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Patron Saint of Liars
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
Since her first publication in 1992, celebrated novelist Ann Patchett has crafted a number of elegant novels, garnering accolades and awards along the way. Now comes a reissue of the best-selling debut novel that launched her remarkable career.St. Elizabeth s, a home for unwed mothers in Habit, Kentucky, usually harbors its residents for only a little while. Not so Rose Clinton, a beautiful, mysterious woman who comes to the home pregnant but not unwed, and stays. She plans to give up her child, thinking she cannot be the mother it needs. But when Cecilia is born, Rose makes a place for herself and her daughter amid St. Elizabeth s extended family of nuns and an ever-changing collection of pregnant teenage girls. Rose s past won t be kept away, though, even by St. Elizabeth s; she cannot remain untouched by what she has left behind, even as she cannot change who she has become in the leaving."
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CuriousG
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Waiting while the hubs is in physio so I'm going to start this one. I love Ann Patchett but haven't read any of her older work. I think I would only have been in middle school (if that) when it was released, so definitely wasn't on my radar. Lol

AnnCrystal 🙏💝. 4mo
23 likes1 comment
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Graywacke
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Pickpick


Patchett's 1st novel. Rose, who leaves her husband in 1968, without telling him she's pregnant, narrates with that strong voice, showing Patchett's power of clarity (for the first time). That makes Part I really good, with a lot going on. When the narrator switches, the book becomes just a story. It's not bad, but the remaining 2/3 of the book felt a lot like a very very long epilogue.

But I'm glad I read Patchett's first novel. I enjoyed it

Lcsmcat Patchett got a cameo in the movie and her stories about that are really funny. 12mo
Graywacke @Lcsmcat didn‘t know there was a movie. Huh. I‘m glad she got snuck in there. 12mo
58 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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TheBookgeekFrau
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monalyisha Pretty cover! 12mo
TheBookgeekFrau @monalyisha Agreed 😊 12mo
Eggs My choice also! #greatminds 12mo
TheBookgeekFrau @Eggs 😂 Great minds see each other! 🧠👀😁 12mo
34 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Eggs
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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#AllSaintsDay

#HumbleHarvest

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Great Ann Patchett book📚 💚 📗!!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 💚 12mo
Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💚🌺🖤 12mo
45 likes2 comments
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Graywacke
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My next audiobook. I‘m thinking about working through all of Patchett‘s novels. This is her first, from 1922.

Lcsmcat I think you‘ll like her work. But don‘t judge it all by this one - it‘s good, but not her best. 12mo
Graywacke @Lcsmcat good to know. I had that sense before I decided to listen to it. 12mo
Suet624 @Lcsmcat I agree. 12mo
40 likes3 comments
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BkClubCare
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

No doubts that when asked my favorite authors, that Ann Patchett is in the mix! I was impressed with her #debut and will continue to work through her oeuvre.

Qualifies for #WhatsinaNameChallenge #WiaN2023 Category 7 Deadly Sins
#iLovePie #PieinLit #ApplePie

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BkClubCare
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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Working my way through all of Ann Patchett‘s novels. This one qualifies for the category of #SevenDeadlySins of #WiaNChallenge #WhatsinaName #Wian2023 #eBook #Libby

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LibraryCin
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Mehso-so


I listened to the audio, which was fine. I didn‘t like Rose much – for the life of me, I could not figure out why she would have left Thomas. I kept wondering when she would leave Son and Cecelia, too! Although I didn‘t like Rose, I did find her narration more interesting than Son‘s. I did lose a bit of interest when it was Son‘s turn. Cecelia rounded out the POV for the last third of the book. Cont in comments...

LibraryCin I didn‘t like the non-ending. What the heck was that!? I‘ve lowered my rating by a quarter-star for the non-ending. I kept looking at how much time was left in the audio, and thought – am I missing a part!? No, I wasn‘t 2y
15 likes1 comment
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EadieB
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Late 1960's California. Rose Clinton flees to St. Elizabeth's home for unwed mothers in Habit Kentucky. She doesn't want her mother or her husband to know she is pregnant as she wants to give up her baby. While at the home working as a cook she meets Son, the handyman. Rose decides she will keep her baby as Son has agreed to marry her. Marrying Son is just for show as she has never gotten a divorce from her first husband.

