Carol Carreau
asked:
I am reading Ann Patchett's "Commonwealth." It's my first Patchett and WOW... now I want to dive in to all things Patchett. Any recommendations of where I should land next?
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Barbara
Bel Canto is my favorite Patchett and one of my favorite books I've read.
Crystal Regan
Bel Canto, State of Wonder. All of the others I read because they were Ann Patchett.
Sylvia
Bel Canto is a beautiful book. Love all her novels but that by far is my favorite!
Dorothy
"Bel Canto" may be my favourite book of all time...it is brilliant.
I also really enjoyed "State of Wonder"
I also really enjoyed "State of Wonder"
Alice
The Magician's Assistant is my favorite Ann Patchett book by far. I loved her book of essays (This is the story of a happy marriage) and Bel Canto. Try these three!
Victoria
State of Wonder, for me, but Run is a very close second. Also, her memoir about her friendship with the poet Lucy Grealy -- Truth and Beauty -- is really a beautiful story.
Mary Delaney
Truth and Beauty is a wonderful, but somewhat disturbing book. I loved Patron Saints of Liars. I love everything I have read by her, and because I am getting older and can't remember what I had for breakfast I am looking forward to re-reading her collection. She does not disappoint. I fall in love with her characters. I just finished Commonwealth and can strongly recommend it.
Jennifer
State of Wonder is one of my alltime favorite books ever. Huge fan of Ann Patchett- Bel Canto is fantastic, also.
Pat C.
Here's my two cents worth. I have read everything she has published except for her second novel, "Taft". My personal favorite is "Run", possibly because it was reviewed in "The New Yorker" with a lengthy profile on her.
After reading "Commonwealth", I was so hungry for more that I'm making another run through all of her novels. I wouldn't start with her debut although it is definitely worth reading at some point. Also her non-fiction is an entirely different experience than her novels, but also a good way to get to know her better as a person.
After reading "Commonwealth", I was so hungry for more that I'm making another run through all of her novels. I wouldn't start with her debut although it is definitely worth reading at some point. Also her non-fiction is an entirely different experience than her novels, but also a good way to get to know her better as a person.
Jeanie Phillips
Don't overlook This is the Story of a Happy Marriage because it is nonfiction- it is truly a fabulous collection of essays. And it will give you genuine insights into Commonwealth- so much of that book comes from Patchett's direct experience. I chuckled to think of her as both Franny AND Leon Posen. Her essay on writing is one of my very favorites, I think of it all the time. I'm a fiction reader at heart- but this book of essays is on my top 10.
Lauriann
I loved Patron Saint of Liars. I never could get into Bel Canto, but State of Wonder is next on my list and I expect I'll enjoy it as much as my daughter did. Just finished Commonwealth which was as good as Patron...... It's nice when a great author keeps writing!
Eithne
The Magician's Assistant is my favorite. I also loved State of Wonder. I reread both of these novels over & over. The rest of her novels are all good, too. You really can't go wrong.
Tesilyaraven
Though I know I stand alone on this, I'd read anything by her except State of Wonder. I have read and liked or loved every single one of her books (fiction and non-fiction) except for State of Wonder, which I thought was pretty horrible! I had a hard time believing the characters and the setting they were put in--I couldn't wait to be done with that one. But, I pretty much loved every other one. Hard to go wrong with Ann Patchett!
Danielle McClellan
I agree with Crystal. Bel Canto and State of Wonder are two of my all-time favorite novels. That said, I enjoyed all of Patchett's novels. If you liked Commonwealth, which is a more tightly focused family novel, try Run, which is also a very interesting family novel. I liked it quite a bit.
Kathryn Mapes
Her fairly recent book of essays was quite good--"This is the Story of a Happy Marriage." She has always claimed that she doesn't write from life, but in a recent interview she said that she had written the book she should have written at twenty-five. "Commonwealth" is definitely autobiographical and she got permission from her relatives to write it.
Vagabonda Reads
The Magician's Assistant. I enjoyed Bel Canto, Run and Patron Saint of Liars, but there were moments in The Magician's Assistant that stopped me dead in my tracks.
Breeze
I'm really enjoying Commonwealth too. My favorite is Bel Canto but some people felt the story went too slow or had other complaints. The story is a fictionalized version of the occupation of the Japanese Consulate in Lima Peru. I have a special attachment to Peru so I really enjoyed the story.
Marie
State of Wonder is... wonderful!
Dolly
My favorite is RUN. They're all good.
Lin Ennis
Bel Canto and State of Wonder
Kristie
State of Wonder is one of my favourite books of all time. Not just from this author. Absolutely captivating and not at all what I thought it would be.
Gerri Proulx
I would suggest "The Patron Saint of Liars" but I have loved all of her books.
Krissy
Bel Canto is incredible, as was State of Wonder. I also like the Magician's Assistant and the Patron Saint of Liars was an interesting read too.
