Ann Patchett Recommends 6 Books by Creative Superstars, from Tom Hanks to Viola Davis
The bestselling author's book club picks prove celebrities can really write
Key Takeaways
- Ann Patchett says Tom Hanks' short stories changed her mind about actors-turned-authors.
- She raves about Meryl Streep's audiobook narrations of 'The Testament of Mary' and 'Tom Lake'
- She also commends Viola Davis and Alan Alda for their emotional memoirs.
Need a can’t-miss book recommendation? One worth of your limited time and precious dime? Take it from Ann Patchett. The bestselling Nashville-based author and beloved independent bookseller has her finger on the pulse of great literature like no one else in America—and she’s sharing her favorite reads written by, narrated or recommended by some of the biggest creative superstars around. From Tom Hanks’ short stories to Viola Davis’ powerful memoir, these six books come double-approved: written (or performed) by names you already love, and personally recommended by Patchett herself. Ready to stock up your nightstand? Add these five-star, star-studded titles to your must-read pile today!
Patchett’s pick #1: ‘Uncommon Type’ by Tom Hanks
This was the actor’s first work of fiction: a charming collection of short stories, all connected by one quirky common thread—typewriters. As a natural storyteller, Hanks explores characters including a World War II vet and an actor struck by sudden fame during a press junket. What has Patchett said about it? In an essay, she revealed, “In 2017, I picked up a collection called Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks. It had been languishing in a pile by the dresser for a while, and I’d left it there because of an unarticulated belief that actors should stick to acting.” One read was all it took to change her mind. Patchett later named the collection to her list of “top 30 must-read books.”
And it turned into a full-circle moment: Patchett and Hanks became friends and he narrated the audiobook version of her novel The Dutch House in 2019.
One reader raved about the superstar’s work: “This book has turned me on to how much fun short stories can be. And I loved this. I hope he does a second collection…it’s not fair he can be so good in multiple formats.”
Patchett’s pick #2: ‘Angels in America’ by Tony Kushner
In a social media reel for her store Parnassus Books, Patchett called this two-part collection subtitled A Gay Fantasia on National Themes “one of the greatest works of art in our time” by one of the greatest playwrights of the generation. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. She added, “Angels in America—a widely banned two-play set that came out in 1991—is as important and beautiful and relevant today as it was when it came out.” It explores the AIDS epidemic. And she says it reminds her “about how art bears witness, and that witness stays forever.” She continued, “This is such an important and beautiful piece of literature.”
Patchett has even called friends to read this play in community. “It’s like a different way to have a book club. You don’t read it in advance. Somebody assigns everybody a part, and you read it out loud, and it’s incredibly meaningful.” Patchett is usually cool as a cucumber, but she admits to becoming totally starstruck in the presence of this superstar creator. “I met Tony Kushner once. I shook his hand, and I burst into tears when I met him!”
What fans say: “After watching the Angels in America DVD, I wanted to see how it was originally as a play, and it does not disappoint. In many ways, I think it’s a better experience reading this play than it was to see it on my tiny television.”
Patchett’s pick #3: ‘If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?’ by Alan Alda
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating, is the memoir from the larger-than-life M*A*S*H actor. It blends personal stories from Alda’s past about miscommunications gone awry with communication tips and tricks he’s learned either from improv acting or research as the former host of PBS’s Scientific American Frontiers.
Patchett called this book a “brilliant must read.” And Alda repaid the compliment when he had Patchett on his podcast Clear+Vivid, and said, “At the heart of communication is empathy—the ability to take on the perspective of another person. Novelists are especially good at this, and I think there are a few novelists as good at it as Ann Patchett.”
One reader shared, “Alda has a way of coming into our lives and leaving a mark. And this book is no exception. Filled with autobiographical ruminations, he teaches us about science and ourselves in a way that no other author can replicate.”
Patchett’s pick #4: ‘The Testament of Mary’ by Colm Toibin, narrated by Meryl Streep
Okay, Meryl Streep didn’t write this one. But Patchett did rave about Streep’s beautiful audiobook narration of this title, which was nominated for multiple Audie Awards in 2014. What’s it about? This story imagines Mary, the mother of Jesus, later in life—still grappling with the loss of her son from many years earlier. The novel imagines the parts of Mary’s story left untold in the New Testament of the Bible.
One reader commented: “This is the most amazing book. Colm Toibin has broached an entire new dimension of history, religion and humanity. This book has also been read by Meryl Streep on audiobook and has since been performed as a Broadway play to great reviews.”
And fun fact: Streep also narrated the audiobook version of Patchett’s bestseller Tom Lake.
Patchett’s pick #5: ‘Finding Me’ by Viola Davis
This memoir, subtitled An Inspiring Story of Resilience, Self-Discovery, and Finding Your Voice, follows Viola Davis from her impoverished childhood in Rhode Island to her training as an actress at Juilliard and her rise to EGOT fame in Hollywood. And every page contains the “radical honesty” Davis is known for.
Patchett’s bookstore recommended this title online, announcing, “The amazing Viola Davis is out with a memoir, Finding Me.” And the two—Patchett and Davis—share something in common: They were both named to the 2012 TIME magazine 100 Most Influential People list.
What fans are saying about the memoir: “I’m a little speechless… I came across Finding Me by random chance, listened to the preview and with the opening line, I was hooked. I can’t even begin to express how incredible this book is. Never in my life would I have expected to enjoy a memoir/autobiography as much as I enjoyed Finding Me.”
Patchett’s pick #6: “The Covenant of Water’ by Abraham Verghese
The novel is set on the southern coast of India and spans 77 years, following a family haunted by a mysterious curse: In every generation, someone dies by drowning. It’s a sweeping story about loss, resilience and the loved ones left behind to carry on. Patchett is a fan, gushing on social media about “my friend Abraham Verghese and Covenant of Water.”
She has good taste because Viola Davis recently shared this book recommendation in an exclusive interview with Woman’s World. When asked what book has captured her attention lately, she said, “Oh my goodness, the books that I’m recommending today—and once again, I’m working on that too, my focus, as I’m getting older. I’m reading The Covenant of Water. ” She added, “Oh, it’s grand. It’s sweeping. It’s a love story to India. I love it. I love it so much.”
“Epic, generational novel,” said one online reader. “This book reminded me a little of One Hundred Years of Solitude, in that we see these people and villages as they grow and evolve from the early 1900s up to the modern age… what makes this book sing are the characters.”
Bottom line: In Ann Patchett we trust when it comes to quality books to read. And now you have six more great titles to add to your list this fall. Enjoy!
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