Ann Patchett's Best Books (So Far), Ranked By Reviews

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Ann Patchett is one of the most acclaimed authors of her generation. Her work has attracted multiple accolades over decades, including the PEN/Faulkner Award for the novel "Bel Canto" and the Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award. Patchett even made it onto Time's prestigious list of the most influential people of 2012 and is one of the few authors who have had multiple works picked by Reese Witherspoon's book club. So, yeah, she's a big deal. But don't fret if Patchett's books slipped under your radar, because we're here to help you get familiar — or dive back in with the right book if you're already a fan of the much-loved author's work.

To find out which of Patchett's books readers consider the best, we ranked each one according to its Goodreads rating out of 5. To ensure we got the most accurate representation of what readers truly thought, we also considered reader reviews and only included releases that had been rated at least 1,000 times at the time of writing. We included her fiction and nonfiction offerings, including essay collections, so there's a read for everyone to sink their teeth into.

"Commonwealth" lands just inside the top 12 of Ann Patchett's best books, having amassed an average Goodreads rating of 3.84 from over 210,800 ratings at the time of writing. The novel is set over multiple decades and follows the lives of the Keating-Cousins blended family children after their parents meet and fall in love under less-than-ideal circumstances. Several years after the couple's first meeting, one of the siblings, Franny Keating, embarks on a romance with an author named Leon Posen. As they grow closer, she opens up to him about her colorful past and interesting family dynamic, while Leon plans to write a book about the Keating and Cousins clans' many ups and downs.

Despite the book having many characters, one reader appreciated how Patchett managed to flesh out each one. "Patchett really is good at developing characters. I liked the personalities that she gave each kid, especially, and the way they interacted was believable and intriguing," they wrote in their Goodreads review. "The story is written going to and fro in time, and we follow several family members in their personal lives at some point in time. It's a story full of emotion, tragedy, love... Beautiful & heartfelt... and highly recommended," shared another reader. A third noted that although the book's plotlines could be considered dreary, Patchett's writing was still highly engaging.

Moving closer to the top 10 of Ann Patchett's best books is "The Patron Saint of Liars." The novel is told from multiple characters' points of view and has amassed a Goodreads score of 3.90 from over 72,800 ratings at the time of writing. The novel introduces readers to Rose Clinton, who resides in a home for single mothers — despite being married. Pregnant Rose plans to give her daughter, Cecilia, up for adoption, but changes her mind after giving birth. Instead, she decides to stay and work at St. Elizabeth's with her young daughter by her side. The only problem? The issues that led her to the community home and the life she led before she became pregnant won't stay buried forever, and secrets could easily be exposed as she goes about her new life.

Plenty of Goodreads users praised Patchett's writing style in "The Patron Saint of Liars," including one who wrote, "The absolute strength of this book is the way the characters Rose, Son and Ceclia were sculpted with tenderness and care. Unafraid to have her hold back, we are treated to emotions and feelings like loneliness, pain, fun, and a myriad of life-affirming feelings." A second reviewer stated of the book, which is a solid pick for those looking to read about familial bonds, "It was an interesting story about people & secrets & avoidance....I loved the characters & at times I wanted to shake Rose, & other times, she broke my heart."

With a 3.91 Goodreads score, "What Now?" kicks off the top 10 of Ann Patchett's best books. The nonfiction essay has more than 5,800 ratings at the time of writing and gives advice for those facing a crossroads in their lives. Patchett's guidance is based on her own life experiences, and the book serves as an extended version of a commencement speech she gave at Sarah Lawrence College.

Multiple reviewers noted the nonfiction release, which could be classified as a self-help book, was a quick read compared with some of Patchett's fiction offerings. "There is still something to be gained for everyone here. This book would likely have the biggest impact on young adults, unsure of what they want their next step(s) to be," one wrote of the ideal target audience. "With humour and honesty she tells about the twists and turns in the path she followed to reach her goal of becoming a novelist," another wrote in their four-star review.

"State of Wonder" ranks just higher than "What Now?" thanks to its impressive number of ratings. The book, one of Amazon Editors' Best Books of the Year 2011 picks, has the same 3.91 average Goodreads score but far more ratings — more than 206,200 at the time of writing. Ideal for those looking to read about an adventure, the novel centers on Dr. Marina Singh. She embarks on a major adventure to find her former mentor and pharmaceutical researcher, Dr. Annick Swenson, who went missing in the Amazon rainforest. But tackling the harsh climate is far from easy. Dr. Singh has to deal with several major challenges, both physical and mental, that could change her life forever.

