Author: Emma Davie
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472934636
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
How to be an Outstanding Primary Teaching Assistant is packed full of advice, tips and strategies to help teaching assistants deliver outstanding support in the primary classroom. Written by an experienced teaching assistant, this book explores the diverse range of roles and responsibilities held by support staff in primary schools and provides guidance on how to tackle them successfully. It features tried-and-tested ideas that can be easily implemented and helps teaching assistants to build a toolbox of skills and strategies to support children throughout their school career, whatever their ability or need. This easy-to-use book includes creative advice on how best to assist the classroom teacher and the children they teach, including those with special educational needs, English as an additional language, or behavioural difficulties. It is an invaluable resource for newly qualified and more experienced teaching assistants.
How to be an Outstanding Primary Teaching Assistant
Author: Emma Davie
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472934636
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
How to be an Outstanding Primary Teaching Assistant is packed full of advice, tips and strategies to help teaching assistants deliver outstanding support in the primary classroom. Written by an experienced teaching assistant, this book explores the diverse range of roles and responsibilities held by support staff in primary schools and provides guidance on how to tackle them successfully. It features tried-and-tested ideas that can be easily implemented and helps teaching assistants to build a toolbox of skills and strategies to support children throughout their school career, whatever their ability or need. This easy-to-use book includes creative advice on how best to assist the classroom teacher and the children they teach, including those with special educational needs, English as an additional language, or behavioural difficulties. It is an invaluable resource for newly qualified and more experienced teaching assistants.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472934636
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 176
Book Description
How to be an Outstanding Primary Teaching Assistant is packed full of advice, tips and strategies to help teaching assistants deliver outstanding support in the primary classroom. Written by an experienced teaching assistant, this book explores the diverse range of roles and responsibilities held by support staff in primary schools and provides guidance on how to tackle them successfully. It features tried-and-tested ideas that can be easily implemented and helps teaching assistants to build a toolbox of skills and strategies to support children throughout their school career, whatever their ability or need. This easy-to-use book includes creative advice on how best to assist the classroom teacher and the children they teach, including those with special educational needs, English as an additional language, or behavioural difficulties. It is an invaluable resource for newly qualified and more experienced teaching assistants.
Flash Feedback [Grades 6-12]
Author: Matthew Johnson
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1071803131
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 199
Book Description
Beat burnout with time-saving best practices for feedback For ELA teachers, the danger of burnout is all too real. Inundated with seemingly insurmountable piles of papers to read, respond to, and grade, many teachers often find themselves struggling to balance differentiated, individualized feedback with the one resource they are already overextended on—time. Matthew Johnson offers classroom-tested solutions that not only alleviate the feedback-burnout cycle, but also lead to significant growth for students. These time-saving strategies built on best practices for feedback help to improve relationships, ignite motivation, and increase student ownership of learning. Flash Feedback also takes teachers to the next level of strategic feedback by sharing: How to craft effective, efficient, and more memorable feedback Strategies for scaffolding students through the meta-cognitive work necessary for real revision A plan for how to create a culture of feedback, including lessons for how to train students in meaningful peer response Downloadable online tools for teacher and student use Moving beyond the theory of working smarter, not harder, Flash Feedback works deeper by developing practices for teacher efficiency that also boost effectiveness by increasing students’ self-efficacy, improving the clarity of our messages, and ultimately creating a classroom centered around meaningful feedback.
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1071803131
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 199
Book Description
Beat burnout with time-saving best practices for feedback For ELA teachers, the danger of burnout is all too real. Inundated with seemingly insurmountable piles of papers to read, respond to, and grade, many teachers often find themselves struggling to balance differentiated, individualized feedback with the one resource they are already overextended on—time. Matthew Johnson offers classroom-tested solutions that not only alleviate the feedback-burnout cycle, but also lead to significant growth for students. These time-saving strategies built on best practices for feedback help to improve relationships, ignite motivation, and increase student ownership of learning. Flash Feedback also takes teachers to the next level of strategic feedback by sharing: How to craft effective, efficient, and more memorable feedback Strategies for scaffolding students through the meta-cognitive work necessary for real revision A plan for how to create a culture of feedback, including lessons for how to train students in meaningful peer response Downloadable online tools for teacher and student use Moving beyond the theory of working smarter, not harder, Flash Feedback works deeper by developing practices for teacher efficiency that also boost effectiveness by increasing students’ self-efficacy, improving the clarity of our messages, and ultimately creating a classroom centered around meaningful feedback.
