This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage

By Ann Patchett

This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage - Ann Patchett
  • Release Date: 2013-11-05
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 210 Ratings

Description

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

“I had been so engaged by Ann Patchett’s multifaceted story, so lured in by her confiding voice, that I forgot I was on the job. […] As the best personal essays often do, Patchett’s is a two-way mirror, reflecting both the author and her readers.” — New York Times Book Review

Blending literature and memoir, New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett, author of State of Wonder, Run, and Bel Canto, examines her deepest commitments—to writing, family, friends, dogs, books, and her husband—creating a resonant portrait of a life in This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.

This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage takes us into the very real world of Ann Patchett’s life. Stretching from her childhood to the present day, from a disastrous early marriage to a later happy one, it covers a multitude of topics, including relationships with family and friends, and charts the hard work and joy of writing, and the unexpected thrill of opening a bookstore.

As she shares stories of the people, places, ideals, and art to which she has remained indelibly committed, Ann Patchett brings into focus the large experiences and small moments that have shaped her as a daughter, wife, and writer.

Reviews

  • Lovely essay collection

    3
    By DeniseJY
    Of course, some interested me more than others; the personal vignettes are best. In many respects, I like Patchett’s non-fiction better than her novels—they ring true.
  • Learning about Ann

    5
    By Sad today
    These essays are all interesting and insightful about Ann Patchett. Plus you will learn things about yourself as well. She lets you into her personal life in many ways . She is a complex person and very interesting.
  • Quotable

    5
    By Margueriteci
    Heartfelt stories, real characters you can relate to and care for.
  • Blah

    2
    By mbcarst
    Great book to put you to sleep. Not exactly my kind of page turner
  • This is the Story of a Happy Marriage

    5
    By Book looker
    Wonderful writer. Have loved everyone of her books. Every story in this book is like a precious jewel.
  • Great Book for Patchett Fans

    4
    By mzspaztastic
    Note: I received This is the Story of a Happy Marriage from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. I've been an Ann Patchett fan for years. I loved State of Wonder and adored The Patron Saint of Liars, so when I was given the opportunity to read about Ann Patchett by Ann Patchett, I jumped. And boy, am I glad I did! Confession: I had no idea she started out writing magazine articles. I consider myself to be pretty up-to-snuff when it comes to the writing histories of authors I love, but for some reason I never did much Patchett research. I think this is probably a good thing because it lent an air of mystery to her work. My favorite essay from the book was The Getaway Car. In it, she discusses how she became a writer and gives advice (like don't get an MFA because it's a waste of money) and her self-deprecating process of writing a book. In it, she details the circumstances surrounding writing The Patron Saint of Liars, which is my favorite book by her, and I loved reading the backstory. I think I might actually go back and reread it now that I have some insight into her writing processes. Voracious readers will love this book. As a writer who is writing about writing (follow all that?), Patchett's love for all things literary is palpable. I, for one, relished in her descriptions of reading, wanting to be a writer as a kid, putting pen to paper, and actually put down the book to write a short, personal essay just because she inspired me. But enough talking about the book. Run to the library and borrow your copy NOW! Allison @ The Book Wheel