Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett is the author and first person narrator of all 24 essays collected in These Precious Days. For the majority of her career, Patchett has worked as a novelist. She has also established her name by writing essays, criticisms, and a variety of other nonfiction forms.

Patchett grew up in both California and Tennessee. After her mother divorced her father, Frank, she moved the family to Nashville, where Patchett spent the majority of her childhood. Growing up with her stepfather, Mike, was often unpredictable. Yet this life was also filled with adventure and excitement. Years later, Patchett's mother divorced Mike and married her second stepfather, Darrell. Although Patchett loved Darrell, he had a less active role in Patchett's formative years.

After attending Sarah Lawrence in New York for undergrad, Patchett swore that she would not go to graduate school. She soon changed her mind and applied...