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brodiesbookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
threegoodrats's review against another edition
4.0
Review is here.
p.24 "Was it possible that, in everybody's lymph system, a nascent novel is knocking around? A few errant cells that, if given the proper encouragement, cigarettes and gin, the requisite number of bad affairs, could turn into something serious?"
p.79 "I imagine there are people out there who got a dog when what they wanted was a baby, but I wonder if there aren't other people who had a baby when all they really needed was a dog."
p. 195 "I'm sure the witness protection program would be a terrible thing, and yet, when life threatens to overwhelm me, I find myself wondering if there isn't some mobster I could rat out in exchange for a false identity. The same goes for prison: dreadful, horrifying, surely, but the phone would never ring, and couldn't you get an awful lot of reading done?"
p.212 "I had planned to live far away from my family and miss them terribly. I had every intention of feeling simply awful that I wasn't with my grandmother in her years of decline..."
p.24 "Was it possible that, in everybody's lymph system, a nascent novel is knocking around? A few errant cells that, if given the proper encouragement, cigarettes and gin, the requisite number of bad affairs, could turn into something serious?"
p.79 "I imagine there are people out there who got a dog when what they wanted was a baby, but I wonder if there aren't other people who had a baby when all they really needed was a dog."
p. 195 "I'm sure the witness protection program would be a terrible thing, and yet, when life threatens to overwhelm me, I find myself wondering if there isn't some mobster I could rat out in exchange for a false identity. The same goes for prison: dreadful, horrifying, surely, but the phone would never ring, and couldn't you get an awful lot of reading done?"
p.212 "I had planned to live far away from my family and miss them terribly. I had every intention of feeling simply awful that I wasn't with my grandmother in her years of decline..."
marci_travels's review against another edition
3.0
I don't read a lot of non-fiction and even fewer memoirs so I didn't know what to expect when reading This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. Some of the essays resonated deeply with me - any descriptions of Parnassus, her bookstore she co-owns with her friend Karen, descriptions of her grandmother, and her book tours. I had a much more difficult time with her essays on her familial minutiae, it felt a little self-indulgent, or perhaps it was something I just couldn't relate to. Her writing advice was solid (don't pay for a degree that won't pay for itself). She closed her book with the lovely, lovely story Mercies and I realized that is Ann's strength. Her writing feels like a warm hug without judgment, without shoulda coulda beens.
I was introduced to Ann Patchett through reading her friend's book, Autobiography of a Face. Although Lucy Grealy passed several years ago, I read her book and it stayed with me all these years. While looking for Ann's book Truth and Beauty, I stumbled across this one.
A quick fast read, but linger over some of the language and feel the richness of it.
I was introduced to Ann Patchett through reading her friend's book, Autobiography of a Face. Although Lucy Grealy passed several years ago, I read her book and it stayed with me all these years. While looking for Ann's book Truth and Beauty, I stumbled across this one.
A quick fast read, but linger over some of the language and feel the richness of it.
juliarziegler's review against another edition
5.0
Strap in, this will be a bit of a read.
After finishing Bel Canto, I thought it was smart to take a break from Miss Patchett. Not because I was becoming bored of her, but because at this rate, I’ll finish all of her published work before I turn 23 (in one month). Truthfully, I can’t bear the thought of not having another book of hers to turn to. You may be thinking, how dramatic Jules, but I assure you this woman is providing me an unreal sense of joy and belonging that I’m not excited to give up.
So I read some other books, which were wonderful too. And then yesterday, I decided my break had lasted long enough. Instead of reading one of her novels, of which I own two more that I haven’t yet read, I decided to read this.
First thing I have to say about this collection of essays: if you are an aspiring writer like myself, this book will inspire you. And I thought I was already inspired!! I was, and also I was lacking motivation in some ways. I do not lack that motivation after finishing this book. Consider me ready to embark on the journey of becoming a published writer.
Second thing I have to say: the title turned me off at first. Subsequently, I thought the title essay was going to be my least favorite one of the collection. Of course, I was wrong, it is one of my favorite personal essays of all time. I didn’t want it to be, given my fervent aversion to marriage, but I pride myself in my honesty. This is the story of a happy marriage is one of the most compelling essays I’ve ever read. So much so, that I’m reconsidering marriage as a whole. I both hate and love Patchett for doing this to me.
I don’t know why this woman’s word is my bible, it just is. I’ve never even read the Bible, nor am I religious. But I swear, something about her conversational tone, her caring attitude toward her readership, and her small acts of defiance make me adore her.
I bought this book at Parnassus, her bookstore, and was pleasantly surprised there was an essay about Parnassus included. I was there in Nashville, and I was there, metaphorically, when I read the essay, and she was there too (again metaphorically) both times.
I am considering writing Patchett a thank you letter. Let me know if this would be strange.
After finishing Bel Canto, I thought it was smart to take a break from Miss Patchett. Not because I was becoming bored of her, but because at this rate, I’ll finish all of her published work before I turn 23 (in one month). Truthfully, I can’t bear the thought of not having another book of hers to turn to. You may be thinking, how dramatic Jules, but I assure you this woman is providing me an unreal sense of joy and belonging that I’m not excited to give up.
So I read some other books, which were wonderful too. And then yesterday, I decided my break had lasted long enough. Instead of reading one of her novels, of which I own two more that I haven’t yet read, I decided to read this.
First thing I have to say about this collection of essays: if you are an aspiring writer like myself, this book will inspire you. And I thought I was already inspired!! I was, and also I was lacking motivation in some ways. I do not lack that motivation after finishing this book. Consider me ready to embark on the journey of becoming a published writer.
Second thing I have to say: the title turned me off at first. Subsequently, I thought the title essay was going to be my least favorite one of the collection. Of course, I was wrong, it is one of my favorite personal essays of all time. I didn’t want it to be, given my fervent aversion to marriage, but I pride myself in my honesty. This is the story of a happy marriage is one of the most compelling essays I’ve ever read. So much so, that I’m reconsidering marriage as a whole. I both hate and love Patchett for doing this to me.
I don’t know why this woman’s word is my bible, it just is. I’ve never even read the Bible, nor am I religious. But I swear, something about her conversational tone, her caring attitude toward her readership, and her small acts of defiance make me adore her.
I bought this book at Parnassus, her bookstore, and was pleasantly surprised there was an essay about Parnassus included. I was there in Nashville, and I was there, metaphorically, when I read the essay, and she was there too (again metaphorically) both times.
I am considering writing Patchett a thank you letter. Let me know if this would be strange.
fer28's review against another edition
5.0
I continue to enjoy Ann Patchett books immensely. I started this book thinking that maybe I didn't like her non-fiction as much as I liked her fiction but she won me over by the end. It was nice to get to know her as a person, as a writer, as a book store owner! (I think I knew this but had forgotten. I'm definitely adding a trip to Parnessus to my independent bookstore wish list)
It was a great collection of articles that really told the story of her life in a very interesting way.
It was a great collection of articles that really told the story of her life in a very interesting way.
mkduds's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook review. Patchett is a master writer and after this, I would listen to her read any of her pieces. I have so many images in my head based on the writing in this book that will stick with me.
appaloosa05's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this collection of essays about Ann Patchett's life and experiences. Her narration was pleasant and engrossing. The variety of topics made this book an easy listen that kept me engaged.