Ann Patchett shares the best contemporary novel she’s ever read and 3 other standout books
Ann Patchett Shares the Best Contemporary Novel She’s Ever Read and 3 Other Standout Books
In the world of contemporary literature, few names carry as much weight as Ann Patchett. A Pulitzer Prize finalist, a bestselling novelist, and the co-owner of Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee, Patchett has become the unofficial "North Star" for readers seeking quality prose. When she recommends a book, the literary world listens. Recently, the author of Tom Lake and The Dutch House opened up about the works that have profoundly shaped her perspective, including what she considers the best contemporary novel she has ever read. This curated list isn't just a collection of titles; it is a roadmap through the complexities of the human condition, grief, humor, and the art of storytelling itself.
The Authority of Ann Patchett: Why Her Recommendations Matter
To understand why Ann Patchett’s reading list is so highly anticipated, one must look at her dual role in the literary ecosystem. As a writer, she is a master of domestic drama and intricate character studies. As a bookseller, she is on the front lines of the industry, seeing thousands of titles pass through her hands every year. Patchett doesn't just look for a good plot; she looks for "the soul of the book"—that intangible quality that makes a story linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.
Her taste often leans toward character-driven narratives that explore the quiet, yet seismic, shifts in everyday life. She has long been a champion of "slow literature"—books that require patience but offer immense emotional rewards. In an era of bite-sized content and social media trends, Patchett’s endorsement serves as a reminder of the power of a deeply immersive reading experience. For her, the best contemporary novel isn't necessarily the one that sells the most copies, but the one that changes the way the reader sees the world.
The Best Contemporary Novel: "The Friend" by Sigrid Nunez
When asked about the best contemporary novel she’s ever encountered, Ann Patchett frequently points to "The Friend" by Sigrid Nunez. Published in 2018 and winner of the National Book Award, this novel is a staggering exploration of grief, literary life, and the bond between humans and animals.
The story follows an unnamed narrator who loses her best friend and mentor to suicide. In the aftermath, she finds herself the reluctant guardian of his dog—a massive Great Dane named Apollo. While the premise might sound like a simple "dog book," Patchett argues that it is far more. It is a meditation on the nature of writing, the isolation of the artistic life, and the peculiar ways we heal. Patchett has praised Nunez’s prose for its clarity, intelligence, and lack of sentimentality. It is a "writer’s book" that remains accessible and deeply moving to any reader who has ever experienced loss.
What makes "The Friend" standout in Patchett’s eyes is its structure. It feels less like a traditional novel and more like a long, intimate conversation. Nunez weaves in literary anecdotes, philosophical inquiries, and the mundane details of living in a tiny New York apartment with a giant dog. For Patchett, this is the pinnacle of contemporary fiction: a book that breaks the rules of form to achieve a higher emotional truth.
3 Other Standout Books Recommended by Ann Patchett
Beyond her top pick, Patchett has highlighted three other works that represent the gold standard of modern storytelling. These books vary in setting and style but share a common thread of exceptional craftsmanship.
1. "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver
Ann Patchett has been a vocal supporter of Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Demon Copperhead. A modern-day reimagining of Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield, the novel is set in the mountains of southern Appalachia. It tells the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival.
Patchett admires the book for its epic scale and its unflinching look at the opioid crisis and institutional poverty. She often notes that Kingsolver manages to give a voice to a forgotten population while maintaining a narrative pace that is absolutely relentless. It is a book that demands to be read, not just for its social commentary, but for its vibrant, unforgettable protagonist.
2. "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" by James McBride
James McBride is an author who consistently appears on Patchett’s "must-read" lists. His recent novel, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, is a favorite at Parnassus Books. Set in the 1930s in the Chicken Hill neighborhood of Pottstown, Pennsylvania—a place where immigrant Jews and African Americans live side by side—the story begins with the discovery of a skeleton in a well.
Patchett highlights McBride’s ability to handle a large ensemble cast with grace and humor. The novel explores themes of community, prejudice, and the secrets that bind people together. Patchett often remarks on McBride’s "musical" prose—a nod to his background as a jazz musician—and how he manages to find hope and humanity even in the darkest corners of American history.
3. "Trust" by Hernan Diaz
For readers who enjoy intellectual puzzles and stylistic experimentation, Patchett recommends Trust by Hernan Diaz. This novel, which shared the Pulitzer Prize with Demon Copperhead, is a "nesting doll" of a story about wealth, power, and the manipulation of history in 1920s New York. It is told through four different documents: a novel-within-a-novel, an unfinished manuscript, a memoir, and a diary.
