This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage

Patchett, Ann

ISBN 10: 1467662712 ISBN 13: 9781467662710

Publisher: Harperaudio, 2013

Synopsis

The New York Times bestselling author of State of Wonder, Run, and Bel Canto creates a resonant portrait of a life in this collection of writings on love, friendship, work, and art. ""The tricky thing about being a writer, or about being any kind of artist, is that in addition to making art you also have to make a living. "" Bringing her narrative gifts to bear on her own life, Ann Patchett uses insight and compassion to turn very personal experiences into stories that will resonate with every listener. These essays twine to create both a portrait of life and a philosophy of life. Obstacles that at first appear insurmountable-scaling a six-foot wall in order to join the Los Angeles Police Department, opening an independent bookstore, and sitting down to write a novel-are eventually mastered with quiet tenacity and a sheer force of will. 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.

About this title

Review:

"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

"Patchett's mastery of nonfiction [is] every bit the equal of her skill as a novelist."--Shelf Awareness

"All the essays were a joy to read...No matter your interest, you'll find words in this book that speak to you."--Real Simple

"Each of the essays is its own delight and resonates with warmth and humor... If read straight through, the book presents a lovely and lyrical look at a life well lived."--Library Journal

"Readable and candid, Patchett's collection is a joyful celebration of life, love and the written word."--Kirkus Reviews

"Reading Patchett is like spending time with a deeply perceptive longtime pal, or a new friend that one instantly connects with."--USA Today

"[A] sparkling collection."--The New Yorker

"Happy marriage, compelling writing and all worthy endeavor requires hard work. That's Patchett's strength. And she does a fine job."--Miami Herald

"Novelist Ann Patchett's excellent essay collection ranges from dogs to writing to white-knuckled air travel."--Christian Science Monitor

"While being an artistic crafter of words, Patchett also has a storyteller's ability to sketch a moment so vividly you can't fail to see how her own writing life was developed."--Aspen Daily News

Book Description:

A compelling combination of literature and memoir revealing the big experiences and little moments that shaped Ann Patchett as a daughter, wife, and writer

About this edition

• Publisher: Harperaudio
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1467662712
• ISBN 13: 9781467662710
• Binding: Preloaded Digital Audio Player