Don’t Know What to Read? Let Ann Patchett Guide You

Skimm Her Life is a series in our weekly newsletter, Skimm Your Life, where smart women share their favorite products.

If you haven’t allowed yourself to enter the “Ann Patchett Universe” of reading, then what are you doing? Today, the bestselling author is here to enlighten us with the books you should know about, along with a heartwarming look inside her mind. PS: This is your sign to buy and read her latest novel, “Tom Lake” (which is narrated by the one and only Meryl Streep in the audiobook version). Ann, take it away…

Name three things that you always kept on your desk when writing “Tom Lake.”

First, there's the desk itself. I wrote the entire book on A NordicTrack treadmill desk. (Psst…here’s our pick for one). Mine's 10 years old. I love mine, but it's loud, which is why the second thing on my desk are my Bose headphones. I listened to brain.FM, which is some neutral music that's supposed to improve concentration. I feel like it worked. The third thing on my desk is a tin of these candies. I love the liquorice flavor. My limit was four a day.

What are you currently reading?

“Do Tell”  by Lindsay Lynch. Technically speaking, that's not true, I read it awhile ago, but I'm a bookseller and that's the book I'm promoting right now. It's a wonderfully written first novel about the golden age of Hollywood.

The best book to read for a self-confidence boost?

Anything by Ross Gay. Why not start with “The Book of Delights?” Ross Gay, and I will praise him forever, is a beautiful writer who reminds us of the beauty in small, everyday things.

The best book to read if you need a laugh?

The funniest books are never just funny. In the middle of a roar, they slip in some truth you need to hear, and when they make you laugh again, you realize that laughing is the only thing that keeps life bearable. It's a high-wire act perfected by David Sedaris in “Theft By Finding”, R. Eric Thomas in “Congratulations, The Best Is Over,” and “Sorrow and Bliss” by Meg Mason.

The best book to read if you want to get into reading and don’t know where to start?

“The Color of Water” by James McBride is perfect if you haven't read a book in 10 years, and is equally perfect if you read 10 books a month. It's a memoir about his mother. When you're ready for something a little more advanced, read his newest book “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.”

The best book to read if you can’t stop scrolling on your phone?

I don't have a cell so it's hard for me to understand why people do that. Get the new edition of Cheryl Strayed's “Tiny Beautiful Things.” That will knock you off your electronics and remind you that you are alive in the world.

What are your favorite book-related accessories?

The log pillow, available at Parnassus Books. What does it have to do with reading? I'm not sure. You can prop a book up on it.

Would you live in “The Dutch House?”

The Dutch House is my husband's dream house, not mine. I'm the one who wants to live in the kind of cottage where one would find the seven dwarfs.

There have been a ton of celebrity-run book clubs and book-to-movie adaptations with backings of celebrity-led production companies. Tell us all your thoughts on Hollywood’s current literary flourish.

I am grateful to anyone who uses their power to get people excited about reading. So many people may want to read a book, but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. If Reese Witherspoon holds up a book and says, "This one!" then the next time it will be a little easier to pick one out yourself. I can see no downside to this.

Favorite female character you’ve ever written?

Dr. Annick Swenson in “State of Wonder.” She was smart and fierce, and she talked constantly. Writing her monologues was the easiest thing ever. Some people thought she was a villain, but that's ridiculous. She was just a very smart woman.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My father used to say, "If you don't want to engage with someone, don't engage." Oh, that has saved me so much time and trouble.