EadieB The reader gets to watch Rose make a mess of her life and I have to admit that I just could not like Rose at all. The book is a page-turner and is broken down into 3 sections (Rose, Son and Cecilia her daughter). I found this Ann Patchett book to be similar to an Anne Tyler book. I liked Patchett's writing but was disappointed in her very abrupt ending which left a lot of loose ends. I would say that the novel cries for a sequel. (edited) 3y
EadieB If you like books about families then I believe you will like this book. #PatronSaintofLiars #AnnPatchett #BookSpinBingo (edited) 3y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 3y
63 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Kristin_Reads
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

4⭐️ || This was Ann Patchett‘s debut novel and it is very well-crafted. There are so many layers to this story, with themes of mother-daughter relationships and leaving vs. staying. This is my fifth Patchett novel this year and I‘m looking forward to her short story collection that comes out in November. This was also my #DoubleSpin pick for August!

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3y
55 likes1 comment
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DivineDiana
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Pickpick

Ann Patchett and I have one thing in common. We were both raised Catholic. This book,her first published novel, is filled with Catholicism. Nuns have an important role, as does cooking,the kitchen,and driving. I wish this was a Book Club read,because I am not sure what to make of Rose, the young woman who leaves her husband, and drives from California to Kentucky to have her baby at a home for unwed mothers. Much ado about mothers and daughters.

Reggie Sounds fascinating-I‘m 1 for 2 with her but I love her writing. 3y
DivineDiana @Reggie Curious. Which one did you like? 3y
Reggie Commonwealth. I absolutely loved that family drama. 3y
DivineDiana @Reggie And not sure why, but that was my least favorite. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I read an interview with Ann Patchett, and she said it was her most autobiographical book. 3y
53 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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DivineDiana
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Latest audiobook! #annpatchettfan

47 likes2 stack adds
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TrishB
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

#authoramonth
Squeezed another one in. Somewhere between a pick and a so-so. (I wish she‘d write shorter chapters!) lovely writing, story dipped a bit but overall enjoyed it.
Unresolved ending really but I didn‘t mind that.

Caroline2 Just reread my review and I preferred the first half of the book? 🤷‍♀️ I‘m not keen on books that keep changing perspectives. I‘m easily confused. 😆 3y
TrishB @Caroline2 I definitely preferred the first half! 3y
86 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Skygoddess1
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Mehso-so

This was an interesting read, although the audiobook got annoying really quick with the dramatic music between chapters, made the story come off as being like a soap opera. While I liked that it‘s told in three parts by three main characters, I hate that Cecilia is never told the truth about things. #AuthorAMonth #BookspinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
17 likes1 comment
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Eggs
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Just like its cover, this novel‘s characters are fuzzy, out of focus. They can be endearing but mostly inexplicable and the MC unlikeable. At the same time, I couldn‘t put it down-I had to find out what happened. Patchett has a unique way of portraying mothers... 3.5/5 ⭐️

#authoramonth2021 @Soubhiville
#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

70 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Q84
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Starting this for #AuthorAMonth

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Cinfhen
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Pickpick

Really enjoyed this story told in three perspectives. It‘s a story about lies, secrets, motherhood, longing & belonging. It definitely dragged in parts but there are so many hidden moments that it makes the wading worthwhile. The main character is really difficult to care about and yet, I couldn‘t stop listening to her story. Credit to Ann Patchett for creating unlikable characters that you still think about. This would be great for bookclub. 👇🏽

Cinfhen I wanted a bit more from the ending but still a really special read. #AAM @Soubhiville and #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks 3y
Cinfhen I hope to read one more Patchett before the month is over♥️😁She‘s quickly joined my list of favorite female authors 3y
Cinfhen If anyone else read this tag me because I have a thought but it may be potentially spoiler-ish 😉 (edited) 3y
See All 11 Comments
TrishB I‘ve started this one - but I will read this one too this month. I‘m really enjoying them. 3y
Cinfhen I haven‘t read Taft @TrishB but the author said it‘s her least favorite novel she wrote. I think im gonna try another NF she wrote 3y
Megabooks This is now on my list to try to get to this month. I‘m listening to Bel Canto now for both aam and the pop21 prompt. I love Happy Marriage!! I‘ve read it three times, I think. 3y
Cinfhen Bel canto seems the biggest departure from all the other books I‘ve read by her, but I still loved it. I‘m looking forward to Happy Marriage now that I have more context of her earlier life @Megabooks 3y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook I really enjoyed this one! 3y
Cinfhen @MommyWantsToReadHerBook have you read Dutch House too? Did you see the similarities in the stories??? 3y
MommyWantsToReadHerBook @Cinfhen no, I haven't yet! 😢 I'll look out for that! 3y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 3y
76 likes1 stack add11 comments
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Cinfhen
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This book is FANTASTIC/ it does drag in certain places but it‘s still SO GOOD. Amazing that this is Ann Patchett‘s debut. #AAM