In one five-star Goodreads review, a reader compared "State of Wonder" with "Euphoria" by Lily King and "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver. "It is a brilliant engrossing story of exceptional insight and the fantastic backdrop of the rainforest. I love Patchett's writing style and I highly recommend this book," wrote another impressed reader, while a third praised Patchett for the various moral dilemmas the book brings to light.

Ann Patchett's "Tom Lake" was named one of Amazon's 2023 Editors' Picks for best books of the year. The novel, a feel-good read about a close-knit mother-daughter bond, amassed an admirable score of 3.93 out of 5.0 on Goodreads at the time of writing, from more than 530,600 ratings. We meet protagonist Lara and her three daughters in the romantic fiction book, which has an audiobook narrated by legendary actor Meryl Streep. Lara used to be a celebrity and had a steamy romance with a famous actor named Peter Duke. Lara's grown children are desperate to know more about what went on between her and the handsome movie star and what her life was like before motherhood. But as she dives into her past life and romance, her kids soon learn more than they bargained for.

"It's a look at the fun of summer stock theater, the innocence of young love, but also at what we chose to tell when we tell our stories (especially to family) and how well we can ever know our parents," one review pointed out. Another Goodreads reviewer had high praise for Patchett's writing style, stating, "The writing is flawless, moving seamlessly back and forth between past and present even within chapters." 

"Bel Canto" was named one of Amazon's Editors' Picks for best books of the year in 2001 and is widely considered one of Ann Patchett's most notable books. But with a score of 3.94 on Goodreads from 332,200 ratings, it only ranks as her seventh-best release on our list. The dramatic novel begins with a lavish birthday party for a high-profile businessman. Suddenly, all the guests, including singer Roxane Coss, are taken hostage after a group of armed terrorists overtakes the high-profile event. As the chilling night plays out, the victims and terrorists are forced to get to know one another and work together to get everyone out alive.

"A seemingly horrifying event turned into a mystical one. Where lines of good vs evil are blurred. Where time is suspended," one reader wrote in a four-star review. Another noted the book had a devastating ending (no sugary-sweet happy endings here), but shared, "The characters are beautifully drawn, Ann Patchett's writing is gorgeous, and some of the scenes are so vivid that it would make a wonderful film." This one's for readers looking for a somewhat dark thriller with an ending that won't tie things up in a neat bow.

"Truth & Beauty" has a 3.97 score from more than 48,300 reviews at the time of writing. The nonfiction book borders on a friendship biography as it delves into the friendship Ann Patchett shared with her late friend and fellow author Lucy Grealy (who told her story in "Autobiography of a Face.") In the wake of Grealy's death, Patchett dives into their friendship of more than two decades and the various ups and downs they shared, including Grealy's addiction and Patchett's attempts to help her get clean.

In one Goodreads review, a reader stated that "Truth & Beauty," one of actor and model Emily Ratajkowski's favorite books, prompted them to examine the concept of platonic relationships and what they really mean. "It is a beautifully written testament to friendship, and also to the lives of two writers struggling to remain true to their craft," another reader stated. "A well-rendered testament to love and relationship as life frays the edges," another wrote of the book, which is perfect for those wanting a relatable, factual read that makes them think about their own relationships.

"This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" is one of the best nonfiction picks from Reese's Book Club and earned its place in the top five of Ann Patchett's best books. At the time of writing, it has a 4.01 Goodreads score from over 40,600 ratings and makes for a great pick for anyone looking to learn more about the author's life. The book is part memoir, part fiction, and offers candid insight into Patchett's life through a series of essays. She takes the reader on a journey through her roller-coaster experiences, including her marriages, hugely successful writing career, and family life.

One Goodreads reviewer suggested "This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage" as a good place to start for those new to Patchett's work. Multiple others took issue with the title and pointed out that it touches on far more than Patchett's marriages, though one also noted, "I loved this book as much as I've loved Patchett's fiction. I feel tremendously fortunate to have gotten so much insight into her life, her mind, and her heart, and I think this will help enhance my enjoyment of her future work even more."

