Tom Lake

Bookseller recommendation

“Sad to have this story end. I enjoyed it on Libro.fm, with narration by Meryl Streep - two for the price of one in this case! Excellent story of a happy mother and wife recalling her younger life as an actress and her relationship with an actor. I could envision all that occurred while listening to this beautiful story! ”

— Nona • CoffeeTree Books

Bookseller recommendation

“In Tom Lake by Anne Patchett a mother tells her grown (or nearly grown) daughters of a summer long before she was married when she had an affair with a now famous actor when they stared together in a summer production of Our Town. Patchett interlaces the tale of the pas - told to the girls while they pick cherries on the family farm during the pandemic - with present moments, letting us get to know Lara and her fledging daughters. It is a story about storytelling and love of all kinds; maternal, marital, fleeting, abiding. It’s a rumination on place and where we find ourselves, about secret pasts and unknowable futures. I loved that it was sweet but not saccharine and while it could be described as quiet it held several surprises. ”

— Sarah • A Great Good Place for Books

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

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

“Tom Lake by Ann Patchett is a thoughtful exploration of family, memory, and love. The novel offers a quiet reflection on how our choices shape our lives. It is an engaging novel that invites contemplation and a deeper appreciation for life's small moments.”

— Keith • Republic of Letters

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is perfectly read by Meryl Streep!”

— Kelly • Beyond Words Bookshop

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

“Tom Lake was such a beautiful journey of a book! We're in the Summer of 2020 in a family farm in Michigan, where Lara tells stories of her youth to her three daughters, who desperately want to know about their mom's love affair with a famous actor. So we're also in the late 80s, travelling with Lara around New Hampshire, Los Angeles, New York, and mostly Michigan where she spends a summer acting in a play at Tom Lake. It's a summer of work, friendship, love and betrayals, during which Lara learned a lot and grew more and more into adulthood. Tom Lake is a soothing novel, where love in its various forms is beautifully depicted, and where life ends up making sense despite all the chaos it sometimes feels like. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep, and what a joy it has been! Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC! ”

— Marie • Emma's Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Once again, Patchett does her thing. Expertly read. ”

— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys

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

“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

“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