarity, logic, good-heartedness, and true kindness. Teasing out aspects of situations that we might never consider, she takes us through the vulnerable twists and turns of relatable human quandaries and issues, and she leaves us with conclusions that are elegant in their simplicity and kind logic. At this point we say, “Ah, of course”, with a little smile. And I cannot imagine a better narrator for her essays.

Truly moving

Ann Patchett has had an enviably full life that she has shared with us. Thank you so much, Ann. Your essays are heart swelling and memorable.

Love

An example of a life well lived. She’ll make you laugh, cry and wish for more! Listen!

Just fabulous

Ann Patchett it at her best. These essays had me laughing and crying and hearing her read them herself was very touching. Absolutely worth reading

Gift yourself

I was soothed and grateful for these stories for many nights as I awakened. No matter where I picked up the story I was immediately there. And if it was a piece already heard, I was eager and content to hear it again. Ann Patchett is not only a compelling author, she is an engaging, soothing reader. Yes, I am grateful. L. Spence

More, please.

I cannot express how much I love Anything Ann Patchett. This collection was special. I especially like that Ann narrates.

Heartfelt and true

I love the stories that show how relatable Ann Patchett is and how as a reader, it connects with me. The friendship with Suki that was sparked by a beautiful jacket is beautifully described. Suki’s personality and talents are inspiring as are Ann’s words that remind me we all have stories to tell. You’ll enjoy storytelling at its best in These Precious Days.

Reflections on a life

This book delivered for me, both in the author's narration and her words. Of a similar age and stage of life, I found many of the essays strongly echoed my own feelings. Reading through other reviews, it becomes apparent that a reader will either appreciate that window into Anne's psyche, and possibly their own, or will eschew it. I loved it.