Cinfhen I think you would love this one @TrishB 💗 3y
Cinfhen Set in Kentucky @Megabooks 🎉😁 3y
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Megabooks @Cinfhen Yes, I read that! I know she taught writing at Murray State University in southwest KY around this time. I‘d like to get to this before the month is out! 3y
Cinfhen She mentions Owensboro a lot @Megabooks 3y
Ericalambbrown I loved The Dutch House! I‘ve been intending to find more of her work. Stacked! 📚 3y
TrishB I‘m hoping to get to this month 👍🏻 3y
Cinfhen It‘s really a full bodied story @Ericalambbrown @TrishB so many great reveals ~ it feels long on audio but I‘m really enjoying the story. 3y
CarolynM I'm glad there are some more great Ann Patchetts for me to read🙂 Stacked. 3y
Cinfhen I think you‘re gonna like it a lot @CarolynM definitely similar vibes of Run and Dutch House 3y
80 likes5 stack adds10 comments
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Cinfhen
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Continuing my love affair with Ann Patchett 💕🎧 So far this one is not disappointing 🙌🏻 It‘s my #DoubleSpin @TheAromaofBooks and another choice for #AAM @Soubhiville

I‘m really curious about this book in particular, because Ann references the writing of this novel in her memoir Truth and Beauty. I believe it‘s her debut❤️ #Hoopla

Cinfhen They just mentioned Owensboro @Megabooks 😉 3y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Always fabulous when an author fits your reading tastes!! 3y
67 likes2 comments
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Addison_Reads
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#CuriousCovers @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

All my covers are books I'm reading this month. I finished this one already and enjoyed it. 😁

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 📚👏🏻 3y
Eggs ☑️👏🏻🔘 3y
43 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Bookwormjillk
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Pickpick

A good book with a disappointing ending.

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TrishB
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Good job the kindle version is only Qa.99 ?

emmaturi What?? That is nuts! 3y
charl08 Yowzers! 3y
Hooked_on_books Gee, you didn‘t want the hardcover? 😉 3y
See All 7 Comments
TrishB @Hooked_on_books I want it even more now 😁 3y
Caroline2 I really enjoyed this one. 👍 3y
TrishB @Caroline2 hoping to squeeze in this month. 3y
74 likes7 comments
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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #AuthorAMonth2021 @Soubhiville

This is my first time ever reading Ann Patchett so I started with her debut novel.

Rose was such an interesting character to me. Her relationship with Sister Evangeline was simply beautiful, and the contrast between that relationship and all others in her life was heartbreaking.

I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. 😁

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
rwmg I enjoyed it but it was a bit of a let down because her other books that I had read set such a high bar 3y
Addison_Reads @rwmg that makes me excited to read more by her if they only get better. 3y
37 likes3 comments
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Caroline2
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Pickpick

I love Patchett‘s writing style! I find her books completely immersive, I feel like I live and breath with her characters! Set in a home for unmarried teenage mothers in the 1960s, this is a great, if somber read. It changes character perspectives which I don‘t think worked as I loved the first half when it‘s all about Rose. Still a good 4 star read though. 👍

squirrelbrain Sounds great - stacked! 5y
rwmg Hard to believe it was her first book 5y
See All 7 Comments
Crazeedi Totally enjoyed this one 5y
ElaineR Such a good writer. You're right about it being immersive. Haven't read this one yet but it's on the shelf somewhere. 5y
Mjm1 I can‘t wait to read this 5y
BethanysBookBox Interesting! Adding it to my list! 5y
108 likes8 stack adds7 comments
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Kathleen27

This is the first Ann Patchett book I read. I loved it and have read every book she's written since.

1 like2 stack adds
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rwmg
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
Pickpick

Disappointing but only because she sets the bar so high with her other books. It felt like we were building to a big reveal which didn't happen. Still a pick but only just

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rwmg
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett

“That‘s why you can eat cheesecake,” she said, and sighed. “Because you don‘t. That‘s the way it works.”

Excerpt From: "The Patron Saint of Liars" by Ann Patchett. Scribd.
This material may be protected by copyright.

