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Commonwealth
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
The acclaimed, bestselling authorwinner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prizetells the enthralling story of how an unexpected romantic encounter irrevocably changes two families lives.One Sunday afternoon in Southern California, Bert Cousins shows up at Franny Keatings christening party uninvited. Before evening falls, he has kissed Frannys mother, Beverlythus setting in motion the dissolution of their marriages and the joining of two families. Spanning five decades, Commonwealth explores how this chance encounter reverberates through the lives of the four parents and six children involved. Spending summers together in Virginia, the Keating and Cousins children forge a lasting bond that is based on a shared disillusionment with their parents and the strange and genuine affection that grows up between them.When, in her twenties, Franny begins an affair with the legendary author Leon Posen and tells him about her family, the story of her siblings is no longer hers to control. Their childhood becomes the basis for his wildly successful book, ultimately forcing them to come to terms with their losses, their guilt, and the deeply loyal connection they feel for one another.Told with equal measures of humor and heartbreak, Commonwealth is a meditation on inspiration, interpretation, and the ownership of stories. It is a brilliant and tender tale of the far-reaching ties of love and responsibility that bind us together.
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BiblioLitten
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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*Opens book, reads first two lines.*
Mind: hmm, remember the book where the couple divorced, too many characters, the kids went exploring while the parents slept in the motel…I wonder which book that was…maybe I should check on Litsy…did I finish that..it‘s been a long time since I read some Atwood..she‘s coming to the city for a talk tomorrow…didn‘t get seats…
Snaps to the present: continues reading a bit more.

Omg!! It is the same book!!! 😩😩

BiblioLitten It‘s a total bummer because it was on hold at the library, I waited all this time, rushed to the library to borrow it as soon as it became available just to realize I had already read it! 1w
Ruthiella 😂 That has happened to me before as well. Half way through a Tony Hillerman mystery, I realized that I‘d already read it! 1w
Lcsmcat But Patchett stands up to a reread. 1w
BiblioLitten @Ruthiella It was the first time it happened to me! 😅😅 1w
BiblioLitten @Lcsmcat True that! 😊 1w
34 likes5 comments
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Julsmarshall
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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I blacked out my #BookspinBingo board for August! Had some great reads, I think my favorites were the tagged, Clytemnestra, and the Pairing for fiction and Eve for non-fiction. Read quite a few ebooks this month! @TheAromaofBooks

ShelleyBooksie One of my fav book podcast hosts raves about Clytemnestra 3mo
Julsmarshall Oooh, @ShelleyBooksie what podcast? 3mo
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Fabulous month!!! 3mo
ShelleyBooksie Currently Reading is the name of the podcast 3mo
51 likes5 comments
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Julsmarshall
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Patchett always delivers! Loved this epic family tale following complicated people and challenging relationships. Narrated by Hope Davis, wonderfully done! #audio #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3mo
43 likes1 comment
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Becker
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

If you like strong character and family stories, you can‘t go wrong with Ann Patchett. 🍊

32 likes2 stack adds
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AvidReader25
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Rereading this made me appreciated it more. I love how she plotted out the back & forth in time. I can't think of many opening chapters to top this for atmosphere. I didn't love the Leon sections, but they‘re crucial to the story. I love the exploration of processing guilt & how you can't choose your family.

“Life was a series of losses. It was other things too, better things, but the losses were as solid & dependable as the earth itself.”

SamAnne Oy. What a quote. 1y
AvidReader25 @SamAnne Right! The older I get, the more it resonates. 1y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful 💙 1y
BittersweetBooks Hydrangeas are my favorite, those are beautiful! 1y
AvidReader25 @BittersweetBooks Mine too! These are from my backyard. 😊 1y
40 likes5 comments
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S3V3N
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

This was a good and interesting story. I liked it even better when I found out it was loosely based on the author‘s life.😯 the dynamics and intertwining of the families was full of drama. Not gonna lie, it started off a little slow and there are a lot of characters to keep up with.

46 likes2 stack adds
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Erin.Elizabeth10
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

This was a great audiobook listen as I drove out of town this holiday weekend! If you like family dramas and different timelines, this book is perfect. I was so interested in how all the different people intersected and how different choices led to different outcomes. It seemed like a major theme was choices/fate and I thought it explored that really well.