Monica
I agree with most of the others. Bel Canto and State of Wonder
Kim
State of Wohder
Lynn Figueroa
Read Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy and then read Ann Patchett's Truth & Beauty.
Becky
I loved State of Wonder
Grace
Bel Canto. No question. And when the book references the aria O Mio Babbino Caro (this is not really a major plot spoiler), please play it through YouTube or Spotify as you're reading the passage.
Bblacksin
state of wonder, magician' s assistant and bel canto. But they are all good, and if you read the early ones you can see how she develops as a writer. I also like the early novels like Taft and Patron Saint of Liars.
Hs Hughes
Bel Canto is also one of my favorite novels --by any author. But the Ann Patchett novel that Commonwealth reminds me of the most, I think, is State of Wonder. State of Wonder creates a whole world that you feel you're still living in even days after you read the last page.
Maggie McCullough
Bel Canto and State of Wonder are both great-better than Commonwealth in my opinion.
Maria Kearns
Her style is taut and masterfully carries a reader deftly into her stories. Bel Canto took up residence in my head as only the best works do...(unless a memorable dud slips in uninvited). I've read most of her work and encourage you to read more.
Clare
If I were stranded on a desert island I'd want Bel Canto to read over and over.
Maggie Grace
I loved Truth and Beauty, a memoir about her friendship with Lucy Geary. I also liked The Patron Saint of Liars. I wasn't a big fan of Bel Canto and didn't even finish it.
Anita
If you can get Bel Canto on audio book, narrated by Anna Fields, you are in for a treat. It was a real loss to the audio book world when Ms. Fields passed away several years ago. She really nailed the numerous accents of the characters in Bel Canto.
I also enjoyed State of Wonder.
I also enjoyed State of Wonder.
Jan
Definitely Bel Canto. Next The Magician's Assistant
Michelle
Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors. Bel Canto is a beautiful book and State of Wonder is always a book I recommend to anyone who says "I need a good book to read." I have loved everything I've read by her.
Kathryn Begnaud
Bel Canto and State of Wonder.
Diane
Like Alice, my favorite Ann Patchett book is the Magician's Assistant, although I very much liked Bel Canto, Patron Saints of Liars, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage and Truth and Beauty. I have read everything she has written - her other books range from okay to good, but none are as good as the ones listed above.
Elise
The Patron Saint of Liars is my favorite book by Patchett. I just bought Commonwealth and will start it soon.
P.G. Lengsfelder
I do think THIS IS THE STORY OF A HAPPY MARRIAGE (a series of essays previously published) is worth your time and offers an insight into Patchett's real world.
Olivia Loving
State of Wonder!! And others, but SoW is my favorite. And I also like her nonfiction.
Zack Oliver
This happened to me as well. Hooked from the first paragraph. I liked the Dutch House, Run started great but fizzled, and The Magician's Assistant was really good. I haven't read her others yet because I want to come to them organically.
Lisa
Bel Canto, The Dutch House, and Run. I found the others, including Commonweath. only okay.
Jeremy
Of the three I’ve read, order is The Dutch House, Bel Canto, then Commonwealth.
Connie Scott
The Dutch House
Hillary Waldstein
State of Wonder was my first Patchett read and it swept me off my feet. Absolutely stunning storytelling.
Deb Stenberg
The Dutch House would be my recommendation. If you like audio books, this is an excellent one -- Tom Hanks is the perfect narrator.
Sandra
Bel Canto - I loved this book!
Jill
First read Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy (about living with facial disfigurement), and then read Ann Patchett's Truth and Beauty about her friendship with Lucy.
Suzanne Jahns
Have read all her books; I'd say Bel Canto and Run were my favorites.
Denise
Start with Bel Canto; it's amazing.
Jackie
Truth and Beauty is amazing.
Althea
Read EVERYTHING Ann has written. Bel Canto was my first read and was hooked. Maybe, by now, you've done just that! She seems to be such a lovely person also. And, Ann owns a bookstore. How cool is that?
carolsobo11
Bel Canto would be listed in my top 100 books.
Glee Morse
I will eventually read all her books. Aside from Bel Canto, I really liked Run, even though many did not. It takes a while to get into it, but the story and characters stay with you. I thought The Magicians Assistant was interesting, but not my favorite. My next book will be Commonwealth. As a writer, I enjoy her character development.
Beth
State of Wonder is my favorite of the 5 books I've read which include "Bel Canto", "Run", "Magician's Assistant" and "Commonwealth"
Donna
The vote is in for Bel Canto.
Jean Derespina
If you haven't yet read Bel Canto, I recommend you put it high on your list.
Valerie
It seems Ann Patchett is nothing if not uneven. I loved Bel Canto and The Magician's Assistant, hated Run and Taft, thought State of Wonder was only okay. I cannot get into Commonwealth at all - it seems messy with characters that are inspiring only indifference in me. Read the other recommendations and you'll find plenty of comments that are completely the opposite of mine!