Read this book on Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/249308010

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rwmg
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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review
cariashley
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Pickpick

I finished this last weekend but have been too busy to post. Ann Patchett is one of my very favorite writers, but I was a little nervous about reading her first book after seeing mixed reviews. It‘s true that this started out strong and then the plot lost a little steam with some perspective shifts, but I really liked it all the same. Her writing is just so captivating, and Rose was a compelling (albeit infuriating) protagonist.

+#PercyCat🐱

56 likes3 stack adds
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cariashley
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The weather has been awful all day here but I‘m pretty content settling in with my newest read and a bottle of red blend at my favorite local winery. #vineyardreads

Kaye Excellent book 🌟 6y
cariashley @kaye great to hear, I‘ve seen mixed reviews! But she‘s one of my very favorite writers so 🤞 6y
BarbaraBB Great photo! 6y
See All 6 Comments
Cathythoughts I havnt heard of this one ( only liked Bel Canto) ... I‘ll look out for your review! I see @kaye says excellent 👍🏻👍🏻 6y
cariashley @BarbaraBB thank you! ☺️ 6y
cariashley @Cathythoughts Bel Canto is my favorite of hers, so we‘ll see how this one goes. So far so good! 6y
60 likes6 comments
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Allietaylor16
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I‘m visiting Asheville for the first time and stopped in Battery Park Book Exchange. There‘s a champagne bar! Perfection.

Tamra Asheville was fun when we visited! Have you hit Malaprop‘s? 6y
Allietaylor16 @Tamra yes! Loved it!! 6y
Tamra @Allietaylor16 I recommend making a trip to Brevard nearby. We camped at the park and the town is artsy with great food. 😁 6y
ScientistSam What a lovely bookstore/bar! 6y
CouronneDhiver Ooo! 😍😍 6y
30 likes5 comments
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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
Pickpick

3 ⭐⭐⭐. This is Patchett's debut and her gift for creating believable characters is there. But I did feel this dragged in many parts.

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Rubymontalvo
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Pickpick

I loved the writing from the beginning and recommend the book for its beautiful prose. The characters and setting are well-developed and even if the story left me feeling somewhat dissatisfied it‘s a good read.

DebinHawaii Welcome to Litsy!! 🎉📚🎉Hope you enjoy it here! And check out @LitsyWelcomeWagon to get more connected. There are links to tips for navigating Litsy in the profile. 6y
LitsyWelcomeWagon Welcome to Litsy! Hope these #Litsytips by @RaimeyGallant http://bit.ly/litsytips and #LitsyHowTo videos: goo.gl/UrCpoU are helpful. There‘s so many fun things to do: book exchanges, buddy reads, photo challenges and more! Check out @LitsyHappenings for details. #LitsyWelcomeWagon 6y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🎈🎈 6y
See All 9 Comments
RaimeyGallant Welcome! 6y
CoffeeNBooks Welcome to Litsy! 🎉 6y
Lel2403 Welcome to Litsy 📖 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Welcome to Litsy!! 6y
Wife Welcome to Litsy!🌹 6y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego Welcome to Litsy 📖💙 6y
16 likes9 comments
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jdiehr
Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book despite one of the main characters being hard to understand and relate to. The truth usually serves you better than lies.

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jdiehr

"There were so many things I needed to know, how to fix a car, how to lie. My mother taught me how to put on eyeliner without smudging it, but life was going to take more than that."

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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
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Pickpick

I loved it. Ann Patchett's beautiful writing drew me in and I liked the different POVs. The only thing I would have wanted to be different was to understand more about Rose and her motivations. A lovely read.

64 likes1 stack add
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MommyWantsToReadHerBook
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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I don't recall who posted about the Kindle deal on this a few days ago, but thanks! I'm really liking it so far. Had a really bad day and feel like I'm NEVER going to finish Mr Biswas, but at least I could enjoy reading a bit of this one earlier this evening.

