Reviews

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

mayayam's review against another edition

hopeful reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.75

ainsleyreads's review against another edition

3.5

absolutely beautiful writing. I love the descriptor of ann's prose as 'simple' meant in a way that's wholy complimentary. but pacing was up and down I think?
its quite lovely and reflective. but I think I would have hated this book if meryl streep didn't kick ass

literallyilliterate's review against another edition

5.0

As a reader, one of the best feelings is when a book you predicted would be five stars IS ACTUALLY FIVE STARS.

Tom Lake is a wonderful listen. Meryl Streep's narration adds humor and emotion at just the right parts, really enhancing the story. Sure, there are some weird things in this book, but for me personally they didn't take away from my enjoyment. Even if this had just been about the Michigan cherry farm and had nothing to do with Peter Duke or theatre, I would've enjoyed it. Lara and the relationships she has with her husband and girls are so beautiful and sweet; they seriously felt like real people to me. What I love most is that Lara could have had everything. She could've become a highly acclaimed actress like Duke, yet she was content to live on a cherry farm in Michigan with her three daughters. I want the kind of gratitude and contentment she has with where she's ended up in life. The writing was a bit jarring at times but was very good overall. This was my first Anne Patchett novel, and I don't think it will be my last.

swagittarius_reads's review against another edition

reflective fast-paced

3.0

not the best book, but not the worst

ilonaeds's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

truly a book about the human experience and finding meaning in your life :)

museumeve's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

epbenton's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

isabellafjsantos's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

4.75

jmmobley93's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

sm_moon's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I think my favorite part of this book was how the themes related to the plot and the plays. The references to our town and the cherry orchard were done so nicely. I loved the mother daughter relationships and wish there had been more of that - I loved how each of their names tied into the story their mother was telling. I think the most unbelievable thing about the book was that in the past basically everyone was in love with Lara. There was no way she had that much riz. But still a lovely read - made even better by the fact I read it at the beach.