Thoughtful, but not as resonating as it should be

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	• What now? Ann Patchett Harper, 2008 - 112 pages average customer review:based on 18 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

For grads, parents, and fans of Anna Patchett

I was interested in reading this edited and longer version of a graduation speech by Ann Patchett because of her perceptive writing style in the novel Bel Canto. Her newest book reveals personal experiences that shaped her both as a writer and person. "What now?" is a useful book for recent college grads facing the challenges of turning their just-earned degree into a stepping stone to life -- a course that can't be taught in college -- and for parents who may not remember the "now what?" uncertainties graduates face. Patchett pays respect to those who influenced her, including a writing professor who encouraged his now famous student to almost completely rewrite the first draft of her speech, suggesting one of Patchett's life lessons is that we're never too old or accomplished to benefit from the wise counsel of others.

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Short and Sweet

Summer time and the reading is easy; barely 100 pages, "What Now" is based on Ann Patchett's commencement address at Sarah Lawrence, is a quick morning read and seems to me like a nice gift for a graduate.

The title intrigued me as I am often asking myself a similar question maybe even as a method to embrace uncertainty by at least taking the next step, especially when it comes to vocation. Ann expresses gratitude for where she is at when, a life lesson taught her through experience that married well with her Catholic school through MFA formal education. I appreciated the vignette about working as a waitress and a dishwasher, acknowledging the opportunity this afforded her and the teamwork required to assure it especially in an age of unrealistic independence. She further shows her commitment to others by responding to her mentor's advice to rewrite her graduation speech.

Here we have the chance to remind ourselves how possibility feels and how important it is to help each other receive possibility along the way. There are some interesting black and white photos herein as well.

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Thought-provoking and contemplative

I really enjoyed this speech-turned-essay. So many wonderful morsels of wisdom to "chew on". She shares a few personal anecdotes, but does not make the speech about herself. It is inspiring and contemplative, encouraging her audience to look inward for happiness; and then sharing it with the world.

Because it was a commencement speech that she have at her alma mater, it is almost guaranteed that it will remind you of your college/university days. Unfortunately, I don't remember anything about the commencement speech at my college graduation, so I will keep this one in mind.

I see it becoming a bestseller gift around high school and college graduations in May and June of each year, alongside Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You Will Go!"

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Thoughtful, but not as resonating as it should be

"What now?" is the extended version of Ann Patchett's graduation speech at Sarah Lawrence College. In a nutshell, Patchett uses her life story to make the slightly overmade point that we should embrace the uncertainty and change we face. Patchett's points are original enough--they are a bit clichéd, but they are put here in poignant form, as Patchett is a master at language. But as with Patchett's fiction, she dots around beautifully for many pages, but never really settles down with some great conclusion or moral. Thus, the book ends up feeling very thin. That's partially because it is thin--only 97 small pages, with oversized font. But it also is heavy on the details of her life journeys and very light on the meaning of it. In a book that's supposedly inspirational, I would've liked to have been inspired more. I don't really a care about every little step along her way.

I'm sure it was a great graduation speech. It's a great coffee table book. But it's not a book to live your life by.

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Good book!

I would read anything Ann Patchett writes! I listened to this audio version of her book -- short and sweet and nice that she is the reader. She has a great voice. Very nice story.

reviews: 1, page 2, 3, 4

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