Michelle's 2026 Challenge #1-Ann Patchett Told Me To Read This

[Michelle]

I've become a fan of Ann Patchett's weekly "New to You" videos in which she recommends books that might be new or forgotten that you really should read. The videos are filmed in her Nashville bookstore, Parnassus, and she makes every book sound so compelling. I found myself not only reading many of these but adding them to my TBR at an alarming rate. That is when I decided this was a 12+4 challenge in the making.

The books on this list are not limited only to the video recommendations but all of them are somehow Ann Patchett adjacent. Some are from the weekly videos made by the Parnassus staff. Some are books written by Ann Patchett that I still want to read. One if I understand correctly even features Ann Patchett as a character.

1. Parnassus on Wheels
2. The Patron Saint of Liars
3. The Dutch House
4. The Mighty Red
5. Cold Comfort Farm
6. The Correspondent
7. The Pursuit of Love
8. My Dog Skip
9. Lab Girl
10. The Blind Assassin
11. Year of Wonders
12. A High Wind in Jamaica

Extra Credit:
13. Women Talking
14. Less
15. Bridge of Sighs
16. The Emperor of Gladness

[Bill, Moderator]

Sounds like a neat way to get new book ideas. I've picked a few from Susan Hill's Howard's End is on the Landing where she listed the 50 or maybe it was 100 books that she would take with her if she could only read that many for the rest of her life. It's interesting seeing what other writer's / people recommend.

The Blind Assassin was excellent and so was Women Talking (powerful stuff)

[Michelle]

Bill wrote: "Sounds like a neat way to get new book ideas. I've picked a few from Susan Hill's Howard's End is on the Landing where she listed the 50 or maybe it was 100 books that she would take with her if sh..."

Since my Goodreads Buddies are the other place that I get good book recommendations, I'm glad that you and Ann concur on at least a couple of these. You should check her out on social media. She concentrates on backlist books in the videos so I'm always either remembering a book I meant to read or discovering a new one that I want to read.

[Carolien]

This is a brilliant idea, Michelle!

[Michelle]

Carolien wrote: "This is a brilliant idea, Michelle!"

Thanks Carolien!

[Karen]

Michelle,

I think this is such a fun idea. I have also enjoyed watching Ann Patchett's "New to you" videos. In fact, I think I have most of these books on my TBR, probably as a result of recommendations from Ann and her staff. My favorite Ann Patchett book is the Patron Saint of Liars. I hope enjoy this challenge. I look forward to your reviews.

[Michelle]

Thanks Karen! I'm looking forward to Patron Saint of Liars. I'm convinced Ann can make any book sound good. Now we'll see if they stand up to the reading test.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Great idea. Kudos to you for doing 3 lists! :)

[Karen]

Michelle wrote: "Thanks Karen! I'm looking forward to Patron Saint of Liars. I'm convinced Ann can make any book sound good. Now we'll see if they stand up to the reading test."

She really does have a way of making any book sound good. I have no idea how many books I have added to my tbr because she (or someone on her team) recommended them. When she posts her videos, I always try to read the book titles on the shelves behind her. LOL - more to add to the tbr.

[Michelle]

Thanks Alondra but I'm probably too ambitious. We'll see.

[Denise]

I got on here to recommend the The Correspondent, but I see that you are already on it. :) I loved it. It reminded me a lot of Elizabeth Strout.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Michelle wrote: "Thanks Alondra but I'm probably too ambitious. We'll see."

Maybe not; you did really well last year! I think you can do it! 💪🏽💪🏽

[Ioana]

Great idea! I've read some on this list, and enjoyed them all: The Patron Saint of Liars, The Dutch House, Year of Wonders. Happy reading!

[Lillie]

Michelle wrote: "I've become a fan of Ann Patchett's weekly "New to You" videos in which she recommends books that might be new or forgotten that you really should read. The videos are filmed in her Nashville books..."

Uh oh! Another book podcast to get into ;) Fun reading list.

Have read Cold Comfort Farm, Less, The Pursuit of Love and The Mighty Red (and liked them in that order). Have been eyeing The Correspondent. Can’t wait to see what you think.

[Michelle]

Denise wrote: "I got on here to recommend the The Correspondent, but I see that you are already on it. :) I loved it. It reminded me a lot of Elizabeth Strout."

Yes! I'm looking forward to The Correspondent. As soon as it pops up on my library list.

[Michelle]

Ioana wrote: "Great idea! I've read some on this list, and enjoyed them all: The Patron Saint of Liars, The Dutch House, Year of Wonders. Happy reading!"

I'm looking forward to all of those. Glad to know you enjoyed them.

[Michelle]

Lillie wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I've become a fan of Ann Patchett's weekly "New to You" videos in which she recommends books that might be new or forgotten that you really should read. The videos are filmed in he..."

Glad to hear that you enjoyed so many of my picks on this list. And you can never have too many sources for book recommendations.