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JuliaTheBookNerd
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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No clue where my dust jacket went for this book 😬

#Generational 👶🏻👧🏻👩🏻‍🦳👵🏻 #MayMontage 🥳💐♊️

#BookNerd 🤓📚💙

Eggs An unforgettable book 👏🏻👏🏻 (edited) 2y
52 likes1 comment
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CBee
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Ended up choosing a different book for #TBRtarot since it was a little shorter and I‘m stretched thin this month! Not my favorite Patchett - seemed to drag slightly at first then picked up around the middle. Great read if you like dysfunctional family fiction (lol) like I do 😁

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Ellebeekay
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Cozy afternoon reading tagged book 💜

Leftcoastzen That spot looks super cozy!😻 2y
25 likes1 comment
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FelinesAndFelonies
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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First stop on our Nashville trip! So excited!!

Jennaree3 How was it?! 2y
FelinesAndFelonies @Jennaree3 perfect! The shop puppies were so cute! 🐶 2y
Megabooks Such a great store! 2y
83 likes4 comments
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Bookbuyingaddict
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

What a marvel ! Why did I put off reading this for so long ! In essence it‘s just a story about two families becoming linked to each other through divorce but my goodness it‘s so much more than that ! Loved 🥰 it ! If I had to describe it to a non reader I‘d say is the book version of the wonderful bbc series the split . I enjoyed the Dutch house by patchett but it doesn‘t pack a punch 🤛 like this .

Graywacke Enjoyed your post. I thought this was quietly a terrific book. 2y
Desha Such a cute puppy! I‘m a dog mom too and have two fur babies Star (cocker spaniel) and Sophie (Morkie). They add so much to my life (and my reading life)! ♥️🐶📚 2y
31 likes2 comments
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Bookbuyingaddict
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Wow 🤩 this book is good 👍 why oh why haven‘t I read any Ann Patchett before she‘s a seriously good storyteller ! #maybookbingo #doublespin #annpatchett
And why do all my photos have my dogs 🐶 in 😆because they snuggle 🤗 with me when I‘m reading 📖

SteveWJones She owns the main independent bookstore here in Nashville! 2y
28 likes1 comment
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Bookbuyingaddict
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Next read on the bingo list & my first Ann patchett will I be a new fan ?
#bookbingo
#maybingo
#couldbeabingo 3 days left !

JamieArc Ann Patchett has a huge love for her dog, so even if you don‘t like her writing, you‘ll like that about her 😊 2y
30 likes1 comment
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NovelNancyM
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Another stellar novel by Ann Patchett where she weaves in so many characters over many years who are simply going about their daily lives. I love how the relationships are intertwined and as people mature, they become more forgiving of one another.

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EadieB
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

#Commonwealth #AnnPatchett #BookSpinBingo #DoubleSpin

This is a novel about how an unexpected romantic encounter changes members of the Cousins and Keating families. It is a coming-of-age story about parent/child relationships and the bonds between siblings told in a succession of vignettes. Ann Patchett has admitted that the book is autobiographical. Although it is a mixture of satire, compassion and humor, it has great emotional depth.

EadieB I enjoyed her writing and I look forward to reading a few more of her books. If you enjoy books about blended families then I think you will enjoy this book. This is my #DoubleSpin book. 3y
mollyrotondo I love Ann Patchett!!! Try Dutch House. It‘s about siblings and it‘s excellent! 3y
EadieB @mollyrotondo Thanks for the recommendation! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y
78 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Casmt
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Couldn‘t put it down.

Kids moving into different family shapes with parents changing relationships.

“Teresa was shocked by the roaming idleness of her mind, as if she were sifting through trash on the side of the freeway and was stopped, enchanted, by every foil gum wrapper.”

Part one of the best present ever, an overflowing bag of books!

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notreallyelaine
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett

For the vast majority of the people on this planet, the thing that‘s going to kill them is already on the inside

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Ericalambbrown
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

I really identified with this book. Step siblings are so often thrown together, expected to bond and accept one another, then expected to sever the relationships when their parents choose to once again end their marriages. For anyone who has been through that or navigated trauma with siblings and step siblings, this story may ring true. Ann Patchett does such a wonderful job telling complicated family stories.

