Didn't finish this. I like Ann Patchett but tricked by the title into rashly buying. A collection of the authors writings that is not very interesting.
4.0 out of 5 starsA wonderful read; diverse subjects, rich language and quietly interesting stories.
A wonderful collection of essays/stories which run the gauntlet from writing process to growing up in the South and a love of opera. As a writer I enjoyed the writing chapters, as a woman I enjoyed the chapters dealing with relationships and as a loved of Ann Patchett, words and stories I thoroughly enjoyed everything in-between.
Thank you Ann Patchett. I am looking forward to reading whatever you write next.
Good read. Very enjoyable and thought provoking.
5.0 out of 5 starsPersonally, I loved it.
I bought this book unaware of the content, because it was on the cheap pile and I was buying by weight.
Other than the fact that the title is quite misleading at first glance, the book is absolutely brilliant and great value for the money I spent.
The book is made up of twenty or so candid, meaningful and very memorable essays about a multifarious array of topics, all of them relating to life, Patchetts growth in the world we live in and much much more.
One particular story "Love Sustained" was exceptional writing and extremely touching about the death of her grandmother and the things the author wished she'd said or done. I was deeply moved by her rendering of that event in her life.
The quality of the writing is overall, exquisite and each essay or short story has its own, personal appeal. They are tackled individually rather than all painted with the same colour or the same brush.
Ann Patchett writes a colourful compilation of stories and an entertaining, humorous book including her select collection of articles of genius writing. The title parallel to marriage adds humor and authenticity to her genuine love affair with writing. The first story was my favourite. I can recommend this book for anyone that wants to study or work as an author or writer or just enjoys a light hearted, contemporary read.
It's not often one finds such an authentic and intelligent voice. There is little neurosis in these vignettes from an emotionally charged life, but the human experience is strongly evoked in the masterful way Patchett weaves language - an engaging and engrossing read.