Developing Assessment-Capable Visible Learners, Grades K-12
Author: Nancy Frey
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1506390617
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 228
Book Description
“When students know how to learn, they are able to become their own teachers.” —Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, and John Hattie Imagine students who describe their learning in these terms: “I know where I’m going, I have the tools I need for the journey, and I monitor my own progress.” Now imagine the extraordinary difference this type of ownership makes in their progress over the course of a school year. This illuminating book shows how to make this scenario an everyday reality. With its foundation in principles introduced in the authors’ bestselling Visible Learning for Literacy, this resource delves more deeply into the critical component of self-assessment, revealing the most effective types of assessment and how each can motivate students to higher levels of achievement.
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 1506390617
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 228
Book Description
“When students know how to learn, they are able to become their own teachers.” —Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, and John Hattie Imagine students who describe their learning in these terms: “I know where I’m going, I have the tools I need for the journey, and I monitor my own progress.” Now imagine the extraordinary difference this type of ownership makes in their progress over the course of a school year. This illuminating book shows how to make this scenario an everyday reality. With its foundation in principles introduced in the authors’ bestselling Visible Learning for Literacy, this resource delves more deeply into the critical component of self-assessment, revealing the most effective types of assessment and how each can motivate students to higher levels of achievement.
Teaching at Its Best
Author: Linda B. Nilson
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470612363
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Teaching at Its Best This third edition of the best-selling handbook offers faculty at all levels an essential toolbox of hundreds of practical teaching techniques, formats, classroom activities, and exercises, all of which can be implemented immediately. This thoroughly revised edition includes the newest portrait of the Millennial student; current research from cognitive psychology; a focus on outcomes maps; the latest legal options on copyright issues; and how to best use new technology including wikis, blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, and clickers. Entirely new chapters include subjects such as matching teaching methods with learning outcomes, inquiry-guided learning, and using visuals to teach, and new sections address Felder and Silverman's Index of Learning Styles, SCALE-UP classrooms, multiple true-false test items, and much more. Praise for the Third Edition of Teaching at Its BestEveryone veterans as well as novices will profit from reading Teaching at Its Best, for it provides both theory and practical suggestions for handling all of the problems one encounters in teaching classes varying in size, ability, and motivation." Wilbert McKeachie, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, and coauthor, McKeachie's Teaching TipsThis new edition of Dr. Nilson's book, with its completely updated material and several new topics, is an even more powerful collection of ideas and tools than the last. What a great resource, especially for beginning teachers but also for us veterans!" L. Dee Fink, author, Creating Significant Learning ExperiencesThis third edition of Teaching at Its Best is successful at weaving the latest research on teaching and learning into what was already a thorough exploration of each topic. New information on how we learn, how students develop, and innovations in instructional strategies complement the solid foundation established in the first two editions." Marilla D. Svinicki, Department of Psychology, The University of Texas, Austin, and coauthor, McKeachie's Teaching Tips
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470612363
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 401
Book Description
Teaching at Its Best This third edition of the best-selling handbook offers faculty at all levels an essential toolbox of hundreds of practical teaching techniques, formats, classroom activities, and exercises, all of which can be implemented immediately. This thoroughly revised edition includes the newest portrait of the Millennial student; current research from cognitive psychology; a focus on outcomes maps; the latest legal options on copyright issues; and how to best use new technology including wikis, blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, and clickers. Entirely new chapters include subjects such as matching teaching methods with learning outcomes, inquiry-guided learning, and using visuals to teach, and new sections address Felder and Silverman's Index of Learning Styles, SCALE-UP classrooms, multiple true-false test items, and much more. Praise for the Third Edition of Teaching