BiblioLitten That she does! 💕 3y
CarolynM I agree, she's at her best when writing about family dynamics. Great review. 3y
Reggie I really liked this book and you totally nailed the review! 3y
Cathythoughts Great review. I think I need to try this one again 3y
67 likes1 stack add4 comments
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MrsMalaprop
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

My fourth Patchett. A story of a step family and how parents can get so wrapped up in their own lives to the detriment of their children. I love her writing and I was invested in the characters and story.

Bel Canto remains my favourite of hers & liked State of Wonder the least.

AmyG Ahhhh….I need to give Bel Canto another try. 3y
MrsMalaprop @AmyG It‘s the first one I read many years ago, but I just loved it 😍. 3y
CarolynM This one and Run are my favourites and SofW my least favourite. 3y
46 likes3 comments
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MrsMalaprop
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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#firstlinefridays @ShyBookOwl #currentlyreading

“The Christening party took a turn when Albert Cousins arrived with gin”

😆

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MrsMalaprop
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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This made me laugh. How I love Ann Patchett‘s writing & character development. #currentlyreading

Eva_B I love Anne Patchett 😊 3y
BkClubCare @Eva2 - Ditto 3y
41 likes2 comments
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TheSpineView
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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#Movie2BookRecs @Klou
Prompt: Daddy's Home

This is the prompt for November 1st. I'm just playing catch up.

Klou Great post! 3y
60 likes2 comments
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Deblovestoread
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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June wrap up. One bingo of read books, two more if we‘re counting DNF‘s. Two 5🌟 reads Commonwealth and A Thousand Ships. Several 4 or 4.5 🌟 Legendborn, Punching the Air, Under the Udala Tree, The Other Bennett Sister, Emma, A Heart so Fierce and Broken and White Shadow. I did read both #spin books this month.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Fabulous month!!! 3y
35 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Addison_Reads
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick
Eggs 🧡👏🏻🍊👍🏼🧡 3y
44 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Julsmarshall
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Like @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I‘ve got books to finish so I‘m in! #20in4 @Andrew65

Andrew65 Great 😊 3y
35 likes1 comment
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Leftcoastzen
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

#authoramonth I bought it when it 1st came out,9/16 .
How is it I just get to it now ? How an illicit kiss at a party will cause families to fall apart & be blended.All the characters in this book kept me wanting to see where it would all lead & speculate how it all might have been different.The best book I‘ve read so far this year . I was enchanted by the disarray.I will not soon forget this book.

CarolynM Great review. It's certainly a memorable book. (edited) 3y
AmyG I have this. I have to bumpit up as I loved The Dutch House. 3y
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Leftcoastzen @AmyG I started Dutch House immediately! 😄 3y
Ruthiella “Enchanted by the disarray” ❤️ What a wonderful way of putting it! 3y
Megabooks Great review!! 3y
54 likes7 comments
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Eggs
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Mehso-so

This book succeeds in exposing the hell of divorce and remarriage for all the offspring involved. But there seemed to be some superfluous characters and that, plus the flipping back and forth in time, was a challenge. I think I shy away from So-So bc of that downward icon. So it‘s somewhere between a Pick and So-So...
#authoramonth2021 @Soubhiville
#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

DivineDiana This was not a favorite Patchett for me as well. But, when I saw her speak, she did say that it was the most autobiographical of her novels. 🙂 3y
TrishB I‘m loving all the Patchett reviews this month. Really differing thoughts. This was one of my faves. 3y
TheLudicReader I also loved this one. I haven‘t met an Ann Patchett yet I didn‘t like. 😁 3y
See All 9 Comments
rachaich I adore her but my book club were really divided in this book. 3y
Eggs @DivineDiana good to know 3y
Eggs @TrishB yes there‘s been a wide array of reviews 3y
Eggs @TheLudicReader @rachaich As readers we all find something different to take away from each book 🤗 3y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3y
Eggs @TheAromaofBooks Thanks 🙏🏻 3y
83 likes9 comments
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Addison_Reads
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #AuthorAMonth2021 @Soubhiville #LittenListen @aperfectmjk

Excellent book! 💚 This is not typically the type of book I would enjoy, but the writing, and the characters, are both so well executed that I found myself enthralled with these two families.

