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    This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage
    This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage
    This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage
    Audiobook11 hours

    This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage

    Written by Ann Patchett

    Narrated by Ann Patchett

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    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.

    This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage takes us into the very real world of Ann Patchett's life. Stretching from her childhood to the present day, from a disastrous early marriage to a later happy one, it 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.

    Editor's Note

    The art of writing & living...

    Ann Patchett has long been beloved for her novels, but this collection of essays confirms she’s just as deft in nonfiction. From the art of writing to the LAPD, her essays are at once deeply intimate and universally apt.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateNov 5, 2013
    ISBN9780062282873
    This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage
    Author

    Ann Patchett

    ANN PATCHETT is the author of eight novels: The Patron Saint of Liars, Taft, The Magician’s Assistant, Bel Canto, Run, State of Wonder, Commonwealth, and The Dutch House as well as three books of nonfiction: Truth & Beauty, about her friendship with the writer Lucy Grealy, What Now? an expansion of her graduation address at Sarah Lawrence College, and This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, a collection of essays examining the theme of commitment.

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    Reviews for This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage

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    559 ratings57 reviews

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    • 5/5
      A book I truly love. Tender, sweet, funny and enjoyable.
    • 4/5
      Very enjoyable audio book read by author Ann Patchett, one of my favorite writers.
    • 5/5
      Excellent set of short stories and articles. A pleasure to read, particularly living in Nashville and driving through Hillsboro Village and Green Hills.
    • 4/5
      Didn't realize it was a book of short stories.
    • 5/5
      Amazing book! Such heartwarming stories! So much to learn from them. Moved me!
    • 5/5
      Great essays of authors life, especially if you like this author.
    • 4/5
      With a soothing voice we have Ann Patchett tell us little life snippets and helps us intertwine her own self with her art.
    • 4/5
      Does he make you a better person? This is essentially the key ingredient to a happy marriage, though the path Patchett took to get to this point in her life had so many falls on the way, it's a wonder she ever married again. Narrated by Patchett herself.
    • 4/5
      I think Ann Patchett is a gifted writer, to say the least.
      Her creative non fiction is marvelous to listen to.
      I’d love to read all her essays.
    • 5/5
      Love the author so am biased; however, most of these stories gave more details on subjects I already knew something about in relation to her. When I like an author I like to know them "personally" and Patchett allows us access. Her story (book title) about her marriage is wonderful and, to me, gave much to think about afterwards because I felt somewhat the same as she about marriage (or not).
    • 1/5
      B O R I N G.
      I was only interested in the first story about writing. The rest is just dull. What was the point of these essays? She has no humor, no deep or unique thoughts, no wisdom to share and no out-of-the-box experiences that make her stand out. Plus, she is a horrible narrator with a dull, expressionless voice. Ugh, I hated it!
    • 4/5
      44. This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett (2013, 306 page Hardcover, Read July 22 – Aug 3)I'm having a tough time reviewing this. I just can't seem to figure out whether I liked it disproportionately to it's quality, or how to express that with the right amount of imprecision. I loved the collection. The quality is at least good, if not great. I mean Patchett clearly has some skills in writing personal essays (the essays are all about her life). She excels at bringing the reader in and making us interested, not dragging the essays along, and leaving the reader moved, sometimes in only a few words. As these are all personal essays, cumulatively they work as something like a biography. She covers childhood experiences with divorced parents in two states, half siblings, grad school, bad marriages, affairs with the like of David Foster Wallace, dogs, aging, relationships, writing, her odd experience with freedom of expression, and how she has accidentally become the voice of the independent book store. For all she has accomplished, it was her book store, Parnassus in Nashville, TN, that got her on front page of the New York Times and on the Colbert Report. I found I liked pretty much every essay. They were originally supposed to stand on their own, and they do. The Getaway Car: A Practical Memoir about Writing and Life is a short manual on how to write, or at least how she writes. It's quite brilliant, I think. How to Read a Christmas Story is simply about her dad telling her a Christmas story over the phone on Christmas day. But it's not a simple story. Thanks to her parent's divorce, her father calls Tennessee on Christmas Day from California where he spends the day alone...and just little details like that make this actually a fairly complex story that does a lot to the reader in a few pages. For me, clearly the best essay was the title one, This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage. Maybe I like this so much because this is where she talks about her relationship with David Foster Wallace (who she merely names David). But also it's just a great fairy tale version of her life. There is naivety, a tragic beginning, a terrible sin, variations of romance, and various snares and adventures that all lead up to a happy ending of sorts. And it was not till afterward that I started to think about how many different elements of the story captured me, or about all those distracting details that were stripped off, to keep simple, if you like. Anyway, for what it's worth, I got a lot out of this.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this collection of essays. They provide a peak into a writer's world and give good insight about life in general.
    • 5/5
