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

I didn’t want things to end

I didn’t want things to end. I loved the rhythm of the writing. I treasured hearing the author recite. I was moved and mesmerized. So much love.
Read ( or listen) this collection. It will give you a comfort in these strange days.

A great life story.

Listening to Ann is like having a conversation with your best friend. Her stories are interesting and filled with emotion! I loved the book! I enjoyed the journey and making connections with the other books that she wrote. She is a class act!

Thank you!

Your reached into my soul. Thank you for sharing moments of your life as you relived them. I have had the pleasure of enjoying your skill as a writer in your many books. “These Precious Days” is your masterpiece. I received it as a precious gift!!

She’s a great writer and reader

Ann is such a great writer, I hardly care what she’s writing about. Ten seconds in I’m ready to follow wherever she wants to go. Interesting insights, observations, makes you think, care. Her descriptions so vivid you want to see even more. I found myself strangely searching to find Sooki’s paintings, a picture of her coat with the peonies (Instagram). Her essay on book covers was particularly interesting to me as I was a designer for many years. I noted books she mentioned to read later. Felt like a thought provoking visit with a friend (she’s an exceptional reader). Sadly at the end it was time to go home but I know I’ll remember things she said (wrote) later and I’ll most likely revisit.

Amazing Storytelling

What an outstanding storyteller! Enjoyed every story! So compelling. Enjoyed listening to the stories of her life.

Loved this Book!

Loved this book. Hit close to my heart hearing about her love for her Family and Friends.

Great performance

I enjoyed listening to all of these short stories. I’m ready to move on her other stories.

Lovely Reading and Reflections

A book club member picked this one for our December read, and what a wonderful choice. Ann Patchett reads her collection of essays from various topics, her fathers, her connection to Snoopy, and her dear friend with whom she walked the cancer and pandemic journey. So many nuggets of wisdom for both life and writing. I’ll be recommending it to everyone.

I enjoyed listening to Patchett read her own words. Sometimes, she was a little choppy. Then, other times she got into it, and I got caught up in the narrative, and her words flowed from her lips to my ears. Overall, an excellent audio choice.

Captivating

Ann Patchett is an amazing storyteller. I learned much about life from this collection of short stories. What stands out at this time was her description of graduate school immunizing her against eviscerating reviews.

an amazing read

I absolutely loved this group of essays and how, although they were separate they were connected. It was one of my favorite reads in the last year and she did an amazing job narrating. i’ve recommended it to several people.