at Its BestEveryone veterans as well as novices will profit from reading Teaching at Its Best, for it provides both theory and practical suggestions for handling all of the problems one encounters in teaching classes varying in size, ability, and motivation." Wilbert McKeachie, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, and coauthor, McKeachie's Teaching TipsThis new edition of Dr. Nilson's book, with its completely updated material and several new topics, is an even more powerful collection of ideas and tools than the last. What a great resource, especially for beginning teachers but also for us veterans!" L. Dee Fink, author, Creating Significant Learning ExperiencesThis third edition of Teaching at Its Best is successful at weaving the latest research on teaching and learning into what was already a thorough exploration of each topic. New information on how we learn, how students develop, and innovations in instructional strategies complement the solid foundation established in the first two editions." Marilla D. Svinicki, Department of Psychology, The University of Texas, Austin, and coauthor, McKeachie's Teaching Tips
The Professor Is In
Author: Karen Kelsky
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0553419420
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 450
Book Description
The definitive career guide for grad students, adjuncts, post-docs and anyone else eager to get tenure or turn their Ph.D. into their ideal job Each year tens of thousands of students will, after years of hard work and enormous amounts of money, earn their Ph.D. And each year only a small percentage of them will land a job that justifies and rewards their investment. For every comfortably tenured professor or well-paid former academic, there are countless underpaid and overworked adjuncts, and many more who simply give up in frustration. Those who do make it share an important asset that separates them from the pack: they have a plan. They understand exactly what they need to do to set themselves up for success. They know what really moves the needle in academic job searches, how to avoid the all-too-common mistakes that sink so many of their peers, and how to decide when to point their Ph.D. toward other, non-academic options. Karen Kelsky has made it her mission to help readers join the select few who get the most out of their Ph.D. As a former tenured professor and department head who oversaw numerous academic job searches, she knows from experience exactly what gets an academic applicant a job. And as the creator of the popular and widely respected advice site The Professor is In, she has helped countless Ph.D.’s turn themselves into stronger applicants and land their dream careers. Now, for the first time ever, Karen has poured all her best advice into a single handy guide that addresses the most important issues facing any Ph.D., including: -When, where, and what to publish -Writing a foolproof grant application -Cultivating references and crafting the perfect CV -Acing the job talk and campus interview -Avoiding the adjunct trap -Making the leap to nonacademic work, when the time is right The Professor Is In addresses all of these issues, and many more.
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0553419420
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 450
Book Description
The definitive career guide for grad students, adjuncts, post-docs and anyone else eager to get tenure or turn their Ph.D. into their ideal job Each year tens of thousands of students will, after years of hard work and enormous amounts of money, earn their Ph.D. And each year only a small percentage of them will land a job that justifies and rewards their investment. For every comfortably tenured professor or well-paid former academic, there are countless underpaid and overworked adjuncts, and many more who simply give up in frustration. Those who do make it share an important asset that separates them from the pack: they have a plan. They understand exactly what they need to do to set themselves up for success. They know what really moves the needle in academic job searches, how to avoid the all-too-common mistakes that sink so many of their peers, and how to decide when to point their Ph.D. toward other, non-academic options. Karen Kelsky has made it her mission to help readers join the select few who get the most out of their Ph.D. As a former tenured professor and department head who oversaw numerous academic job searches, she knows from experience exactly what gets an academic applicant a job. And as the creator of the popular and widely respected advice site The Professor is In, she has helped countless Ph.D.’s turn themselves into stronger applicants and land their dream careers. Now, for the first time ever, Karen has poured all her best advice into a single handy guide that addresses the most important issues facing any Ph.D., including: -When, where, and what to publish -Writing a foolproof grant application -Cultivating references and crafting the perfect CV -Acing the job talk and campus interview -Avoiding the adjunct trap -Making the leap to nonacademic work, when the time is right The Professor Is In addresses all of these issues, and many more.
