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

A welcome break from fiction

I mostly listen to fiction, so I needed this one. It brought me back to when reading magazines was something people still did. Many of these essays were the caliber of articles I'd cut out & keep.

Totally Enjoyable

It was a pleasure to hear Ann Patchett read this book of varied essays. Each was unique and touching.

My new best friend

Ann Pachett let's us into her world and shares her stories of love and loss. I felt like she was in the room with me. I've never finished an audiobook so quickly.

Insightful and entertaining musings

I really enjoyed listening to all of Ann’s stories. She reads it wonderfully and it is at times hilarious, sad, heartbreaking and always insightful and honest.

Did not want it to end

This is expertly written and gets better and better as you move through it. Ann Patchett is simply stunning as a person and a writer. This memoir makes you want to be friends with her because of her depth, insight, empathy, and focus on being a good and decent person. It’s exactly what is needed right now.

Touching personal essays

I loved listening to these touching, personal essays by Ann Patchett. She writes about her parents, friends, and books with skill and love. I highly recommend this book!

From a novice to this author’s work

Ann Patchett created a set of essays, stories really, that were always gripping and make one want to listen on. Much raw feeling was metabolized in the writing about the situation we all shared of the pandemic and it was helpful to my own work on it.

Laughed out loud & brought tears to my eyes

I loved this collection of essays. Thought provoking, poignant, funny, beautifully read- I just finished it & have already recommended it to 2 friends.

I have no words...

...to describe how meaningful and deep these stories resonate, most especially the title essay about Sooki, and the one detailing how Ann Patchett "got her papers together." We never know how events and people will affect us...live in each moment and let the washing over you of them carry you...wherever. Just make sure you breathe and embrace them.

Shaping a Meaningful Life

A reflection on what shapes our lives and makes them meaningful before and during the era of Covid. This memoir-like series of essays from Ann Patchett is a wonderful blend of humorous and poignant moments. She opens herself up to her readers and shares her vulnerability, which makes her insights very relatable. I loved her authenticity!