Tom Lake

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is perfectly read by Meryl Streep!”

— Kelly • Beyond Words Bookshop

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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'm pretty sure we could listen to Meryl Streep read the phone book. Lucky for us, she is reading the latest novel by the incomparable Ann Patchett. Tom Lake is both a snapshot of time suspended during the pandemic, and a coming of age tale. I couldn't bear to speed up any of it, because the listening experience was so enjoyable. ”

— Kelli • The Novel Neighbor

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

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

— Kristine • Buttonwood Books and Toys

Bookseller recommendation

“Remember the scene in Mama Mia where Meryl Streep is brushing Amanda Seyfried's hair as they get her ready for her wedding day? Nostalgic music plays in the background as they look through old photos and reminisce together. Watching it you feel cozy and warm and loved. Well that is EXACTLY how reading Tom Lake made me feel. Ann Patchett did a beautiful job of creating a story where you are entranced by the events of the past and engaged with the relationships of the present. In a world and time of stories filled with regrets and missed opportunities it was refreshing to read a novel where the heroine recognizes her life isn't what she thought it would be, but is so grateful it turned out the way it did. Perfect for mothers, daughters, and everyone else. ”

— Michelle • Quail Ridge Books

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