Rattiner's Secrets of Financial Planning
Author: Jeffrey H. Rattiner
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119594278
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
Learn what it takes to be a success from the ‘all-stars’ of the financial planning and advisory profession Financial planning involves everything from determining the client's financial position, cash flow, and investment strategies, to income tax planning, risk management, insurance, and retirement and estate planning. Financial planners and advisors are responsible for recommendations and decisions that help people define and achieve their financial goals. Rattiner's Secrets of Financial Planning gives industry professionals the opportunity to hear and learn from ‘the best of the best’ in the field. Author Jeffrey H. Rattiner, a respected leader in Certified Financial Planning (CFP), shares real-world insights and expert advice from hundreds of top-level advisors in the financial planning industry. Readers gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges these successful planners have faced and how they continue to build their practices and reap success in a dynamic financial environment. This comprehensive resource includes templates based on what the best CFPs use in their practices for work programs, data quantification reports, asset allocation model portfolios, pro forma statements, and checklists for each technical financial planning discipline. Designed specifically for industry professionals, this in-depth book: Offers CFPs and financial advisors proven advice and practical methods to take their practice to the next level Includes contributions from and interviews with the leading advisors in the profession Provides templates taken from the practices of high-level financial advisors Explains the key ingredients for building a superior financial planning practice Helps develop successful financial planners and strengthen profitable practices Rattiner's Secrets of Financial Planning: From Running Your Practice to Optimizing Your Client's Experience is an important resource for CFPs, CPAs, financial advisors, financial planners, and high-level corporate executives working in the financial services industry.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119594278
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 384
Book Description
Learn what it takes to be a success from the ‘all-stars’ of the financial planning and advisory profession Financial planning involves everything from determining the client's financial position, cash flow, and investment strategies, to income tax planning, risk management, insurance, and retirement and estate planning. Financial planners and advisors are responsible for recommendations and decisions that help people define and achieve their financial goals. Rattiner's Secrets of Financial Planning gives industry professionals the opportunity to hear and learn from ‘the best of the best’ in the field. Author Jeffrey H. Rattiner, a respected leader in Certified Financial Planning (CFP), shares real-world insights and expert advice from hundreds of top-level advisors in the financial planning industry. Readers gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges these successful planners have faced and how they continue to build their practices and reap success in a dynamic financial environment. This comprehensive resource includes templates based on what the best CFPs use in their practices for work programs, data quantification reports, asset allocation model portfolios, pro forma statements, and checklists for each technical financial planning discipline. Designed specifically for industry professionals, this in-depth book: Offers CFPs and financial advisors proven advice and practical methods to take their practice to the next level Includes contributions from and interviews with the leading advisors in the profession Provides templates taken from the practices of high-level financial advisors Explains the key ingredients for building a superior financial planning practice Helps develop successful financial planners and strengthen profitable practices Rattiner's Secrets of Financial Planning: From Running Your Practice to Optimizing Your Client's Experience is an important resource for CFPs, CPAs, financial advisors, financial planners, and high-level corporate executives working in the financial services industry.
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning
Author: Louise Burnham
Publisher: Hodder Education
ISBN: 1510425012
Category : Study Aids
Languages : en
Pages : 442
Book Description
Make a difference to classroom learning with this textbook, written for the CACHE qualification by highly respected and experienced author Louise Burnham. -Develop your skills as a teaching assistant with coverage of all units in the new CACHE qualification. -Build confidence in your role with practical advice and full explanations from best-selling author Louise Burnham. -Translate theory into practice with Tips for Best Practice and Case Studies for challenging topics such as Behaviour Management. -Strengthen your understanding of theory and practice, with comprehensive information linked clearly to assessment criteria. -Find all the information you need with the colourful, clear design, and appropriate language throughout. -Make the most of your training with the Stretch and Challenge feature. -Engage in debate on important topics with Classroom Discussion suggestions.
Publisher: Hodder Education
ISBN: 1510425012
Category : Study Aids
Languages : en
Pages : 442
Book Description
Make a difference to classroom learning with this textbook, written for the CACHE qualification by highly respected and experienced author Louise Burnham. -Develop your skills as a teaching assistant with coverage of all units in the new CACHE qualification. -Build confidence in your role with practical advice and full explanations from best-selling author Louise Burnham. -Translate theory into practice with Tips for Best Practice and Case Studies for challenging topics such as Behaviour Management. -Strengthen your understanding of theory and practice, with comprehensive information linked clearly to assessment criteria. -Find all the information you need with the colourful, clear design, and appropriate language throughout. -Make the most of your training with the Stretch and Challenge feature. -Engage in debate on important topics with Classroom Discussion suggestions.
