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Every book Ann Patchett recommended on podcasts
Ann Patchett appears on The Book Review to discuss her bestselling fiction, personal essays, and deep-seated literary preferences. As a celebrated novelist and essayist, Patchett shares enthusiastic recommendations for classic works, pointing listeners toward Thornton Wilder's acclaimed play The Skin of Our Teeth as a fabulous theatrical achievement. She also reflects on Wilder's novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey, noting that while it is commonly assigned reading in high schools, students are made to read it for very good reason given its brilliance. In discussing her own bibliography, Patchett recalls the early days of her career, mentioning a book tour stop for her novel Bel Canto at a small store called McLean and Eakin in Petoskey, Michigan. Additionally, Patchett addresses the broader literary ecosystem and controversies, openly discussing her public defense of Jeanine Cummins's novel American Dirt against online backlash, affirming her role as an author who passionately engages with contemporary publishing discourse. Across her podcast visits, Patchett emerges as a warm, articulate literary citizen who honors classic theatrical and novelistic traditions while actively participating in modern conversations surrounding contemporary fiction.
Books recommended by Ann Patchett
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The skin of our teeth
The Skin of Our Teeth is a classic absurdist play by Thornton Wilder that explores the resilience of the human spirit through the ages.
Recommended“are there any outside of our town in the bridge of St Louis Ray that you would recommend our listeners check out by the skin of our teeth of course is fabulous”
Where to get it
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American Dirt
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is a gripping and intensely controversial novel that follows a mother and son fleeing their home in Mexico as migrants pursued by a violent drug cartel.
Discussed“I was the person who loved American dirt”
Where to get it
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Bel Canto
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is a critically acclaimed, high-drama novel known for its sophisticated premise and emotional resonance.
Discussed“I was on book tour for belcanto and my agent told me that I had to go to a little store called McLean and eeken in patoski Michigan”
Where to get it
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The Bridge of San Luis Rey
The Bridge of San Luis Rey is a celebrated novel by Thornton Wilder that examines the lives of five individuals who perish in the collapse of a Peruvian bridge, exploring the theological and personal implications of their final moments.
Discussed“Thorton Wilder is just a really interesting writer in that his novels were great the bridge of s Louis Ray actually one of those books that you think oh yeah they they make high school students read that they make high school students read it for a reason”
Where to get it
Books Ann Patchett wrote
- Commonwealth
- Truth & Beauty
- Tom Lake
- Whistler
- Bel Canto
- The Dutch House
- These Precious Days
- State of wonder
- The Peanuts Papers
- Lambslide
- This is the story of a happy marriage
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Patchett on Her Summery New Novel | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 3 |
| Ann Patchett on ‘These Precious Days’ | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 1 |
Other mentions (4: passing, ad reads, own books)
“but I had gone to Washington DC to interview Tom Hanks for his short Story collection uncommon type”
“and then he wound up doing the audio book for the Dutch house”
“exactly there was around the publication of Truth and Beauty there was some really hateful stuff about me going around and I never looked at it at the advice of my friends”
“exactly there was around the publication of Truth and Beauty there was some really hateful stuff about me going around and I never looked at it at the advice of my friends”