A review by kaylawtzl22
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

this book is nearly indescribable for me. the blending of reflection over past memories and being grateful to be here in the present is done so beautifully. the characters are all so lively and human - none of them are flat, even the passing, minor characters. the way lara talks about her past and the things she regrets, what she does not regret, and the things she would change vs what she’s accepted is, again, so deeply human. it was interesting to read this as someone who is the same age as lara’s daughters. i’m 24 now and i was BARELY 20 when the pandemic began, so i relate greatly to her daughters throughout much of the book.

my mother is also 57 currently, so that’s extra relatable

this book also put me in the shoes of someone like my mom, and how she might view her past and her daughters. i don’t know, this book really is just a perfect, poignant retelling of a beautiful summer and thinking about how fleeting life and time can be. i ESPECIALLY love meryl streep being the one to read it. she strikes me as a very wise and kind woman and i think she was perfect to be the voice of lara.