This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage

De: Ann Patchett

Narrado por: Ann Patchett

Blending literature and memoir, Ann Patchett, author of State of Wonder and Bel Canto examines her deepest commitments: to writing, family, friends, dogs, books, and her husband in This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage. Together, these essays, previously published in The Atlantic, Harper, Vogue, and The Washington Post, form a resonant portrait of a life lived with loyalty and with love.

This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage takes us into the very real world of Ann Patchett's life. Stretching from her childhood to the present day, from a disastrous early marriage to a later happy one, it covers a multitude of topics, including relationships with family and friends, and charts the hard work and joy of writing, and the unexpected thrill of opening a bookstore.

As she shares stories of the people, places, ideals, and art to which she has remained indelibly committed, Ann Patchett brings into focus the large experiences and small moments that have shaped her as a daughter, wife, and writer.

©2013 Ann Patchett (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Readable and candid, Patchett’s collection is a joyful celebration of life, love and the written word." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Reading Patchett is like spending time with a deeply perceptive longtime pal, or a new friend that one instantly connects with." (USA Today)

"[A] sparkling collection." (The New Yorker)

Les Astray

I felt that Ms Patchett made her voice more southern and therefore more racially profiled as she read. It sways her audience. Not allowing the listener come to their own conclusions about attitude.

Wonderful, Author-narrated stories

What did you love best about This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage?

So many well-told tales! Non-fiction, collected writings from the many publications which supported the author as she nurtured her fiction writing career. What treat to hear so many rich experiences. Loved the tale of her Parnassus (independent) Book Store in Nashville!

Have you listened to any of Ann Patchett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Have listened to some of her fiction, and this compares quite favorably.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

To write an account of the process of becoming an officer in the LAPD, Ann worked through the steps to qualify to enroll in the Los Angeles Police Academy. Her father, a retired LAPD officer, gave her a home-base and encouragement during the rigorous days of testing of her moral character, and her intellectual and physical abilities.

Brilliant. A pleasure.

Any additional comments?

I have no idea what Ann Patchett is like in person. But in her essays, she's a wonderful, thoughtful, insightful companion.

Awesome !!! Plus read by the author herself

Vignettes were super interesting. I was fascinated by the details of her career and the writing profession as a whole.

Lovely

This book is lovely. It made me both belly laugh and sob. I haven’t read any of Ann Patchett’s work before, but now I can’t wait to gobble up her other books.

absolutely delightful

Like visiting and getting to know a friend. I think it is because not only is it well written but it is in a short story format. Each one was a visit. It made for wonderful hours of listening. I listened while stitching and it was like Ann was sitting there stitching with me.

Fantastic essay collection!

‘Chapters’ should instead be noted as the essay titles just like Patchett’s second essay collection, These Precious Days. Audible labels those by essay title.

Great Reading, Great Writer!

This is a great book of essays with very personal themes and much discussion of the author's relationships with family and friends. I had high expectations when this book of essays was recently published and I was not disappointed. The author's narration personalizes the entire book. I felt like she was speaking directly to me. This was further accentuated by the personal nature of the topics, strengthening the rapport between reader and author.

I would imagine these essays would interest even those readers unfamiliar with her novels, but for readers who are already fans these essays are particularly relevant since she discusses her craft and her working habits as well as her shift from the short story to the novel. For example, in one essay she talks about reading her manuscripts entirely out loud to a colleague before they are published. That will not surprise listeners to this audiobook since it is clear that her skills have been honed by much practice - she is a wonderful narrator.

I have been a fan of Ann Patchett for many years, and greatly appreciated the title essay of this collection when it was offered to Audible subscribers a few years ago. I also had experienced her narrating skills in her non-fiction book about her friendship with Lucy Grealy, TRUTH AND BEAUTY. I usually don't appreciate author-narrators but when they have such great skills they can really add to the personal essay read aloud - another example of this talent is Jonathan Franzen.

This book was a treat from beginning to end - everything about this collection was delightful and made me want more. I highly recommend it to essay fans, Patchett fans and those interested in the craft of writing.

fabulous

I've read many of Ann Patchett's novels but had not read her nonfiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Tender Real outstanding

This is my most recent favorites of Ann Patchett's books. I have a dog like Rose in my life. And she touches me in the same way. I can relate and I can grow from every page of this book. Thank you Ann for sharing these many parts of yourself and life. From fathers to floods to fears through failures and faith.