These Precious Days

by Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett’s writing is always a joy, her prose is elegant, and her storytelling is deeply engaging. I love a good short story and while this collection had its moments, it didn’t quite reach the heights of her best work. At times, it felt unintentionally boastful; mentions of her husband’s plane, travels across Europe, and other privileges stood out in a way that pulled me out of the essays. Perhaps that’s just my own envy speaking, but it made the reading experience feel less immersive. Still, her ability to craft intimate reflections remains undeniable.