These Precious Days

Essays

By: Ann Patchett

Narrated by: 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 Must Read For Writers & Lovers of Books

During the pandemic I listened to Tom Hanks narrate The Dutch House, Ann Patchett’s newest novel and when I heard that she had a new book of essays, I ordered the audible book, These Precious Days. I found this book to be one of the most moving and powerful collection of her experiences and it’s read by Ann Patchett! There are many wonderful essays about the author’s coming of age tales in college, graduate school, as well as her relationships with her three fathers and many other brilliant topics. Possibly the most moving is about Tim Hanks personal assistant, Sooki Raphael and how she and Ann developed a loving friendship. Ann Patchett is not only a brilliant novelist and essayist, she’s also a wonderful narrator and storyteller. I’m planning to read all of her books and plan to visit her bookstore in Nashville, once it’s safe to travel! While you may have read a few of her essays in The New Yorker or in other periodicals, listening to Ann Patchett read them makes this a great gift to treat yourself to or someone you love!

Lovely

Such intimate and level-headed servings of life could be read in no one else’s voice but her own. Interestingly I had a little trouble getting into it early on until I bumped up the pace just a smidge (1.4x). Sorry, Ann. I probably took some of the southern out of your storytelling. But I loved it nonetheless. I made a point to stop by Parnassus when I was on a road trip that took me through Tennessee. I didn’t get to see Ann but I loved syncing up that setting with the one in my head.

Do not overlook this book

Ann Patchett at her very best. Read this book and you will treasure it always.

Full of kindness and being one’s best self

If ‘You are not my problem to solve, you are my brother to love’ is not already a bumper sticker- it should be. When I read those words from Ann’s book speaking of a priest she loved, o asked to help me feel them each day!

The essays warned my heart each and every one in a different way. Ann’s writing makes me know I will read every one of her books as quickly as I can. Thank you.

Tremendously moving essay collection

I love Ann Patchett’s essays and having her narrate them herself is an added bonus. She’s one of the few authors i actually like hearing. Some of the essays have been published elsewhere and some are just new from the pandemic - she writes about getting older abs facing death in a clear and sincere way I find exactly suits what I need to hear. I can’t recommend this highly enough - I’ve already listened twice.

Moved

Dear Ann,

I’m sorry for the loss of Sooki. She was a force, an inspiration and a reminder that we need to make the most of each and every day.
And your unexpected friendship was a tremendous gift for you both. Life is full of surprises, love and connection. Your story is proof of that. Thank you. Blessings to you.

Stories that will stay with you for a long, long time.

Ann Patchett reading her thoughtful collection of essays brings them to life in such a special way. I once read in a review that “Ann is a National treasure”. I believe that’s true.

Perfect

I loved every word of this book. What great reflections on many every day experiences. Ann made me look at my life and appreciate what I have. Every woman should read this book. And everyone should have a friend Iike Ann.

Life in all its relatable charm

Thank you, Ann, for putting into words our humanity in all its splendid, glorious mess…so much love.

Precious Indeed

This is well worth a listen. I laughed and I cried. I am so glad I listened to it read by Ann herself. I feel like I have shared a small part of her life.