These Precious Days

Amazing observations on what life is about—not at all what I expected-but so worth reading if you have reached a certain age-

Ann Patchett is a treasure! I feel almost guilty of theft for having acquired this book for free on Kindle Unlimited. Each essay is beautifully written and the reader can marvel at Ms Patchett's unerring ability to find the perfect words, and construct smoothly flowing sentences and paragraphs that deliver observations that keep even the most jaded reader deeply interested and invested in her work. Highly recommended -- don't let this wonderful book pass you by. When you've finished this book, be sure to read her novels. I have read most of them, but her latest -- "Tom Lake" is my favorite (thus far). Bel Canto is a close second. If her work is unfamiliar to you, start with her first novel "The Patron Saint of Liars". Hard to believe it's a debut.

Ann Patchett is one of my very favorite writers; I've read almost all if not every one of her novels. This collection of essays shows the same incredible flair with language, on a wonderfully varied series of topics. She starts with the semi-hilarious tale of her three fathers, her birth father and her mother's two subsequent husbands. While her own father actively discouraged her pursuit of a career in writing, her stepfather, a very successful surgeon, envied her choice - not to mention her success. She tells delicious stories of the many bad novels which he churned out, some of which she had to sell (if not tout) in her Nashville bookstore - even though they were uniformly dreadful. Her Covid story has a great twist, with a guest of a few days becoming the third member of her household, staying for months while bringing all sorts of new factors into the household, almost all of them surprisingly good. Some of the essays are but a few pages, the Covid tale is almost a novella. Her graceful prose is always a pleasure to read; her writing is fluid and elegant, like an excellent wine. (She likes wine.) I feel almost like I know her from the frank tales of her domestic life, even though we have, of course, never met. During these busy holiday times, it was great to be able to pick up and put down this collection, so much easier to manage than an epic novel like LINCOLN HIGHWAY, my last venture. But a treat nonetheless.

This book is totally delightful. I'm about halfway through and will finish it today. I couldn't be happier. It is a spirit lifting adventure. Kudo's to you Sarai Dayana and Happy Holidays!

Ann Patchett is one of my favorite writers, this collection of essays about her life is not just about writing. It is about the many PEOPLE in her life . It’s a study of relationships old and new!

I don’t usually like short stories, but I thoroughly enjoyed each of these stories - all based on Ann Pachet’s life. They were funny, insightful, sweet and sentimental.

Each story strikes a note in my heart. How can she relate so well? Talent! I’m a loyal fan now!

I enjoyed this very much. Uplifting, real, tormenting, funny. All the things that make us reflect and ponder again and again.

A friend recommended this book or rather the author - and I adore the way she writes. I'm now on book four - and will continue reading her books.

All that is good and honest in this world.

I like the beauty and honesty of the book.

Following my recent enjoyment of ‘This is a Story of a Happy Marriage’ by the same author, this is a second collection of her autobiographical essays, most or all of which were first published in American journals. All of them are good, and the long title-story, a memoir of her friendship with Sooki Raphael, is particularly engrossing and moving.