      This book was a pure pleasure to read. Ann Patchett calls herself a novelust, a fiction writer, but this book contains some of the best, most polished NON-fiction that I've read in many years. There are close to two dozen pieces here, all complete in themselves, but together they make a lovely memoir, by a woman who decided as a child that she would be a writer. Patchett is one of those rare writers who knows how to laugh at herself, who refuses to take herself too seriously. So she is extremely likeable, an important element in a memoirist. Strangely, most of these essays were freelance pieces done over the course of several years, yet they all hang together beautifully to give us a portrait of the writer as a child and a young woman. I especially loved the final piece, "The Mercies," about her friendship with Sister Nena, who was her reading and writing teacher in grades one through three at St Bernard's Catholic School in Nashville. We learn, to my surprise, that Ann was a slow learner, and only learned to read and write in the third grade, with extra help and prodding from Nena. (Patchett attended 12 years of Catholic school.) And "Dog without End," about her aged canine companion , Rose, broke my heart, of course. Especially after reading the earlier "This Dog's Life," about how she acquired Rose. And there is another heartbreaking essay about the last years of her beloved grandmother. More than one of the pieces give us glimpses of her husband, Karl (a doctor), and the long on-again off-again (eleven years) relationship they endured before marrying, both of them previously married. The title piece anchors the collection. And rightly so. I was struck by her line, "The love between humans is the thing that nails us to this earth." And, a bit later -"We are, on this earth, so incredibly small, in the history of time, in the crowd of the world, we are practically invisible, not even a dot, and yet we have each other to hold onto."Yes. I loved this book. I've never read any of her fiction, but I have Bel Canto on my shelf somewhere, so ... This one? Just the best. My highest recommendation.- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER
    • 2/5
      This was a collection of essays, which I am learning I never enjoy. The first one was enough to make me want to quit the book entirely. The ones on Divorce and her Bookstore were redeeming and I enjoyed those, but the rest just dragged.
    • 5/5
      I enjoyed this book. I plan on reading more of her books
    • 5/5
      Audiobook edition narrated by the authorAlthough this is a collection of essays from the 1990's to the early 201o's, it serves as a de-facto memoir / autobiography as the selection is based on personally-related stories by the author. The title essay which is an overview of Patchett's marriages and divorces was an Audible Original in 2011 which I recall was a free Audible Gift that year. I found this to be enormously entertaining, often humorous and heartbreaking in different parts. Patchett provides writing tips, tales of book tours, the story of the founding of her joint-owned bookstore Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee, her love of her dog, her friends and her family. If you are not already a fan of her fiction you will likely want to read as much of it as you can get your hands on afterwards.
    • 4/5
      A collection of essays (and a speech) that is Fine from beginning to end. I had only read Ann Patchett's second novel, Taft, before. Most of her fiction has not called to me, based on descriptions, and even enthusiastic reviews by readers I respect. HOWEVER, having read all these pieces, many of which spoke directly to my heart and soul, I know I have to trust Ann Patchett to tell me a good story, even if it isn't one that seems to be "my kind of thing" on the face of it. When she described her 7th grade self's brief but lovely encounter with Eudora Welty at a book signing, I found myself hugging the book, and there might have been a tear in my eye over her final observation about that: "For the sheer force of its heart-stopping, life-changing wonder, I will put this experience up against anyone who ever saw the Beatles." Also, she has forced --forced, I tell you--me to buy two books, a collection of Grace Paley's short stories, and the 2006 edition of Best American Short Stories, which Patchett edited and for which she wrote a wonderful introduction (included in This is the Story...October 2017
    • 4/5
      A collection of personal essays from throughout Patchett's career, this book avoids being hit or miss, with every essay in it striking a chord with me. I did enjoy some of them more than others, of course, but the whole collection was wonderful. My favorites were "The Wall," about trying out for the LA police academy; "The Right to Read," an address to the Clemson freshman class of 2006 amid a brouhaha about one of Patchett's books; and "The Mercies," about Patchett's friendship with a nun. Recommended.
    • 5/5
      These days, Ann Patchett is best known for her novels, but she began her writing career as a journalist, mastering the art of short non-fiction. This collection of essays, originally published in the New York Times, Atlantic Monthly, and other major media outlets, represents some of her finest work in the genre. These essays are highly personal, and collectively describe a life with all of its ups and downs. Patchett discusses her writing career, her romantic and family relationships, her dog, the decision to open a bookstore, and her friendship with Lucy Grealy (covered in depth in Patchett's memoir, Truth and Beauty). Many times, an essay took hold of me, prompting anything from nodding in agreement to outrage to tears. I couldn't possibly mention every one of these moments. One that stood out was her 2007 piece about her 2006 appearance at Clemson University. Truth and Beauty was assigned reading for the incoming freshman class, to the outrage of many parents and alumni who wrongly deemed it pornographic. Patchett endured their public shaming, and to its credit the university did not cancel their invitation for her to address the class. Her powerful address, "The Right to Read," follows her essay about these events. The final essay in this collection, "The Mercies," is about an aging nun and at first seemed out of place. But as I turned the final page, I realized it was a perfect way to end this book while leaving room for more books like this in the future.
    • 4/5
      My first collection of essays - enjoyed these so much!
    • 5/5
      This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage is a collection of 23 essays (including the introduction) written by Ann Patchett between 1996 and 2012. The stories not only showcase some of the nonfiction she has written, but they serve as a genuine introduction to the person of Ann Patchett. It is a well-known fact that Patchett is an excellent writer. How she approached this pinnacle of success is well documented in the introduction and the subsequent essays bear the truth/fruit of her efforts.

