Encore: Ann Patchett's three fathers, her writing and her secret power
Ann Patchett is an acclaimed American novelist and the owner of an independent bookstore in Nashville.
Ann has had three fathers — Frank, Mike and Darrell, who have each provided her with material or motivation for her writing.
In 1974 Frank signed up for a subscription to the '100 Greatest Books of All Time' from the Franklin Library, every page complete with gilded edges, and a sewn-in satin-ribbon bookmark.
Once all three fathers had died, Ann could finally see what they had given her throughout her life — strength, adoration and acceptance.
In her new book, Ann weaves the stories of her fathers into a book of essays about going a year without shopping and becoming dear friends with Tom Hanks' assistant.
Further information
Originally broadcast in December 2021.
These Precious Days is published by Bloomsbury.
Find out more about the Conversations Live National Tour on the ABC website.
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