Patchett’s fascination with Trust lies in its exploration of narrative truth. How do we know what is real? How does money distort the facts? Diaz’s ability to write in four distinct voices while maintaining a cohesive, gripping plot is, in Patchett's view, a feat of literary genius. It is a book that challenges the reader to be a detective, questioning the reliability of every narrator.
| Book Title | Key Theme & Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|
| The Friend by Sigrid Nunez | Grief and companionship; highlighted for its intellectual depth and emotional resonance. |
| Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver | Resilience in Appalachia; praised for its epic scope and modern retelling of a classic. |
| The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride | Community and humanity; noted for its rich character work and historical significance. |
| Trust by Hernan Diaz | Wealth and narrative truth; standout for its unique four-part structure and prose. |
Deep Dive: The Common Threads in Patchett’s Favorites
Looking at these four titles, one can discern the "Patchett Seal of Approval." Each book, while different in genre, focuses heavily on character development. Patchett has often stated that she can forgive a weak plot if the characters feel like real people. In The Friend, the narrator’s inner monologue is so vivid it feels like a diary. In Demon Copperhead, the voice of the protagonist is so distinct that it stays with the reader long after the book is closed.
Another commonality is social relevance. Whether it is the opioid crisis in Kingsolver’s work, the racial dynamics in McBride’s, or the critique of capitalism in Diaz’s, these books are not written in a vacuum. They engage with the world as it is, offering a mirror to our current societal struggles. Patchett believes that contemporary literature should "do the work" of helping us understand our neighbors and our history.
Finally, there is the element of prose quality. Patchett is a "sentences person." She appreciates a writer who treats every sentence with care. Nunez’s sparse, elegant lines; Kingsolver’s rhythmic, regional dialect; McBride’s soulful cadence; and Diaz’s chameleonic shifts in style all represent the pinnacle of English-language writing today. To read these books is to take a masterclass in the craft of fiction.
How Ann Patchett Finds Her Next Great Read
As the owner of Parnassus Books, Patchett’s reading process is both a joy and a professional necessity. She often reads "upstream"—looking at galleys and advanced reader copies months before they hit the shelves. However, she also relies heavily on her staff. The "Staff Picks" section of an independent bookstore is, in her opinion, the most valuable real estate in the building.
She encourages readers to step outside their comfort zones. "If you only read what everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking," is a philosophy she lives by. This is why her lists often include a mix of blockbuster hits and quiet, understated gems. She looks for books that "scare" her or make her jealous as a writer—those are the ones she knows she must share with the world.
The Impact of the "Patchett Bump" on Contemporary Authors
In the publishing industry, an endorsement from Ann Patchett is colloquially known as the "Patchett Bump." Much like Oprah’s Book Club in the 90s, a recommendation from Patchett can turn a mid-list title into a national bestseller. This influence is something she takes seriously. She uses her platform to champion diverse voices and independent presses, ensuring that the literary landscape remains vibrant and varied.
Her advocacy extends beyond just naming books. She frequently hosts authors at her store and writes essays about the importance of reading. For Patchett, books are the ultimate tool for empathy. By sharing her favorite contemporary novels, she isn't just giving us a list of things to buy; she is inviting us into a global conversation about what it means to be human in the 21st century.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Ann Patchett’s Book Recommendations
1. Does Ann Patchett only recommend literary fiction?
While literary fiction is her specialty, Patchett has been known to recommend non-fiction, memoirs, and even the occasional mystery. However, her primary focus is on books with high-quality prose and deep character development.
2. Where can I find a complete list of Ann Patchett’s recommendations?
The best place to find her current favorites is through the Parnassus Books newsletter or their "Musings" blog. She also frequently contributes to the New York Times and other literary journals.
3. Has Ann Patchett written a new book recently?
Yes, her most recent novel is Tom Lake (2023), which became a #1 New York Times bestseller. It explores themes of young love, family secrets, and the lives parents led before they had children.
4. Why is Sigrid Nunez’s "The Friend" her top pick?
Patchett appreciates "The Friend" for its unique structure and its ability to capture the nuance of grief and the literary life without falling into clichés. She considers it a perfect example of what the modern novel can achieve.
Conclusion: The Lasting Power of a Great Recommendation
Ann Patchett’s selection of the best contemporary novel and her other standout picks remind us that reading is a deeply personal, yet communal, act. In "The Friend," "Demon Copperhead," "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store," and "Trust," we find stories that challenge us, comfort us, and force us to look at the world with fresh eyes. These aren't just books to be read; they are experiences to be lived.
As we navigate an increasingly digital and distracted world, the guidance of a literary expert like Patchett is more valuable than ever. She reminds us that the best stories are those that require our full attention and reward us with a deeper understanding of ourselves. Whether you are a lifelong bibliophile or looking to restart your reading habit, these four books offer a perfect starting point for exploring the very best that contemporary literature has to offer. So, pick up a copy, find a quiet corner, and let Ann Patchett lead you to your next favorite read.
Ann Patchett shares the best contemporary novel she’s ever read and 3 other standout books
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