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This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage: A Collection

by Ann Patchett

A life shaped by lasting commitments

Book Club Pick Critically Recognized
Regular price $18.75 USD
Regular price $31.25 USD Sale price $18.75 USD
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Book club selection

    A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

    Identified as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.

  • Author recognition

    Author Ann Patchett is described as a New York Times bestselling author

    The metadata describes Ann Patchett as a New York Times bestselling author; this is an author-level recognition,...

  • Critical praise

    Praise from The New York Times Book Review

    The review praises Patchett’s multifaceted story and confiding voice, describing her personal essays as reflecti...

AlbakiReads Editorial

A life shaped by lasting commitments

Moving between literature and memoir, Ann Patchett’s collection traces the commitments that have shaped her life, from family and friendship to writing, books, dogs, and marriage. The essays span childhood, an early marriage that ended badly, and a later happy marriage, while also considering the work and pleasures of writing and the unexpected experience of opening a bookstore. Personal relationships, places, ideals, and art provide a framework for looking at both major changes and smaller moments in the life of a daughter, wife, and writer.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in memoir and personal essays about family, friendship, and marriage.
  • Readers curious about the experiences of a working writer and bookstore owner.

Themes

Marriage and commitmentFamily and friendshipWriting and booksLife’s turning points and everyday moments

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

"I had been so engaged by Ann Patchett's multifaceted story, so lured in by her confiding voice, that I forgot I was on the job. [...] As the best personal essays often do, Patchett's is a two-way mirror, reflecting both the author and her readers." -- New York Times Book Review

Blending literature and memoir, New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett, author of State of Wonder, Run, and Bel Canto, examines her deepest commitments--to writing, family, friends, dogs, books, and her husband--creating a resonant portrait of a life in This is the Story of a Happy Marriage.

Stretching from her childhood to the present day, from a disastrous early marriage to a later happy one, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage covers a multitude of topics, including relationships with family and friends, and charts the hard work and joy of writing, and the unexpected thrill of opening a bookstore.

As she shares stories of the people, places, ideals, and art to which she has remained indelibly committed, Ann Patchett brings into focus the large experiences and small moments that have shaped her as a daughter, wife, and writer.

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Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.