I liked The Magician's Assistant so much that I kept my eye out for other work by Ann Patchett. Then I read this article about her life and home in The New York Times that made me want to apply for the unofficial writer's retreat at her cozy home in Nashville. Or at least sit on her porch and drink tea.

I enjoyed her nonfiction book Truth and Beauty. It was good, but I was blown away by Bel Canto. I know this was a big book when it came out but for some reason I had been reluctant to read it. I got into it right away and read the whole book in one day (on two flights). Interesting story and really beautiful writing. 74-75/100