Esther
2024년 12월 17일
We're reading Ann Patchett's <These Precious Days> for the month of January, 2025.
After finishing a rather somber read, I wanted to begin the new year with something more life-affirming—something that encourages us to notice the small, good things in life. While I’ve never read Ann Patchett before, I’m familiar with her presence in the literary world through interviews and events. One interview that stands out to me, filled with warmth and fondness, was her conversation with Kate DiCamillo. I can still recall DiCamillo’s infectious laughter and the deep sense of respect, honesty, and friendship between the two authors. That exchange left me with the impression that Patchett’s work would be similarly uplifting and attuned to the small miracles of everyday life.
So, as we step into the new year, I suggest opening it with a sense of gratitude and wonder. I hope you’ll join us in reading this collection of her essays, and I’d love to hear how it resonates with you.
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세종에 거주하고 있는 외국인을 포함해 교사, 강사, 회사원, 공무원 및 가사일을 하시는 분들에게도 원서독서를 장려하고 자유롭게 토론할 수 있는 문학적/문화적 소통과 교류의 공간이 되고자 합니다. 해당 책을 읽고, 영어로 소통이 가능한 대학생 이상의 성인에 한해 누구나 무료로 참석할 수 있습니다. 2025년 1월 모임의 책으로는 Ann Patchett의 <These Precious Days>를 읽습니다.
An irresistible collection of essays and memoir from the internationally bestselling, Women's Prize-winning author of <The Dutch House>
'Any story that starts will also end.' As a writer, Ann Patchett knows what the outcome of her fiction will be. Life, however, often takes turns we do not see coming. Patchett ponders this truth as she explores family, friendship, marriage, failure, success, and what it all means.
A literary alchemist, Patchett plumbs the depths of her experiences to create gold: essays that are both self-portrait and landscape, each vibrant with emotion and rich in insight.
Ranging from the personal - her portrait of the three men she called her fathers; unexpectedly falling into a life-changing friendship with Tom Hanks; how to answer when someone asks why you don't have children - to the sublime - exploring the Harvard Museum of Natural History before its doors open; the unexpected influence of Snoopy; the importance of knitting - each essay transforms the particular into the universal, letting us all see our own worlds anew.
Illuminating, penetrating, funny and generous, <These Precious Days> is joyful time spent in the company of one of our greatest living authors. (cited from Kyobo)
“시작된 이야기는 반드시 끝이 있다.” 작가로서, 자신의 창조한 작품 세계의 결말은 알고 있지만 현실의 삶은 종종 예상치 못한 방향으로 흘러가기 마련이다. 이것을 바탕으로 패칫은 가족, 우정, 결혼, 실패와 성공 등의 의미하는 것들을 곱씹어본다. 자화상이자 풍경화같기도 한 이 에세이 모음집은 빛나는 통찰과 작은 감동들로 이루어져있다. 작가의 개인적인 경험을 보편성으로 승화시켜 독자들로 하여금 자신의 삶을 새로운 시각으로 돌아보게 하는 이 책을 통해 일상의 미소와 너그러움을 나눈다.
Date: January 26, 2025
Time: 5pm
Venue: Esther’s
Join us for an evening of camaraderie and intellectual stimulation. Admission is free, but attendance is restricted to individuals of college age and above. You can sign up for the meeting via Karrot (당근 모임) or secure your spot through Kakao (에스더어학원) Happy reading!