Run, do not walk, to get Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.
“Tom Lake” is the book I’ve been craving.
I’ve been searching for a book I can’t put down and don’t want to end — one that is engaging and interesting, with a roaring good plot. But I also want interesting characters, people with depth and who seem real. I’d like some good writing — no cliches, manipulation, tortured dialogue, or poor grammar. Finally, can I get all that but also have the book be meaningful and stay with me for longer than 30 minutes? I was feeling that the book I seek was like a unicorn, something that seems like it should exist, but we can’t seem to find.
I’ve read some good ones this year, but nothing like “Tom Lake.”
I enjoyed The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, and I I would recommend it, as well as his earlier book Cutting for Stone. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a charming mystery with delightful and quirky characters, soon to be made into a movie by Steven Spielberg. I would point you toward The Guncle by Steven Rowley if are looking for lovely escape with a few giggles thrown in.
I also seem to be the only reader in America who didn’t love Demon Copperheadr by Barbara Kingsolver, winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. But let’s not focus on the negative. I bring that up only to lament the disappointment I feel when a book has incredible reviews and wins all the awards, and I just don’t love it.
“Tom Lake” is absolutely delightful.
I’m not going to spoil any plot points. But it feels like an old friend — someone you really like — tell you a story you really want to hear. It’s funny and interesting and poignant.
None of this is surprising if you know Ann Patchett. Commonwealth is one of my favorite books ever. Others that I have loved from her include The Patron Saint of Liars, The Dutch House, and Bel Canto.
Please LISTEN to this book.
The book is terrific. I have no doubt it is a lovely experience to read it, but I listened to it. And I’ve buried the lead here. . .
“Tom Lake” is narrated by Meryl Streep. She knocks it out of the park. She is absolutely perfect.
I listen to a lot of books, and I often speed them up a bit. I actually slowed this one down towards the end, because I didn’t want it to end. This is the best experience I have had listening to a book.
Do it.
Want more books?
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Audiobooks: how to “read” when you have no time to sit and read