JoScho Look @kaye another book with Liar in the title 😀 6y
Kaye Yep I read this before. It‘s very good ! 6y
54 likes2 comments
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Insightsintobooks
Patron Saint of Liars | Ann Patchett
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I've never read Ann Patchett, but I figured I'll give her a try since this book is only 2.99 today. 😁😀

Dragon I liked this one. 6y
71 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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TheBookgeekFrau
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I think I liked this book, I don‘t know; I read it in another century 😁

#ReadingResolutions Day4 #CoolCover

Cinfhen Sounds good, I‘ve come to love Ann Patchett 7y
TheBookgeekFrau @Cinfhen It must‘ve been good, otherwise I wouldn‘t have kept it for 23yrs 😄 7y
50 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Melkyl
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Pickpick

This is an interesting novel. The main character, Rose, was one that caused conflict for me. I could empathize with her despair as a woman trapped in a time period that did not offer many options for women, yet she was infuriating as a wife and a mother. This is quite a good book. #192019 #MountTBR

Tjackson I really ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ this book! 7y
Zelma I haven‘t gotten to any more Patchett, but I‘d really liked this one. 7y
Richryan52 If you like Holmes I hope you‘ll consider backing it 7y
59 likes1 stack add3 comments
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cariashley
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So, so excited to visit Parnassus in Nashville today; Ann Patchett is one of my faves. It‘s a really special place and the main reason my mom and I are here for the weekend! Although the hot chicken hasn‘t been bad either 😋

Reviewsbylola How fun!! 😍 7y
erinreads Definitely on my bucket list of bookstores to visit! 😍 7y
BookaholicNatty Funnn!!! I love book stores and I hope for my 35th birthday I will be able to take a Little Road trip to some I have wanted to visit! 7y
cariashley @erinreads this one should definitely be on your list! I‘m turning 35 this year too, by the way @BookaholicNatty 😊 (edited) 7y
66 likes4 comments
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vlwelser
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Pickpick

This book was really great. I definitely recommend it. 💖📚

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Jessicareadingwala
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Book 3 in my Pre-road trip through Kentucky reading list! So many books, so little time.

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SheReadsAndWrites
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How does one celebrate book release day? Why, going to the bookstore, of course. 🤓❤️ #bookstorebooty

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Deborah42
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Pickpick

After three years in a disappointing marriage, Rose finds out that she is pregnant. Not wanting to be trapped in her life, she abandons her husband and ends up at St. Elizabeth‘s Home for Unwed Mothers. She intends to give up her baby, but things change and she settles into a new job and family. Even as she makes a place for herself and her daughter, Rose is always fighting the urge to run away.

Lovely writing, but a disappointing ending.

Aseleener Agreed! I really enjoyed the book, but quite disappointed by the ending. 6y
4 likes1 comment
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ATB
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My Dad should be a billionaire by now.

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BookishMarginalia
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Lovely care package from #LitsyPenPals @britt_brooke 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 I love everything! The book is from Parnassus Books! And signed by Ann Patchett herself! I've wanted to read it for the longest time 👍🏼The pins are spot on, and the Nashville souvenirs are so fun -- thank you so much, Brittany!

britt_brooke I'm so happy you like the goodies!! 😘 7y
BookishMarginalia @britt_brooke Love them! 💜😘 7y
britt_brooke @BookishMarginalia ☺️☺️☺️ 7y
kamoorephoto I really loved that book! 7y
169 likes1 stack add4 comments
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MrBook
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Ann Patchett worked at "Seventeen" magazine for nine years! 1 out of every 5 articles she wrote was accepted. She left the magazine after a dispute with an editor, exclaiming, "I'll never darken your door again!" Too bad for "Seventeen", eh? #AuthorPotpourri #TheMoreYouKnow

DrSabrinaMoldenReads I loved "The Patron Saint of Liars" 7y
britt_brooke I love love love her Nashville book shop!! Of her books, I've only read Bel Canto (not a fan), but I plan to read Commonwealth at some point. 7y
119 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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KVanRead
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Pickpick

Glad I finally read her first novel. It's sad and strange with maybe just a tad too much Catholic mystery for this lapsed Catholic. The writing and characters are very good, and the plot is initially extremely engrossing but gets increasingly uneven through the three sections. The ending was the weakest part for me, but still for every bit that screams rookie, there are bits that cut right through you and sing of all the brilliant books to come.

KVanRead Was interested to discover there was a TV movie with Dana Delaney and Ellen Burstyn. 7y
britt_brooke Great review. 👏🏻 7y
KVanRead @britt_brooke Thanks! It was an interesting read! 7y
40 likes4 comments
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kyraleseberg
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Pickpick

This book is a pick but thinking about it makes me wonder why. We never really get to know the MC, though neither does anyone else in the story. She's full of mystery, her reasoning completely impossible to understand and yet... You want to keep reading to try and draw your own conclusions. The end of the book makes you feel like she's left you, just as she did her family at the beginning of the story.