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Sometimes I discover an author and I’m totally shocked and mystified that somehow or other I’ve missed this person’s novels. I know, I know. It’s a big world. Many books and so little time.

Well, yes, I did have a big miss, that’s for sure. But this past week, I’ve discovered Ann Patchett.

I was enjoying a summer luncheon with four  friends.  A diverse group we were – a pharmacist, a teacher, an artist, and a community activist  Everyone was raving about the book that one of the women was clutching in her hand. ”I picked it up and didn’t put it down until it was finished,” the pharmacist said.

Ah! My kind of book. I borrowed it. And was immediately transported into ‘The Patron Saint of Liars’ (1992). An unusual book set in a home for pregnant women.

 Oh my goodness! This was the author’s first book, at age 26. She said in an interview that when she was fifteen, she always knew she was going to be a writer. Then she simply went about ‘doing it’.  Ms. Patchett has continued on her journey, creating ‘Taft’, ‘The Magician’s Assistant’, ‘Bel Canto’, Truth & Beauty’ and ‘Run’. 

I had vaguely heard of ‘Bel Canto’ over the years but for whatever reason, didn’t pursue it. Sometimes books come along at the right time of one’s life. They match your mood, or your dreams or your distress. A phrase, a description, an introspection touches your heart.

That’s why I read. For those special moments when nothing else exists except the words on the page.

What have you read lately that has transported you into another world?