Tom Lake

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

“With Ann Patchett's writing and Meryl Streep's narration, this is the perfect storm of awesomeness! I loved every second of this book! ”

— Kimberly • Volumes Bookcafe

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is perfectly read by Meryl Streep!”

— Kelly • Beyond Words Bookshop

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

“Narrated by Meryl Streep - of course, the narration was perfect. This book is one of those that stays with you a long time. The characters have a lot of depth and their growth (or not) over the years of the story reflect the real complexity of relationships at different times of life. It’s a beautiful story, sometimes sad. Highly recommend listening to this one!”

— Kelly • The Tiny Bookshop

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 was blown away by this audiobook, which had so many elements of a great story. Spectacular work by both Patchett and Streep and so rewarding to listen to during late summer. ”

— Jen • Bards Alley

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

“Ann Patchett weaves a story like no one else. This audiobook is read by Meryl Streep takes you on a journey of past and present intertwined with memories and hopes of a family. Highly recommended. ”

— Cathy • Sorensen Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Not only is this a phenomenal book of generational story telling, but MERYL STREEP IS NARRATING!!! She brings the characters to life. From her laugh to her tone; her character as Lara is spot on. She is engaging and motherly but keeps secrets to herself. This book transforms you to the essence of Traverse City, Michigan with the breeziness and humility of a true Northerner. Even the father, who has a small part in the novel is brought to life, I absolutely adored him. Looking for the perfect read to listen to in a hammock...this is the one! ”

— Amy • Plumfield Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Wonderful little slice of life about a mother sharing her youth with her three daughters. A book you can reread as you age and get something new out of it each time. ”

— Hannah • The Bookies Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“With its vivid descriptions of lake swimming, cherry picking fruit trees and orchards, it makes a fine spring or summer read. Both a coming of age and an “of age” story deftly pieced together, and told all at once. A book about finding out who you are, the right and wrong turns that help you determine what you value, and then living with the choices you make. Unforgettable characters, whose experiences and wisdom (or lack of it) stick with you long after the last page. ”

— Matthew • The Common Good