Ann Patchett and Scott Simon discuss These Precious Days

Filmed November 23, 2021
“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 surprising 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.
Scott Simon is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First. He has reported from all fifty states, five continents, and ten wars, from El Salvador to Sarajevo to Afghanistan and Iraq. His books have chronicled character and characters, in war and peace, sports and art, tragedy and comedy.

[@burtonlee22]

Thank you Ann

[@denisezephier7031]

This was WONDERFUL. So enjoyed the conversation and the comfortable feeling of close friends visiting.

[@atteroljones6936]

I was unfamiliar with Ann Patchett until I read These Precious Days. I enjoyed it very much, enough to say I intend to find other of her works to read. It is simply fun to put together the voice and an image of an NPR personality I have listened to for many years!