Anna Quindlen, Author of ‘More Than Enough,’ Recommends 4 Books—Including One by Ann Patchett
The bestselling author shares four books she loves, from gripping crime novels to family sagas
Key Takeaways
AI-generated summary reviewed by our editorial team.- Anna Quindlen praises 'Commonwealth' as a “pitch-perfect” look at family life.
- The 'More Than Enough' author shares four books she thinks readers should discover.
- Her picks span crime, historical fiction, family drama and literary fiction.
Anna Quindlen is the bestselling author of several bestselling books, including After Annie, a heartbreaking book about a young family losing their mother, and More Than Enough, published earlier this year, about a woman who discovers a family connection she never knew existed. She also won a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992 for her work as a columnist for the New York Times. She’s also a discerning reader, and below, she shares some of her favorite books—including one written by fellow bestselling author Ann Patchett.
‘Field of Blood’ by Denise Mina
Set in 1981 Glasgow, this novel follows journalist Paddy Meehan, who gets her big break after a young child is murdered and the only suspect is Paddy’s fiancé’s 11-year-old cousin. As Paddy begins to investigate, she discovers forgotten parts of Glasgow’s history that seem to be connected to the current crime. Can she crack the case and the previous cases before it’s too late?
What Anna says: “I buy anything Mina writes, but as a former newspaper copy girl I’m particularly fond of her novels about Paddy Meehan’s attempts to scale the greasy pole at a Glasgow daily. This first outing explores the murder of a toddler and whether Paddy will sell out her fiancé and her family to worm her way into a big story.”
What readers are saying: “Suggested to me by a friend, I’m completely engrossed in Paddy Meehan’s Glasgow. Excellent writing, entirely captivating for reasons that are very hard to convey. Her milieu is gritty, her friends are far from perfect with personal flaws and challenging habits. The murders are brutal and not always a pleasant read, but the story is entirely compelling.”
‘Commonwealth’ by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett’s Southern California-set novel begins when Bert Cousins arrives at Franny Keating’s christening party and kisses Franny’s mother, setting in motion events that will destroy two families and build a new one from the wreckage. Told across a 50-year period, the story reveals how one reckless moment can impact the lives of many other people, especially children. A beautiful family saga that will leave readers turning the pages long into the night.
What Anna says: “Most Patchett fans—and they are legion—probably suspected she could never beat Bel Canto, her 2001 award-winner. But in 2016, along came Commonwealth, a pitch-perfect evocation of the messiness of family life among six stepsiblings.”
What readers are saying: “Commonwealth is a simply and perfectly told story of a cobbled together family. There is nothing grand about this story, no bells and whistles in the plot or the writing. But Ann Patchett can really tell a story…one that is beautiful and satisfying and reflects the mess of real life without resorting to tricks.”
‘Slammerkin’ by Emma Donoghue
Emma Donoghue’s bestselling novel is set in 18th-century London and follows Mary Saunders, whose fascination with a shiny red ribbon leads her to become a prostitute at a young age. But when her plan is ruined, she is forced to decide if the path she is on is really the one she wants to be on. A powerful tale of feminism that has a plot twist no one will see coming.
What Anna says: “Donoghue is best known now for the chilling novel Room, but long before that book became a best-seller I was charmed by her tale of an 18th-century girl who pays for the extravagant clothing she craves by selling herself. It’s a wonderful read for anyone who loves English doorstop novels.”
What readers are saying: “If you’ve never read Emma Donoghue, you will read everything she ever wrote after this one. The author has the gift of tongues. She infuses her characters, both good and bad, with a knowledge of those faraway times as if she lived there. Donoghue is a treasure.”
‘The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne’ by Ron Currie
This bestselling novel has twists and turns that will leave readers breathless. Babs Dionne rules the town of Waterville, Maine. She controls the flow of drugs into Little Canada, with the help of her daughters and friends. Elsewhere, a drug kingpin discovers that his numbers are down and sends someone named The Man to investigate. At the same time, Babs’ youngest daughter goes missing and is found dead less than 24 hours later, and now the entire town is seeking shelter from Bab’s wrath. What follows is a multiperspective tale that is perfect for crime lovers.
What Anna says: “There’s only one word for this novel. Genius. Blown away.”
What readers are saying: “There’s so much about this remarkable novel that took me by surprise. At times, it’s an excruciating read, but Ron Currie always finds a saving grace, whether it’s provided by the local priest or by extended family members whose love alleviates so much suffering. This is a wonderful work of art.”
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