How Learning Works
Author: Susan A. Ambrose
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470617608
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
Praise for How Learning Works "How Learning Works is the perfect title for this excellent book. Drawing upon new research in psychology, education, and cognitive science, the authors have demystified a complex topic into clear explanations of seven powerful learning principles. Full of great ideas and practical suggestions, all based on solid research evidence, this book is essential reading for instructors at all levels who wish to improve their students' learning." —Barbara Gross Davis, assistant vice chancellor for educational development, University of California, Berkeley, and author, Tools for Teaching "This book is a must-read for every instructor, new or experienced. Although I have been teaching for almost thirty years, as I read this book I found myself resonating with many of its ideas, and I discovered new ways of thinking about teaching." —Eugenia T. Paulus, professor of chemistry, North Hennepin Community College, and 2008 U.S. Community Colleges Professor of the Year from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education "Thank you Carnegie Mellon for making accessible what has previously been inaccessible to those of us who are not learning scientists. Your focus on the essence of learning combined with concrete examples of the daily challenges of teaching and clear tactical strategies for faculty to consider is a welcome work. I will recommend this book to all my colleagues." —Catherine M. Casserly, senior partner, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching "As you read about each of the seven basic learning principles in this book, you will find advice that is grounded in learning theory, based on research evidence, relevant to college teaching, and easy to understand. The authors have extensive knowledge and experience in applying the science of learning to college teaching, and they graciously share it with you in this organized and readable book." —From the Foreword by Richard E. Mayer, professor of psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; coauthor, e-Learning and the Science of Instruction; and author, Multimedia Learning
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470617608
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
Praise for How Learning Works "How Learning Works is the perfect title for this excellent book. Drawing upon new research in psychology, education, and cognitive science, the authors have demystified a complex topic into clear explanations of seven powerful learning principles. Full of great ideas and practical suggestions, all based on solid research evidence, this book is essential reading for instructors at all levels who wish to improve their students' learning." —Barbara Gross Davis, assistant vice chancellor for educational development, University of California, Berkeley, and author, Tools for Teaching "This book is a must-read for every instructor, new or experienced. Although I have been teaching for almost thirty years, as I read this book I found myself resonating with many of its ideas, and I discovered new ways of thinking about teaching." —Eugenia T. Paulus, professor of chemistry, North Hennepin Community College, and 2008 U.S. Community Colleges Professor of the Year from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education "Thank you Carnegie Mellon for making accessible what has previously been inaccessible to those of us who are not learning scientists. Your focus on the essence of learning combined with concrete examples of the daily challenges of teaching and clear tactical strategies for faculty to consider is a welcome work. I will recommend this book to all my colleagues." —Catherine M. Casserly, senior partner, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching "As you read about each of the seven basic learning principles in this book, you will find advice that is grounded in learning theory, based on research evidence, relevant to college teaching, and easy to understand. The authors have extensive knowledge and experience in applying the science of learning to college teaching, and they graciously share it with you in this organized and readable book." —From the Foreword by Richard E. Mayer, professor of psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; coauthor, e-Learning and the Science of Instruction; and author, Multimedia Learning
The Best Teacher Lesson Planner
Author: Editors of Ulysses Press
Publisher: Ulysses Press
ISBN: 1646040465
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Keep your classroom in perfect order with this monthly/weekly planner designed specifically for busy teachers who need a go-to place to store important classroom information, record grades, and have the best, most organized year ever. Banish the back-to-school scaries with the perfect resource for classroom organization: The Best Teacher Lesson Planner. Finally, the one and only planner you’ll ever need to make activities and scheduling easy, stay on top of organization, and manage all types of classrooms. This book includes: - Customizable full-year calendar - Monthly and weekly planner pages - Attendance and grade records for each student - High-quality interior paper and lay-flat binding - Space for seating charts - Extra note pages for to-do lists and important ideas - Inspirational quotes and fun holidays Perfect for teachers of all grade levels and homeschoolers alike, this book will quickly become your go-to teaching assistant. Keep calm and teach on!