      Some of these essays originally appeared in some form in various magazines: Atlantic Monthly, Audible, Gourmet, Granta, Harper's, New York Times, Vogue, and the Washington Post Magazine. Others were written for a venue with this collection also in mind.

      Actually, I'm hard pressed to pick favorites from her essays since I found strong points in each one. They all deal with commitments, whether it is to a spouse or a dog or a grandmother or a state or a vocation or an idea. But what all of these essays excel at is tutoring and illustrating how it should be done for would-be-writers. All of these essays are just as compelling as any short story and prove the point that a good writer can write about the ordinariness of everyday life, like caring for a loved one, and make it interesting, honest, and poetic.

      All of these essays have something to say. The writing is outstanding... simply superlative. Patchett is able to accurately describe scenes and people in such an extraordinary way that you will feel a connection to the writing. While this is a collection of essays, in many ways it also functions as a memoir, an incredibly literary and beautifully rendered memoir with insightful vignettes and heart-felt disclosures.

      Fans of Patchett's fiction should do themselves a favor and purchase this collection asap.

      To Patchett I just want to say: Thank you for giving me a small glimpse of some of the things composting in your humus. The brief scenes and insight you chose to share have widened my perspective of your work and given me an even greater appreciation of your talent.

      Very Highly Recommended


      Contents:

      Nonfiction, an Introduction explains the fact that a writer has to earn a living too. It covers how Patchett not only paid her dues as a freelance nonfiction writer, but also how this helped her become a better writer.

      How to Read a Christmas Story is a recollection of various Christmas memories and her first happy Christmas

      The Getaway Car: A Practical Memoir about Writing and Life - is another great essay for those who want to be writers. Two thoughts to share:
      "I am a compost heap, and everything I interact with, every experience I've had, gets shoveled onto the heap where it eventually mulches down, is digested and excreted by worms, and rots. It's from that dark, rich humus, the combination of what you encountered, what you know and what you've forgotten, that ideas start to grow." (pg 41)

      "I believe in keeping several plots going at once. The plot of a novel should be like walking down a busy city street.... All manner of action and movement is rushing toward you and away. But that isn't enough.... Many writers feel that plot is passe' - they're so over plot, who needs plot? - to which I say: Learn how to construct one first, and then feel free to reject it." (pg. 48)

      The Sacrament of Divorce is about her very short, first marriage. "Honey, I know. Things happen that you never thought were possible." (pg. 65)

      The Paris Match - is about a trip to Paris and a word game.

      This Dog's Life - is the story of how she found her dog, Rose.

      In The Best Seat in the House she explains how she satisfies her love of opera.

      My Road to Hell Was Paved is about renting a Winnebago to explore RVing in the American West for an article.

      In Tennessee she reflects on some of her experiences living in the state.

      On Responsibility is about caring for her dog and her grandmother.

      The Wall is about the time Patchettt went through the written and physical tests to try out for the police academy in Los Angeles.

      Fact vs. Fiction is the Miami University of Ohio Convocation Address of 2005.

      In My Life in Sales Patchett reflects on going out on book tours to sell her novels.