Ann Patchett's "The Dutch House" has an impressive rating of 4.10 on Goodreads from more than 586,200 ratings at the time of writing, making it her most-rated book on the site. The Read with Jenna book club pick gives ultimate fall vibes thanks to its darker themes. The novel introduces readers to Cyril Conroy, who is adamant he wants to buy an impressive local estate called The Dutch House as a gift for his wife. After she abandons the family, though, Cyril remarries, and his children, Danny and Maeve, are forced out of the lavish home by their new stepmother. The siblings develop an incredibly close bond as they face life together without their parents, and Danny tells their story of overcoming adversity over multiple decades.

"The story blends past and future, filled with sadness, regret, sibling devotion, nostalgia, childhood memories, and unfinished business," one reader wrote in a five-star Goodreads review. A second highlighted how Patchett's writing style made the house as much of a central character as the characters themselves, while a third gushed over the fictional tale's emotive language and storytelling techniques. "It is beautifully written, and so real and emotive and human, and how I FELT everything that happened in this book. How it all felt real and painful and true," they said.

"The Getaway Car: A Practical Memoir About Writing and Life" made it into the top three of Ann Patchett's best books thanks to its 4.19 Goodreads score from more than 2,100 ratings at the time of writing. Though it was released as a short standalone book, the essay also appears in "This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage." The short nonfiction release offers advice for fellow writers on how to tell a gripping story in an intriguing way — something Patchett is more than qualified to offer tips on — and gives an insight into why she decided to pursue writing as a career.

Multiple readers recommended the book for those looking for inspiration to write. "Truly inspirational little memoir for writers. Filled with so many quote-worthy snippets," said one. Another wrote, "Ann Patchett has a little book of gold here for writers who want to know more about putting words to paper." However, another pointed out that they had no plans to write but still found Patchett's release insightful.

With a high Goodreads score of 4.42, "These Precious Days: Essays" narrowly missed the top spot in our ranking of Ann Patchett's best books. It's been rated over 49,200 times at the time of writing. The nonfiction release, another collection of Patchett's essays, gives a peek behind the curtain at her life, including a look at her career, family life, and relationships (including her dramatic friendship with actor Tom Hanks' assistant Sooki).

One Goodreads reviewer recommended the collection for those familiar and unfamiliar with Patchett and her work who are looking to learn more about the woman behind the pen. Another wrote, "This is an extremely readable collection about family, friends, love and what really matters. Her passion for all things bookish shines through." "Ann Patchett is a brilliant writer. She is able to capture simple elements of being human and make them interesting, something I suspect all writers strive to do and something she excels at," shared a third reader.

"Whistler" may be Ann Patchett's most recent book at the time of writing, but that hasn't stopped it from quickly becoming her most popular. The June 2026 release, which makes a perfect book club pick, has a high 4.49 Goodreads score from over 35,000 ratings at the time of writing. The fictional story takes readers through an emotional father-daughter journey after Daphne Fuller crosses paths with her estranged stepfather, Eddie Triplett. As the two grow closer again many years after Eddie was briefly married to Daphne's mom, the book delves into their difficult past after they were torn apart by a devastating event. But can the two really put the past behind them and repair their relationship?

Actor Ali Larter is a fan of the summer comfort book — and she's far from the only one. "This is a quiet story of revelations. A reflection of familial relationships, messy ones, dotted line ones, and their complexities. It also speaks of the love that can be found when unburied. A beautiful Patchett style story," wrote one Goodreads reviewer while giving the fictional tale a five-star score. Another shared, "I found 'Whistler' to be a quietly powerful look at how memory works, how little we know about what makes others — and ourselves — act the way they do, the things that bind us to one another, and looking honestly into our past." That makes it the perfect read for book lovers craving an emotionally charged release centered on strained chosen-family bonds and estranged people coming together.

To accurately rank Ann Patchett's best books, we looked at each one's Goodreads rating out of 5.0. The closer the average score to 5, the higher it ranked. We only included one listing for each release, so we did not include ratings for sets of multiple books. We also didn't consider books where Patchett was listed as a co-author for writing a foreword. We included fiction and non-fiction books released prior to July 2026. Each had to be rated over 1,000 times to get an accurate representation of how readers felt. In cases where two releases had the same score, we ranked the one with more ratings higher.