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| (Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
Ann Patchett’s novels have been feats of imagination—from the tale of an opera singer held hostage inside a vice presidential mansion, to a forgotten tribe along the banks of the Amazon river—she has created entire worlds for the reader to inhabit. Now, with her new book, she puts fiction aside and invites us into the very real world of her own life.
This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage is both wide-ranging and deeply personal, overflowing with close observation and emotional wisdom. Stretching from her tumultuous childhood, from a disastrous early marriage and a later happy one, she charts the hard work and joy of writing, and the unexpected thrill of opening a bookstore. Patchett shares stories of the people, places, ideals, and art to which she has remained indelibly committed. Brimming with thoughtful advice and emotional wisdom, this collection brings into focus the large experiences and small moments that have shaped her as a daughter, wife, writer, and friend.
An irresistible blend of literature and memoir, This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage is a unique examination of the heart, mind, and soul of one of our most revered and gifted writers.
my thoughts:
Ann Patchett's latest book is a memoir of sorts (more like a nonfiction book of essays) and it seriously rocked my socks off. I LOVED reading every essay in her collection - they all just spoke to me in so many different ways. They were inspiring, enlightening, and completely relatable. I found myself unable to put the book down and thinking about it all weekend long. There is just something about Patchett's spellbinding writing that makes me want to read more of her work (luckily for me I have two of her books sitting on my shelves unread.) I just want to spend my days lost in her words. How amazing does that sound?
Of course, the other thing that her work makes me want to do - write. The passion that Patchett shows for the written word is crystal clear and oh-so-thrilling. Just reading about her life and the choices she made when it came to love, family, and career - well, it was all just so mesmerizing. I was reminded of how exciting it can be when you realize that all you want to do is write, write, write. I haven't felt that way in quite some time, but after reading her book I feel refreshed and eager to continue working on something that I'd put away. So, on that note, I will just leave you with a suggestion - read her books ASAP! And now, I'm off to do a little writing.
Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: This Is The Story of A Happy Marriage
9 comments:
I started reading this book last week, and much as I love her novels, this book may well wind up being my favorite Patchett book. It's really quite superb.
I was going to ignore this -- I've not had luck with the two Patchett novels I've read -- but perhaps her non-fic might work more. Everyone raves about how she's such a wonderful writer -- I feel lame for not 'getting' it!
Crowe, I know what you mean. Her essays are excellent! I actually enjoyed them more than her book State of Wonder.
Audra, you are not lame - no way! Sometimes, we just don't get a book that someone else does. There are so many books that other bloggers rave about that I DNFed or just couldn't stand. I figure - to each their own. Maybe Patchett isn't for you.
Wow, sounds like this is an AMAZING collection!
Thanks for being on the tour. I'm featuring your review on TLC's Facebook page today.
I was afraid this book might be preachy but it sounds nothing like that. You've made me want to read it!
I love how this book has inspired you! I've read Bel Canto so I'd like to read Patchett's non-fiction. Adding to tbr.
She does make you want to write, doesn't she?
Yup. I definitely have to get my hands on this!! Great review!
I love Ann Patchett. Your review made me really want to read it, so thx. SD
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