Tom Lake

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a heartwarming story, about likeable people, who figured out what was important in life and chose not glitter but substance. A lovely story.”

— Deon • Sunriver Books & Music

Bookseller recommendation

“Does anyone *need* to be encouraged to listen to Meryl Streep read Ann Patchett? Probably not. But Streep, you’ll be unsurprised to hear, does a magnificent job with the nostalgia, the nuance and the Our Town of it all, bringing Patchett’s vivid past-and-present story to unforgettable life. ”

— Abby • Booked

Bookseller recommendation

“For anyone who loves quiet, reflective fiction that hits on essential life truths, this is a must read. During the 2020 pandemic, a mother tells her daughters about the life-changing summer when she dated an actor before he became famous. This premise leads to an exploration of family ties, a reflection on our search for purpose, and a celebration of how painfully precious life is. Yes, Meryl Streep’s narration is perfect. ”

— Colleen • Read Between The Lynes

Bookseller recommendation

“The audiobook is perhaps one of the best I've listened to in a while. Meryl Streep is the *perfect* narrator because you feel like she is telling her own story, had it gone slightly differently (young actress, three daughters). Savored every second of it.”

— Kimi • Buttonwood Books and Toys

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a story of love for family, of past passions and people once loved, and their continuing influence on the present. With Ann Patchett’s wit and wryness finely tuned, Tom Lake is the perfect book for a summer weekend read.”

— Jenny • The Homer Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“Perfect book, perfect reader in Meryl Streep! Patchett's lovely book about a protagonist's tale to her daughters about a long-ago life in the theater and love affair with a now-famous actor is beautifully narrated. Streep 'gets' and delivers each sentence with a rare humor and poignancy. It's better than a night at the theater!”

— Kelly • Raven Book Store

Bookseller recommendation

“Patchett’s new one soars. A cherry farmer’s daughters pester her about a time in her youth when she acted on screen in Hollywood and on stage at the dreamy Tom Lake resort. Mom holds her secrets close, but gradually reveals the mysterious details of her relationship with the famous, super star actor, Peter Duke. Vivid flashbacks, intriguing reveals and scrumptious settings make it an extra good read! ”

— Patience • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I finished listening to Tom Lake. I can see why it’s at the top of the best seller list. Ann Patchett has a way of weaving so much into a straightforward story. Set during the pandemic, Lara’s three adult daughters have returned to the family’s cherry orchard in Michigan to quarantine and harvest the fruit. Lara entertains them by sharing the story of her acting career and brief relationship with a man who went on to be a movie star. I still prefer her essays and Bel Canto, but this story is quite enjoyable. ”

— Amy • A Great Good Place for Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a story of love for family, of past passions and people once loved, and their continuing influence on the present. With Ann Patchett’s wit and wryness finely tuned, Tom Lake is the perfect book for a summer weekend read.”

— Jenny Stroyeck • The Homer Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“This beautiful story takes place during the pandemic, and during this time Lara's three daughters have returned home to the family farm. Lara begins telling her life story and her daughters' story weaves throughout. Beautifully written and Meryl Streep is a fantastic narrator. I loved this beautiful story! ”

— Dani • Bright Side Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Storytelling at its very best!! Set during the pandemic summer of 2020 when they are toiling at harvesting the cherries on their Michigan farm during the lock-down, a mother regales her three 20-something daughters the story of her youth when she dated an actor who would later become famous. The performance of Meryl Streep, who reads this audio book, is just phenomenal! ”

— Anne • Newtonville Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Meryl Streep draws you into the family life beautifully portrayed by Ann Patchett as Lara weaves her story of a summer romance with a movie star. Meryl's narration is warm and engaging. ”

— Barb • Maria's Bookshop