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These Precious Days

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These Precious Days

By: Ann Patchett
Narrated by: Ann Patchett
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About this listen

 Bloomsbury presents These Precious Days written and read by Ann Patchett.

A BARACK OBAMA TOP BOOK OF 2021

‘A heartfelt and witty collection of essays on everything from marriage and knitting to the inevitability of death’ Guardian

'A pitch-perfect collection ... She can turn a sentence like no one else: her writing is clear, honest, witty, and just full of unsentimental humanity' Nigella Lawson

‘Profound and clever and funny and wise’ Meg Mason, author of Sorrow & Bliss
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An irresistible collection of essays and memoir from the internationally bestselling, Women’s Prize-winning author of The Dutch House

'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 as she explores family, friendship, marriage, failure, success, and what it all means.

Ranging from the personal – her portrait of the three men she called her fathers; how a chance encounter with Tom Hanks led to one of the most important friendships of her life; how to answer when someone asks why you don’t have children – to the sublime – the unexpected influence of Snoopy; the importance of knitting; the pleasure to be found in children’s books – each essay transforms the particular into the universal, letting us all see our own worlds anew.

Illuminating, penetrating, funny and generous, These Precious Days is joyful time spent in the company of one of our greatest living authors.

'Patchett's essays are both sharp and humane ... like a hugely enjoyable conversation with a particularly brilliant friend' Sadie Jones©2021 Ann Patchett (P)2021 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Art & Literature Authors Essays Nonfiction Heartfelt Funny
All stars
Most relevant  
Such love and deep generosity of spiritThese essays are loaded with deep love and overflowing generosity of action snd spirit. They can change lives. Thank you Ann Patchett for sharing thus with us.

To read again

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of you like Ann Patchetts novels, you'll no doubt enjoy her musings on life, death, friendship, and the vagueries of this strange and wonderful world.

her Tennessee accent is also perfect for falling asleep to!

gorgeous writing, beautifully read

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My daughter recommended this book, I probably wouldn't have been drawn to this without that recommendation. I got the audio version and loved Anne 's reading of it. so many wonderful glimpses into her life and some amazing people in her life, St Charlie, sister Anne, Eric the doctor, pilot 'can do' man, Sooki to artist, her dad the cop. fantastic reminders to be present to the present moment.

meditations on love and the power therein

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Patchett brings all her skills to placing these memories on the page. and she does it with her style of colour, compassion, and humanity.

memories are hard things

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This book was such a lovely surprise, even though I loved Tom Lake and The Dutch House, I just didn’t know what to expect with essays of the author’s life.
However, it was so interesting, I thoroughly recommend! Ann did a great job of narrating. Her voice is easy to listen too.

Loved Ann’s narration

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I was looking for something that wouldn't bore me to death, yet be easy listening. This book was just right. thank you Ann Patchett

No regrets here.

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I recommend listening to this on audible. I laughed , I cried. The stories were beautiful and thought provoking.

Beautiful Stories

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She made me laugh and cry. I am about to read everything she has written. I want her to be my friend.

The wonderful writing.

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The writing, the narration - all so incredible. Such wonderful essays, with such emotion and humour.

The only wee critique I have is that I wish there was a longer gap between each - an extra second or two would have been good. However this was by no means a deal breaker.

Beautiful work. I highly recommend.

Life changingly beautiful

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I was interested to listen to Ann's book after hearing Tom Hanks narrate her book The Dutch House. Now I know much much more about Ann's life, her writing & her friends & family. Of particular note was her description of her father's love then his death over a LONG 4 years where she felt an emotion like joy. I get that! Thank you for sharing

Thank you Ann Patchett! Loved this!

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