Ann Patchett and Laura Dern discuss These Precious Days
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Published 2022-02-01
The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays.
“Any story that starts will also end.” As a writer, Ann Patchett knows what the outcome of her fiction will be. Life, however, often takes turns we do not see coming. Patchett ponders this truth in these wise essays that afford a fresh and intimate look into her mind and heart.
At the center of These Precious Days is the title essay, a suprising and moving meditation on an unexpected friendship that explores “what it means to be seen, to find someone with whom you can be your best and most complete self.” When Patchett chose an early galley of actor and producer Tom Hanks’ short story collection to read one night before bed, she had no idea that this single choice would be life changing. It would introduce her to a remarkable woman—Tom’s brilliant assistant Sooki—with whom she would form a profound bond that held monumental consequences for them both.
A literary alchemist, Patchett plumbs the depths of her experiences to create gold: engaging and moving pieces that are both self-portrait and landscape, each vibrant with emotion and rich in insight. Turning her writer’s eye on her own experiences, she transforms the private into the universal, providing us all a way to look at our own worlds anew, and reminds how fleeting and enigmatic life can be.
From the enchantments of Kate DiCamillo’s children’s books to youthful memories of Paris; the cherished life gifts given by her three fathers to the unexpected influence of Charles Schultz’s Snoopy; the expansive vision of Eudora Welty to the importance of knitting, Patchett connects life and art as she illuminates what matters most. Infused with the author’s grace, wit, and warmth, the pieces in These Precious Days resonate deep in the soul, leaving an indelible mark—and demonstrate why Ann Patchett is one of the most celebrated writers of our time.
Laura Dern is an American actress and filmmaker who has appeared in many television series and movies like the film Jurassic Park (1993) and the 2001 sequel Jurassic Park III. For her roles, she is the recipient of numerous accolades and awards including an Academy Award and five Golden Globe Awards.
The actress is also an activist and also gives her views on politics. Furthermore, she is a supporter of various charities and advocates for Down syndrome awareness, women’s rights gender pay parity, as well as combating gun violence and climate change. She became a board member of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in 2019.
All Comments (8)
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I just finished These Precious Days and cried so hard. So glad I found this video ❤️
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That was an incredibly beautiful conversation! Ann always makes me cry. She is such a remarkable storyteller!! And Laura Dern is just radiant. Thank you for posting this!
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Oh, and a huge thank you to Ann Patchett for introducing me to 'The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty' when Ann chose that as her desert island luxury on BBC Radio 4's series, Desert Island Discs.
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This was both insightful and delightful, and it made my day. Thank you!
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"These Precious Days' really is every bit as good as Laura Dern says. I, too, will be buying multiple copies from my local bookshop. 🙂
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Hi. This comment is half way through this talk, but I had to immediately comment when Ann said she might want to write mostly nonfiction essays. Noooo, Ann! Can you hear me screaming in Bellevue, TN? I adore your fiction so much. I wait, sometimes impatiently, for each book you write and the worlds you create with your big brain inside your tiny body. I own every book you've written. I realize writing is difficult and requires you to give up so much of your time and energy to the art. But you provide an escape I truly need. And other times you make me feel connected to people in ways I never realized. I hope you're writing novels well into your eighties and I'm there to buy them at Parnassus. Write fiction, Ann. Please 🙂
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What a delightful interview. Thanks for posting.