Patchett has a unique way of writing about normal events in life that make them seem fascinating. And I love that she doesn't shy away from flawed characters.

Megabooks Fantastic review! Totally agree! 3y
45 likes2 comments
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Deblovestoread
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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#BookReport #WeeklyForecast I loved loved loved Commonwealth and A Thousand Ships 5🌟 and I mostly loved Rodham and Legendborn 4 🌟. Legendborn completes the BBRC challenge!

rockpools Yay, congratulations on finishing #BBRC - that‘s a lot of books! 3y
Cinfhen Agreed!!! Commonwealth was SO GOOD!! But it literally took me 3 tries before it stuck🙄and then I was HOOKED!!!! (edited) 3y
LibrarianRyan Yeah!!!!! So proud of you.!! 3y
42 likes3 comments
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vlwelser
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

This one is awesome. I almost wish I had given it more attention and read it earlier. The #audiobook is also really well done.

#AutyorAMonth with @Soubhiville

#BookSpinBingo square 3
@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
42 likes1 comment
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DrLReads
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
Pickpick

I originally bailed on this book but gave it a second go when I spotted a copy in a local little free library. This is a gorgeous book. Will absolutely be reading more of Patchett in the future. Patchett has a knack for description and writing complicated characters with empathy.

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Megabooks
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

God I love this book! The wonderful balance of characters, Hope Davis‘ fantastic narration of the #audiobook, the nonlinear timeline. It is the book that made me fall in love with Ann, and I‘m so happy to have #reread it for #AuthorAMonth!‘ Great treat on a crappy day. 😁 Highly recommend!!!! #aam

TrishB Love this one too ❤️ hope the day gets better. 3y
Cinfhen Wow!! You did that audio fast!! How‘s the face?? 3y
Prairiegirl_reading I loved this one too. And everything else I‘ve read by Ann Patchett. 😄 3y
See All 8 Comments
Megabooks @TrishB Thank you! 💜 3y
Megabooks @Cinfhen I had almost finished T&B before I fell, so this was most of the day yesterday. I‘m having trouble reading print and looking at screens, but I will write you back soon! Thanks for checking in! 3y
Megabooks @Prairiegirl_reading I‘m starting to become a big fan, too! I haven‘t read Bel Canto yet, so that‘s up next! 3y
Deblovestoread Loved Commonwealth and looking forward to Run next. 3y
TrishB @Kdgordon88 I read Run this week and loved it 👍🏻 3y
103 likes1 stack add8 comments
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Jadams89
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

This was a great book. The non-linear timeline made it a little confusing, but it all came together in the end.

#LittenListen #Audioathon #authoramonth

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Jadams89
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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First up for #authoramonth and #littenlisten.

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Allietaylor16
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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It wasn‘t my intention for my drink to complement my book, but I think it‘s quite pretty!

TrishB And a good book 👍🏻 4y
28 likes1 comment
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Kappadeemom
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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I feel ya, Ann. When my TBR goes below 100, I panic 😅

Cathythoughts Yes ! 😬 4y
32 likes1 comment
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Kristin_Reads
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

5⭐️|| Just finished this and just love this book... the descriptive writing, the character development. I can just feel and smell the summer scenes, including the slamming of the doors, the heat on the vinyl seats. I‘m fairly new to Patchett‘s work, but also loved The Dutch House (though I may have been influenced by the narration and cover on that one!)

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JillR
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

I started out ambivalent about this, ended up loving it. It starts a little slow, the timeline shifts around and there are lots of characters but then it just all beautifully comes together. A story of two complicated, messy, entangled families, a secret lurking in the background, the threads slowly pulled together by a book written about them by someone who didn‘t know them. Just 🧡

TrishB I felt like this too, nearly gave up and then it just came together. 4y
Cathythoughts Nice review! I bailed... maybe I‘ll go back someday 😄 4y
JillR @cathythoughts @trishb only my second by this author but have really enjoyed both - have either of you read Bel Canto? 4y
Cathythoughts I did ! I loved Bel Canto ✨❤️ 4y
TrishB @JillR @Cathythoughts Bel Canto was my least fave of hers so far 🤷‍♀️ 4y
43 likes5 comments
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Redwritinghood
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Another gripping family drama from Patchett! While I didn‘t find it as strong as ‘The Dutch House‘, I still enjoyed the writing and characters. There were some sections of the book that were odd diversions from the primary story that were distracting, but still 4⭐️ overall.

