From Woman's World · Lisa Maxbauer, Carissa Mosness · · 1m 30s
Ann Patchett's 5 Book Picks for 'State of Wonder' Fans
Ann Patchett shares mood-lifting books for readers of 'State of Wonder'.
In brief
Ann Patchett shares mood-lifting books for readers of 'State of Wonder'. Ann Patchett recommends seven books for readers of 'State of Wonder' to find comfort during tough times. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Ann Patchett's deep research for 'State of Wonder'
Ann Patchett shadowed a chief malariologist at Bethesda Naval Hospital to prepare for 'State of Wonder'.
“People want to be asked questions. I know a lot about malaria from writing state of wonder.”
Backlist comfort reads for stress relief
Patchett points readers to older books when news feels heavy or sleep won’t come.
“Okay friends lately i ve been a little down right i mean i m guessing that maybe you ve been a little down too.”
Beowulf by Seamus Heaney
Patchett recommends the 2000 Nobel laureate translation of Beowulf for restless nights.
“Beowulf is what i need specifically i need the seamus heaney translation of beowulf that came out in two thousand.”
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Patchett calls this book a therapy project after reading it for the first time at age 62.
“It is a soul-calming peaceful book about friendship and nature about making mistakes and being forgiven.”
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay
Patchett recommends this book for slow, savored reads when readers need comfort.
“Gay decided to find good things in the world and every day he wrote a little tiny micro essay about something that he had found that day that brought him happiness.”
On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Patchett and Katie DiCamillo independently picked up this 2005 novel for comfort.
“This is a glorious novel that is full of love and joy and obviously intelligence because zadie smith is the smartest person alive.”
Little Heathens by Mildred Armstrong Kalish
Patchett rediscovered this 2007 memoir through a sleep ritual involving her grandmother’s house.
“My grandmother grew up during the depression in kansas so it s very close to her story.”
This Is Happiness by Niall Williams
Patchett loves this 1958 Irish novel about electricity and falling in love.
“It s about the tiny town of faha in ireland in one thousand nine hundred fifty-eight getting electricity.”
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
Patchett calls this 2022 time-travel novel the book many readers are quietly looking for.
“This is such a fantastic book and i feel like it s the book that so many people are looking for.”
Why these books work for comfort
Patchett says these books offer immersive magic without the mosquitoes of 'State of Wonder'.
“If state of wonder reminded you how transporting a novel can be these five picks offer the same immersive magic minus the mosquitoes.”
What it means
Ann Patchett recommends seven books for readers of 'State of Wonder' to find comfort during tough times.
