Tom Lake

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

“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

“The power of Ann and Meryl is undeniable. Wow, wow, wow. The audio of this book was literally a movie in my head. Obviously Meryl Streep is a phenom in her own right, but her voice to this story crafted by Ann Patchett blew me away. Having been raised in northern Michigan myself, with a father from Detroit and a mother from Grosse Pointe I felt like this story was crafted for me. I have yet to read a better love letter to the magic that is northern Michigan in the summertime. Lara's story is beautiful and I think a wonderful show of all that is to grow into yourself as a young woman. It relishes the good, the bad, the ugly, and spits you out the other side feeling that connection to womanhood and the experience of raising yourself through adulthood. I cannot recommend this audio enough! The perfect read for all lovers of summer, and especially northern Michigan. ”

— Katie • McLean & Eakin Booksellers

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

“I just started Ann Patchett’s new book, Tom Lake, which opens at auditions for a community theater production of Our Town in a small New Hampshire town that takes the play very much to heart. I’m already in love with the book, and its nostalgic feel of young love, mothers and daughters, and the juxtaposition of past and present. Added bonus: Meryl Streep reads the audiobook! A beautiful and moving novel, Tom Lake is wonderfully set against the backdrop of Thornton Wilder’s 1938 classic American play. Ann Patchett is a one of my favorite contemporary American writers; this book doesn’t disappoint! ”

— Genevieve • A Great Good Place for Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I just finished listening to Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and I cannot say enough good things about this book! How I have not discovered Ann Patchett before, I will never know, but this book had me in so many feelings over the past 10 days. Set during the pandemic on a Michigan cherry farm, the family is working hard picking cherries and keeping the farm going during unprecedented times. As they work, the 3 adult daughters ask their mom to tell them the story of the famous movie star that she shared the stage and a relationship with back in her youth. Meryl Streep brings the characters to life and I felt like I was picking cherries right there with them, a part of the family. I felt nostalgia for a life that I never lived, for the life my own mother lived before me, and for my life before my daughter and how her understanding of me will change as she grows. I felt like I was the daughter, coming to the realization of the humanity of my parents in a way kids don't really understand themselves until they are older. If felt like I was the mother who lived, loved, lost, learned, and grew before my own daughter was born. I wanted to call up my mom and propose we go pick cherries so she can tell me about her young adult life and I could understand her soul the way I understood Lara's.”

— Jean • Books on Main

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 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

“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

Bookseller recommendation

“This story takes place in Michigan, which is always a bonus for me as a reader. The setting is during the pandemic but revolves around Lara's early life as an actress and her relationship with a man who later becomes a famous actor. Lara is retelling that experience in small doses to her three daughters. It is a story about relationships, disappointments, and the blessings of a good marriage. I listened to this story as an audiobook and what could be better than a story by Ann Patchett read by Meryl Streep?”

— Paula • Schuler Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is perfectly read by Meryl Streep!”

— Kelly • Beyond Words Bookshop