These Precious Days

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (2021) I don’t read many books of essays—not because I don’t like essays—but because I’m never going to get to a fraction of the fiction I want to read, in this lifetime—and generally, when I do read an essay, it’s something I’ve chosen by subject matter more than by author. But for some reason I began listening to the audio book of this one (read by the author) and before I knew it, I was caught up in one after another, regardless of subject matter, and for the duration—this was the thing I looked forward to each day. It’s a great book. I suppose Ann Patchett is just a really interesting person, besides being a good writer, so I kept wanting to know more about her—and these are very personal essays. I found I relate to her in many ways. The title is from “September Song”—one of my favorites—and it’s the title of the book’s centerpiece, about a friend dealing with cancer. I admit, I avoid cancer and illness stories, generally—partly as a denial of mortality—and partly because I feel like they are either too sentimental—or if they make a point of avoiding sentimentality, then they’re that. So I was kind of tricked into this one, for which I’m grateful, because I loved it. Maybe part of why it worked so well, for me, is because it’s more about the person than the disease—and a really unique, fascinating portrait. Anyway, sure I was devastated. And soon, then, the book was over, and I felt compelled to go out and buy a copy, just to own it. Book lovers may relate to that, that desire. Also, now I can, of course, pick it up and re-read an essay here and there—my favorites, like the one about her decision not to have children—a collection of reactions and comments she’s endured because of that choice (as a man, I had no idea). Stuff about writing, and publishing, and owning a bookstore—also big favorites. And I liked them all. This is a book I’ll return to—I might read it, next time, or listen to it again, or a combination. I’ve been known to read along with audiobooks, on occasion.

5.24.25