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.