Deb
Run is really excellent. And of course Bel Canto. That's the book she seems most famous for. And for good reason.
Shelly
Bel Canto!! It is amazing. :-)
Kisani
Bel Canto is amazing!!!
Lucy Dohar
Run I think is my favorite. They are all wonderful.
Karen
My favorite by far is The Magician's Assistant, possibly because it's the first of her books that I read. I made it through Bel Canto but didn't love it. She's a great writer, and it's wonderful to see her in person and hear her talk! She's so funny. Read them all.
Chris
Yes, Bel Canto!
Cathy
Bel Canto is luminous. I started with Magician's Assistant and thought it was fantastic. But when I read Bel Canto I was blown away. State of Wonder was very good, but not her best. I am looking forward to Commonwealth.
Patty
Bel Canto! An excellent, engrossing story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Kiwiflora
Bel Canto and State of Wonder - both amazing.
Jeanne
State of Wonder by far her best, in my opinion.
Loved the book.
Loved the book.
Christine
Not Bel Canto. Or State of Wonder. Actually maybe you should just stop at Commonwealth 😆
Sofía Poggi
I only read State of Wonder. It's really difficult to put down.
Damilola A.
Bel Canto for starters.
Dawn Kane
Bel Canto is a standout.
Tee in SB
Bel Canto is my favorite of hers.
Mary
Bel Canto, State of Wonder, and Run were all good. Now I want to read the nonfiction The Story of a Happy Marriage too!
Eliza
Bel Canto, but don't miss The Magician's Assistant
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl
Most people will recommend Bel Canto which is my least favorite of Ann Patchett's books that I have read. Perhaps someday I will give it another go and have a different opinion. The first Ann Patchett book I read was State of Wonder which I highly recommend. I also recommend The Magician's Assistant and Patron Saint of Liars.
Terri
Bel Canto is her most exquisite. Run and The Magician's Assistant are a close tie for second. State of Wonder is interesting.
Stephanie Bennett
Have only read two others State of Wonder and Bel Canto- really enjoyed both- hungry for more as well
Susan
I have read and liked them all - Bel Canto is on my list of all time favorite novels ..
Eada
I loved Run. Didn't love State of Wonder — in many ways it's very good, but didn't love the way it all came together (or not).
Multiply
State of Wonder is really good - one that has stuck with me
Nina
Bit my teeth on Bel Canto and fell in love, but, like others, you can't go wrong with most of her books. I haven't read all the ones which are on my "to read" list.
Susan Lesser
Bel Canto is marvelous... you will make new friends as you connect with the many well-developed characters.
Laura Simkins
Just starting Commonwealth and I am hopeful because Bel Canto is one of my favorite books, but I am cautious because I was very disappointed by State of Wonder, which seemed contrived and effortful. Run was delightful, but not particularly memorable.
Lorrie Golden
Bel Canto, Patron Saint of Liars
Marcy Halsted
Definitely Bel Canto - one of my all time favorites!
Stephanie Wirt
State of Wonder, Bel Canto
Tori
Very exciting for you to discover Ann Patchett! Bel Canto and State of Wonder are my favorites.
Julie
I loved Bel Canto and Patron Saint of Liars. Enjoy!
Anna
State of Wonder and Bel Canto.
Ryan
I like all of her books. Every time the question of "which Patchett book?" come up, it seems that Bel Canto is the default answer. And it's a good book (though I found the ending unsatisfying). But, for my money, Taft is her best book.
Joan
Patron Saints and Bel Canto
Jo Ellen Davis
I also loved "Bel Canto". A close second is "State of Wonder".
kate crosby
Bel Canto and Run
Ceylan (CeyGo)
Bel Canto is one of my favourite books. I really liked State of Wonder as well (which was the first AP book that I read). I'm reading Commonwealth right now.
sf_reader
Just about anything by Patchett besides this piece of crap. I was severely disappointed in "Commonwealth." To many characters (when you have to make a map of the names and how they're related it means the author hasn't nailed it). Way too short a book to cover the time span and, most importantly, way too little to CARE about!
By far my favorite of hers is "Magician's Assistant."
By far my favorite of hers is "Magician's Assistant."
Nancy Phelps
Bel Canto, State of Wonder, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.
I'm not so fond of her earliest work.
I'm not so fond of her earliest work.
Tina Gordon
Bel Canto, State of Wonder are both amongst my favorite books. She is an amazing writer.
Martha
My favorite is Bel Canto, followed closely by The Magician's Assistant.
Marilyn
My favorite is Bel Canto and then State of Wonder. But, for me, Bel Canto was easily the best.
Renate Flynn
Bel Canto was sheer music.
Run ended too quickly.
Run ended too quickly.
Stephanie Murphy
I really liked Bel Canto. Looking forward to reading this new one!
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