Barnes & NobleThese Precious Days by Ann Patchett

I Cherished My Time with this Book...

"These Precious Days" by Ann Patchett will be one of my favorite reads of 2024! When this book arrived, I set it standing upright at the back of my desk and defiantly stared it down. I gave it the intimidating side-eye. For days. I had already struggled with two Patchett books, and I was more than a little reticent to open the covers of a third and begin. I was afraid. My GR friend, Melissa ~ Bantering Books, mentioned "These Precious Days" was one of her "most favorite books ever". Perhaps non-fiction would be a better way to go for me with this author. It was worth a try. When I read the introduction and the first three essays, I was fully engaged. Every essay I read had a little something in it that resonated with me. I was giddy! I cherished my time with this book, and along the way, I discovered Ann Patchett to be more than a writer of stories and essays. She's honest and forthright about how she lives her life. She's devoted to books and community, and she bravely shares parts of herself in each of these essays. My biggest learning is recognizing Patchett's writing style as quieter and softer. It's a style I've been gravitating towards more and more. For me, this may be a case of not only reading the right book but choosing the right time to read it, as well. My favorite is the title essay "These Precious Days". It's Ann's account of a chance meeting in Washington, D.C. between two people who, after their initial introductions, never expect to cross paths again. Then, one email sparks other exchanges between LA and Nashville. Through mysterious circumstances when all the stars align, they're brought together in Nashville at Ann's home where a most unlikely and unexpected friendship blooms into a deeper one. I tear up thinking about this beautiful essay. It's the essence of how love, kindness, and respect nourish female friendships. After this essay, I only had three more to read and I knew I would have to let this precious book go from its place of comfort on my lap. I wanted more essays and chose to begin "This is the Story of a Happy Marriage". I'm still reading it, over a month later, taking it slow, savoring every page and every essay because I'm finally reading Ann Patchett's books and loving them. Thank you, Melissa, for recommending "These Precious Days". I highly recommend it, too! 5⭐ I love this book and books are for sharing. I sent a copy to two of my closest girlfriends, since childhood, who are Ann Patchett fans, too!