This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, by Ann Patchett

Sometimes marriages fail.  Sometimes books succeed.  Sometimes friends die too young.  Sometimes dogs live longer than you expected (though never long enough).  In this collection of essays, the author explores all these issues, and more.  She discusses things from all stages in her life, and what it is like to write about them.

Oh Ann Patchett.  Can we please be best friends?  I am so wholeheartedly in love with this book; it is, by far, the best book I have read this year (and I have read about 160 or so).  I love the fact that Ann spends so much time talking about her writing, and how it has and continues to effect her life.  In one particular essay, she talks so honestly about what it means to be a writer, and how the writing process is different for everyone; the key is simply to write.  It was so damn inspiring that I stopped in the middle, and started writing.  I am not kidding.  

I love that Ann is so honest about her relationships in her life, even when other people do not "get" them.  One of the most touching essays is one concerning her grandmother, and how, as an adult, Ann helped take care of her.  She also openly discusses her long term dating relationship with her future husband, Karl, and the ups and downs throughout the years.  

The structure of this book is autobiographical; it is simply conducted through a series of essays.  But it honestly felt more like I was sitting down, talking to an old friend.  I found this book so relatable, so moving, so inspiring.  There is no way my review can ever do this book justice, so instead, you should probably just read the book.

I received a review copy courtesy of TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.  See the rest of the tour here.


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