These Precious Days

By: Ann Patchett

Narrated by: Ann Patchett

Bloomsbury presents These Precious Days written and read by Ann Patchett.

A BARACK OBAMA TOP BOOK OF 2021

‘A heartfelt and witty collection of essays on everything from marriage and knitting to the inevitability of death’ Guardian

'A pitch-perfect collection ... She can turn a sentence like no one else: her writing is clear, honest, witty, and just full of unsentimental humanity' Nigella Lawson

‘Profound and clever and funny and wise’ Meg Mason, author of Sorrow & Bliss
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An irresistible collection of essays and memoir from the internationally bestselling, Women’s Prize-winning author of The Dutch House

'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 as she explores family, friendship, marriage, failure, success, and what it all means.

Ranging from the personal – her portrait of the three men she called her fathers; how a chance encounter with Tom Hanks led to one of the most important friendships of her life; how to answer when someone asks why you don’t have children – to the sublime – the unexpected influence of Snoopy; the importance of knitting; the pleasure to be found in children’s books – each essay transforms the particular into the universal, letting us all see our own worlds anew.

Illuminating, penetrating, funny and generous, These Precious Days is joyful time spent in the company of one of our greatest living authors.

'Patchett's essays are both sharp and humane ... like a hugely enjoyable conversation with a particularly brilliant friend' Sadie Jones©2021 Ann Patchett (P)2021 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

A wonderful follow-up to This is the Story of a Happy Marriage

At times poignant and at others joyful, this collection picks up where This is the Story of a Happy Marriage finishes, and covers beautifully the deaths of Patchett’s father figures, her decision not to have children, her love for her husband and his love for flying and so many more facets of her life leading and through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Moving , heartfelt, sublime

I loved this book . I found myself nodding and agreeing and talking back . Ann Patchett is a genius and I feel privileged to have entered her world for the duration of this audiobook .

Everything and more. So understatedly beautiful

I miss Ann Patchett already. I feel I have made such a beautiful friend and mentor in my own writing. I loved it so much.

Loved it

I love Ann Patchett and all her books. I usually don't prefer essays, but I loved this book as much as her novels!