Cathythoughts I bailed on this one. Dutch House definitely her best I think 👍🏻 4y
58 likes2 comments
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ChaoticMissAdventures
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Bailedbailed

Okay. So. I am 60 pages in and I 💯 do not care about any of this and I just deep cleaned the bathroom instead of picking it back up.
I loved her bel Canto and The Magicians Assistant. I love her as a person, but her last couple of book I just cannot seem to get through.
Oh well #bookspin bail this has been sitting on my shelf since 9/2016 😂.
@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Uhoh, if bathroom cleaning sounds more appealing, this book must not be a match! 😂 4y
cozypunk Your 'review' is hysterical. Glad you bailed! 4y
22 likes2 comments
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Nikki_E
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
Mehso-so

I read Bel Canto years ago and had an almost religious experience. The writing here was solid but the story itself just did not work for me. I ended up skimming a good portion of the last quarter.

Scochrane26 I‘ve only read 2 of her books—one I loved, one I disliked. 4y
SamAnne It wasn't my favorite either. But Bel Canto and State of Wonder were amazing in my opinion. 4y
Nikki_E @SamAnne State of Wonder is on my bookshelf so that‘s good to know. 4y
32 likes3 comments
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Kshakal
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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AkashaVampie 💜💜💜💜 4y
TheSpineView True!💙 4y
Eggs Lovely 😊 4y
28 likes3 comments
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MicrobeMom
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join the fun if you want.
Today is my first day! I am going to try and continue until I have no more TBTs. #bookstoread #TBRpile

KVanRead I quite liked this one. 4y
30 likes1 comment
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marleed
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

This is a family saga happening over 50 years with 6 children and 4 parents told in warp speed giving us just enough facts and feelings to have an opinion of both the Cousins‘ and the Keatings‘. Sometimes I slog through family dramas even though I like them by the end. I was interested in this one from page to page to end.

Laughterhp I‘ve had this one on my TBR for so long. I just recently bought a copy so it‘s crawling higher up my reading list. 4y
marleed @Laughterhp Haha - so did I. I loved the Dutch House (reading along with Tom Hanks on audio!). I recently saw them read Bel Canto and loved both. This one was getting smashed at the bottom of my TBR, and I realized What Am I Waiting For because AP is rising on my favorite authors list! 4y
85 likes1 stack add2 comments
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LiteraryinPA
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

What a gorgeous book. It was sort of all over the place with the timeline jumping around over 50+ years and all the different branches of the family... but the prose was so beautiful that I guess I didn‘t care? This was my first book by Patchett and I can see why people rave about her. I have to finally read Bel Canto, which I‘ve probably had on my shelf for a decade.

cariashley This one was very good, but Bel Canto is another level. One of my absolute favorites 💙 4y
ErikasMindfulShelf My favorites are Bel Canto and The Dutch House. 4y
See All 10 Comments
SamAnne @cariashley agree. I liked this one, but I also felt like Bel Canto and State of Wonder were on a different level. But it is on the awesome Ann Patchett scale...even the books I like less are above and beyond! 4y
Kempii I may give it a try. I‘ve heard rave reviews about Ann Patchett as well but the first two books of hers that I tried to read, I did not like at all and bailed. 4y
CarolynM I loved this one. 4y
lynneamch Loved the audio of this one 4y
Lynnsoprano I just read Bel Canto a few months ago, which was my first Patchett, and also feel like I need to read more of her books. Thanks for the reminder. 4y
BennettBookworm @cariashley YES I love bel canto so much!! 4y
117 likes2 stack adds10 comments
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Christinak
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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My find today on my walk. #littlefreelibrary

35 likes1 comment
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Efriedland
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
Pickpick

Some parts were a little slow, but I liked it overall

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Kelsyereadsbooks
Commonwealth | Ann Patchett
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Panpan

⭐️⭐️/5 omg I‘m sorry I hated this book. It was dry and boring and it felt so all over the place. Not a winner.