Ann Patchett Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Ann Patchett books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Ann Patchett is one of those rare authors whose books seem to stay with readers long after the final page. Known for her emotional depth, lyrical prose, and unforgettable characters, she has carved out a lasting place in the world of contemporary literature. Born on December 2, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, Ann Patchett was surrounded by creativity from a young age. Her mother, Jeanne Ray, is also a novelist, so storytelling runs in the family. But Ann would go on to develop her own unique voice—one that resonates with readers across the globe.

Her journey as a writer didn’t happen overnight. Patchett attended St. Bernard Academy, a Catholic all-girls school in Nashville, Tennessee, where she began to fall in love with books and language. Later, she continued her education at Sarah Lawrence College, a place known for nurturing writers and artists. Her passion and dedication led her to the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop, one of the most well-respected creative writing programs in the country. It was during her time there that she began working on what would become her first novel, The Patron Saint of Liars. She completed it while receiving additional training at the Fine Arts Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

Ann Patchett’s literary career officially began with the publication of The Patron Saint of Liars in 1992, which was later adapted into a television movie. But it was her fourth novel, Bel Canto—a gripping story set during a hostage crisis in an unnamed South American country—that truly catapulted her to literary stardom. The book won both the Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize in 2002, and became an international bestseller. It was praised not only for its elegant writing but also for its exploration of beauty, art, and connection in times of crisis.

Before her breakout success, Ann also worked in journalism. She spent nine years writing nonfiction for Seventeen magazine, which helped her sharpen her storytelling skills. However, her time there ended after a disagreement with an editor—a turning point that pushed her deeper into the world of fiction. Over the years, she has written for some of the most respected publications, including The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, The Washington Post, O: The Oprah Magazine, GQ, ELLE, and Gourmet.

In addition to novels, Patchett has written essays and memoirs that show a different side of her voice. Her touching memoir Truth & Beauty is a heartfelt tribute to her friendship with poet and author Lucy Grealy. It’s a moving exploration of love, loss, and the complicated dynamics of friendship. Another standout nonfiction work is What Now?, a short but powerful book based on her commencement speech at Sarah Lawrence College. Her ability to blend wisdom, humor, and honesty makes her nonfiction just as compelling as her fiction.

But Ann Patchett’s love of books doesn’t stop at writing them—she’s also deeply passionate about sharing them. In 2011, she co-founded Parnassus Books, an independent bookstore in Nashville, Tennessee, along with business partner Karen Hayes. This was during a time when independent bookstores were struggling, and many were closing down. Patchett wanted to create a space where readers could come together and connect over great books. And she didn’t stop there. In 2016, she helped launch a mobile bookmobile—essentially a bookstore on wheels—to bring books to even more people in the Nashville area.

In 2012, TIME Magazine named Ann Patchett one of the 100 most influential people in the world—a testament to her impact not just as an author, but as a voice for readers, writers, and book lovers everywhere.

Some of her other beloved novels include Taft, which won the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize, Run, a story that takes place over the course of 24 hours in Boston, and The Magician’s Assistant, a haunting novel about secrets, grief, and discovery. Her 2011 novel State of Wonder, set in the Amazon rainforest, was also a finalist for the Orange Prize and showcases her talent for vivid, atmospheric storytelling.

Ann Patchett’s work often explores themes of family, identity, love, and the mysterious connections between people. Her characters feel real—flawed, emotional, and deeply human. Whether she’s writing about a hostage situation, a long-lost family, or a former magician’s assistant trying to make sense of her past, there is always something universal in her stories.

Through her books, essays, and bookstore, Ann Patchett continues to inspire readers and writers alike. She’s more than just a bestselling author—she’s a storyteller in the truest sense, someone who believes in the power of literature to build bridges, open minds, and change lives.