Publisher: Ulysses Press
ISBN: 1646040465
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 192
Book Description
Keep your classroom in perfect order with this monthly/weekly planner designed specifically for busy teachers who need a go-to place to store important classroom information, record grades, and have the best, most organized year ever. Banish the back-to-school scaries with the perfect resource for classroom organization: The Best Teacher Lesson Planner. Finally, the one and only planner you’ll ever need to make activities and scheduling easy, stay on top of organization, and manage all types of classrooms. This book includes: - Customizable full-year calendar - Monthly and weekly planner pages - Attendance and grade records for each student - High-quality interior paper and lay-flat binding - Space for seating charts - Extra note pages for to-do lists and important ideas - Inspirational quotes and fun holidays Perfect for teachers of all grade levels and homeschoolers alike, this book will quickly become your go-to teaching assistant. Keep calm and teach on!
These Precious Days
Author: Ann Patchett
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0063092808
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays. "The elegance of Patchett’s prose is seductive and inviting: with Patchett as a guide, readers will really get to grips with the power of struggles, failures, and triumphs alike." —Publisher's Weekly “Any story that starts will also end.” As a writer, Ann Patchett knows what the outcome of her fiction will be. Life, however, often takes turns we do not see coming. Patchett ponders this truth in these wise essays that afford a fresh and intimate look into her mind and heart. At the center of These Precious Days is the title essay, a surprising and moving meditation on an unexpected friendship that explores “what it means to be seen, to find someone with whom you can be your best and most complete self.” When Patchett chose an early galley of actor and producer Tom Hanks’ short story collection to read one night before bed, she had no idea that this single choice would be life changing. It would introduce her to a remarkable woman—Tom’s brilliant assistant Sooki—with whom she would form a profound bond that held monumental consequences for them both. A literary alchemist, Patchett plumbs the depths of her experiences to create gold: engaging and moving pieces that are both self-portrait and landscape, each vibrant with emotion and rich in insight. Turning her writer’s eye on her own experiences, she transforms the private into the universal, providing us all a way to look at our own worlds anew, and reminds how fleeting and enigmatic life can be. From the enchantments of Kate DiCamillo’s children’s books (author of The Beatryce Prophecy) to youthful memories of Paris; the cherished life gifts given by her three fathers to the unexpected influence of Charles Schultz’s Snoopy; the expansive vision of Eudora Welty to the importance of knitting, Patchett connects life and art as she illuminates what matters most. Infused with the author’s grace, wit, and warmth, the pieces in These Precious Days resonate deep in the soul, leaving an indelible mark—and demonstrate why Ann Patchett is one of the most celebrated writers of our time.
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0063092808
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
The beloved New York Times bestselling author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this deeply personal collection of essays. "The elegance of Patchett’s prose is seductive and inviting: with Patchett as a guide, readers will really get to grips with the power of struggles, failures, and triumphs alike." —Publisher's Weekly “Any story that starts will also end.” As a writer, Ann Patchett knows what the outcome of her fiction will be. Life, however, often takes turns we do not see coming. Patchett ponders this truth in these wise essays that afford a fresh and intimate look into her mind and heart. At the center of These Precious Days is the title essay, a surprising and moving meditation on an unexpected friendship that explores “what it means to be seen, to find someone with whom you can be your best and most complete self.” When Patchett chose an early galley of actor and producer Tom Hanks’ short story collection to read one night before bed, she had no idea that this single choice would be life changing. It would introduce her to a remarkable woman—Tom’s brilliant assistant Sooki—with whom she would form a profound bond that held monumental consequences for them both. A literary alchemist, Patchett plumbs the depths of her experiences to create gold: engaging and moving pieces that are both self-portrait and landscape, each vibrant with emotion and rich in insight. Turning her writer’s eye on her own experiences, she transforms the private into the universal, providing us all a way to look at our own worlds anew, and reminds how fleeting and enigmatic life can be. From the enchantments of Kate DiCamillo’s children’s books (author of The Beatryce Prophecy) to youthful memories of Paris; the cherished life gifts given by her three fathers to the unexpected influence of Charles Schultz’s Snoopy; the expansive vision of Eudora Welty to the importance of knitting, Patchett connects life and art as she illuminates what matters most. Infused with the author’s grace, wit, and warmth, the pieces in These Precious Days resonate deep in the soul, leaving an indelible mark—and demonstrate why Ann Patchett is one of the most celebrated writers of our time.