These Precious Days by Ann Patchett — Book Review

This is a book of essays, written by an author I particularly enjoy. It’s not specifically Christian, rather it’s a series of stories about Ann’s life. Since she was raised as a Catholic and attended Catholic schools, some of her topics will resonate with religious folks. For example, at one point, she undertakes a year of “no shopping.” Of course, she had some exceptions — food for example, and other necessities. Even the necessities could not be purchased until they were actually needed. This allowed her to see how rich most of us are in consumer goods when others have very little. She also freed up a lot of free time that could be spent more productively.

Another essay entitled, “The Worthless Servant” was written when she was asked to contribute to an anthology of saints. She opted to write about someone she considered a living saint, Father Charlie Strobel. He founded the Room in the Inn and its Campus for Homan Development in 1986 as a center for learning, shelter and help for people who had been living on the street. He was gifted to serve the poor, but also the necessary ability to work with local government, police and other organizations as well as people who had the means to underwrite his vision. “Worthless Servant” (from the story in Luke 17) was the inscription he wanted engraved on his tombstone

There are many other essays. Some will make you laugh, and others will make you cry. Some will encourage you to be generous. others will inspire you to develop your talents or follow your dreams. They run the gamut of life from childhood, school, marriage, friendship and death. Ultimately, it’s about how to spend every precious day of our lives. Trust me, you’ll find yourself nodding in agreement, and you won’t be bored!

VERDICT: 5 STARS. I loved it.

For more book reviews see:

The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin–Book Review

The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt–Book Review

On Living Well by Eugene Peterson — Book Review