From Woman's World · Lisa Maxbauer · · 1m 40s
Ann Patchett's 6 Favorite Books By Stars You Already Love
Ann Patchett recommends six books by actors, directors and writers she trusts.
In brief
Ann Patchett recommends six books by actors, directors and writers she trusts. Ann Patchett recommends six books by actors, directors and writers she trusts. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Ann Patchett's top book pick
Ann Patchett says Tom Hanks' short stories changed her mind about actors-turned-authors.
“In 2017, I picked up a collection called Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks. It had been languishing in a pile by the dresser for a while, and I’d left it there because of an unarticulated belief that actors should stick to acting.”
Tom Hanks' Uncommon Type
Tom Hanks' first fiction collection explores characters including a World War II vet and an actor struck by sudden fame.
“This book has turned me on to how much fun short stories can be. And I loved this. I hope he does a second collection…it’s not fair he can be so good in multiple formats.”
Angels in America by Tony Kushner
Tony Kushner's two-part play explores the AIDS epidemic and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
“Angels in America, a widely banned two-play set that came out in 1.991, is as important and beautiful and relevant today as it was when it came out.”
Alan Alda's memoir
Alan Alda's memoir blends personal stories about miscommunications with communication tips from his work on PBS's Scientific American Frontiers.
“A t the heart of communication is empathy, the ability to take on the perspective of another person. Novelists are especially good at this, and I think there are a few novelists as good at it as Ann Patchett.”
Meryl Streep narrates The Testament of Mary
Meryl Streep narrates Colm Toibin's novel imagining Mary, the mother of Jesus, later in life.
“This is the most amazing book. Colm Toibin has broached an entire new dimension of history, religion and humanity.”
Viola Davis' Finding Me
Viola Davis' memoir follows her journey from impoverished childhood in Rhode Island to EGOT fame.
“I’m a little speechless… I came across Finding Me by random chance, listened to the preview and with the opening line, I was hooked.”
The Covenant of Water
Abraham Verghese's novel spans 77 years on the southern coast of India, following a family haunted by a mysterious curse.
“Oh my goodness, the books that I’m recommending today, and once again, I’m working on that too, my focus, as I’m getting older. I’m reading The Covenant of Water.”
Patchett and Hanks become friends
Ann Patchett and Tom Hanks became friends after she read his short stories and he narrated her novel The Dutch House.
“This book has turned me on to how much fun short stories can be. And I loved this. I hope he does a second collection…it’s not fair he can be so good in multiple formats.”
Patchett's bookstore recommendation
Ann Patchett recommends Viola Davis' memoir Finding Me for its radical honesty and inspiring journey.
“I’m a little speechless… I came across Finding Me by random chance, listened to the preview and with the opening line, I was hooked.”
Patchett's favorite book
Ann Patchett calls Abraham Verghese's The Covenant of Water an epic, generational novel about India.
“Oh my goodness, the books that I’m recommending today, and once again, I’m working on that too, my focus, as I’m getting older. I’m reading The Covenant of Water.”
Patchett's top picks
Ann Patchett recommends six books by actors, directors and writers she trusts.
“In 2017, I picked up a collection called Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks. It had been languishing in a pile by the dresser for a while, and I’d left it there because of an unarticulated belief that actors should stick to acting.”
The short version
Ann Patchett recommends six books by actors, directors and writers she trusts.