      "The Love Between the Two Women Is Not Normal" discusses a protest at Clemson University over Patchett's nonfiction book Truth and Beauty, a memoir about her friendship with writer Lucy Grealy.

      The Right to Read is the Clemson Freshman Convocation Address of 2006.

      Do Not Disturb discusses Pachett checking into the Hotel Bel-Air for some peace and quiet in order to get some work done.

      Introduction to The Best American Short Stories 2006 (self-explanatory)

      Love Sustained is a moving tribute to her grandmother.

      The Bookstore Strikes Back explains how Patchett came to be co-owner of an independent bookstore in Nashville, Parnassus Books.

      This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage is the story of her family history of failed marriages in comparison to her now successful relationship.

      In Our Deluge, Drop by Drop, Patchett reflects on flooding.

      In Dog without End she is faced with her faithful companion Rose's decline in health.

      In The Mercies Patchett helps Sister Nena, a Sister of Mercy and former teacher, move into an apartment by herself for the first time at age 78.


      Disclosure: I received an advanced reading copy of this book from HarperCollins for review purposes.
    • 4/5
      This is a very short audible book read by the author herself.
      This is an extremely well-written biographical snippet discussing relationships and how things go wrong, how things went wrong in her own life and how she finally found a relationship that worked long term and how she finally found a partner she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
      Intelligent. Touching.
    • 3/5
      I think Ann Patchett is a good writer of both fiction and nonfiction. This is a collection of some of her nonfiction writing. Like any collection of anything. some items are more interesting than others; overall, I enjoyed this book for its sense of humour and Ann's intriguing approach to writing and to life.The essay on how to write ("Getaway Car") bored me, but I know many aspiring writers who enjoyed it. Perhaps I would have appreciated it more had I read it last, as I would have been able to reflect on her advice having just experienced her own work.
    • 5/5
      After my experience with Patchett's Bel Canto and State of Wonder, I snatched this up at the library without knowing anything about it. Turns out to be a collection of short stories (some shorter than others). Now, short stories are not my thing - I like big books, I cannot lie - but the writing is so beautiful and honest, that I'm reconsidering that position. It's like eating a box of chocolates, and each little bonbon is not only your favorite, but impossibly even more delicious than the one before.
    • 5/5
      If you want an example of how to write great nonfiction this is the book to read. The individual who selected the pieces for this collection did a wonderful job because I felt like I was getting the best of the best as I was reading. I don't normally read short nonfiction collections, but this book was well worth my time. It contains beautifully written pieces that are cleaver without being condescending, and I found myself engaged and amused no matter what the topic. My particular favorite was called "The Sacrament of Divorce" because of the manner it which it addresses the topics of happiness, suffering, and obligation. Overall, this is a great read should certainly be on the TBR list of anyone who wants a career as a writer.
    • 3/5
      I've decided I just don't love ann patchett that much. I loved bel canto, but I'm scared to reread it since it could have just been thr subject matter and the timing of my reading. I thought state of wonder was appallingly dreadful. I thought Truth and beauty portrayed her in an arrogant light. Some of these essays came off that way- the getaway car often gave backhanded compliments to less successful mentors. Some essays were more interesting - like the one about her interest in the met hd, or the one about her book store in Nashville- but that's pretty much it. They didn't leave me shaken to the core, or with a new perspective on the topic, I just felt glad that she was writing about something I enjoyed. Her writing just doesn't move me. One exception was "Love Sustained" about her relationship with her grandmother. Worth an independent read.
    • 5/5
      I love her writing. Hoping if I read this often enough I'll become a better writer. It does work that way, right? The selection of essays has an interesting range of topics, sometimes surprising, always good.
    • 4/5
      A really nice assortment of essays, speeches, magazine articles, etc. that Patchett has written over the last decade or two. Although I found it a bit of a slow read, I thoroughly enjoyed every one of the stories. Most stories would fall in a memoir category, although the way they are arranged tells a broader story and you get to know her better through each writing. I've not read any of her books previously, but probably will now, and I might even stop by her bookstore when I'm traveling through Nashville.
    • 5/5
      A wonderful collection of essays on a wide variety of topics including how to succeed in writing, the joys of watching opera in HD at the local movie theater and the author's unexpected enjoyment camping in a Winnebago. We meet her first and second husbands, her beloved dog Rosie and a Nun and a very special grandmother who have been central players in her most interesting life. Ms. Patchett has a freshness and vibrancy both in her writing and the way she perceives the world that makes this a very special book.