Reviews

Wow -- now I know a lot more about Ann Patchett! I've enjoyed three of her novels, and am always so impressed by the effortless quality of her writing. It was interesting to hear a little bit more about her process and also to discover who she is as a person. Had I read this before my recent trip to Nashville, I certainly would have stopped at her Parnassus Books. I thought this statement deserved special highlight on Goodreads:

"I promote the books I love tirelessly, because a book can so easily get lost in the mad shuffle of the world and it needs someone with a loud voice to hold it up and praise it."

Though some essays are better than others (true of any collection, and hey, you're not committed to reading through each one!), if you are a person who loves books and writers, you will definitely enjoy this book!

emilyb_chicago's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved each of these stories. Ann has such a clear way of writing that pierces into your heart. Her word choice makes such vivid sentences. When Ann Patchett reads her own words she is communicating so personally with the listener, I highly recommend listening to this book if you can get a copy. After reading this, I feel both like I know her intimately and like she is someone so beyond me in knowledge of how to be a friend. She communicates my friendship goals.

samantha12's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

bookwormbecks's review against another edition

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emotional fast-paced

5.0

jessmegan's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective slow-paced

4.5

happylilkt's review against another edition

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5.0

I don't know how to write a review for this. I loved so many of these essays. I didn't relate to many things about Ann Patchett, but I enjoyed her sharing it all with me. My favorites were "To the Doghouse" and the essays about her father(s) and Sooki. And the one about Karl and flying. Really, there wasn't an essay I didn't like. I will probably add this to my home library, though my husband says this is precisely the kind of book he is uninterested in (after I bored him by reading passages aloud), so obviously this isn't for everyone.

Thanks for loaning this to me, Amanda!

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