Truth & Beauty

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by Ann Patchett

The first work of nonfiction by New York Times bestselling novelist Ann Patchett, detailing her decades-long connection with Lucy Grealy, the critically regarded and lately deceased author.

Ann Patchett and the late Lucy Grealy met in college in 1981 and formed a friendship that would be as important to both of their lives as their work after enrolling in the Iowa Writer's Workshop. Grealy wrote about losing part of her jaw to childhood cancer, years of chemotherapy and radiation, and numerous reconstructive operations in her highly praised and immensely profitable memoir, Autobiography of a Face. The tale in Truth & Beauty isn't about Lucy's or Ann's lives, but rather the parts of their lives they lived together. This is a depiction of unshakable dedication that spans two decades, from the Midwest's long, bitter winters through surgical wards and New York book parties. This is what it means to be a part of two lives that are intertwined...and what happens when one is left behind, via love, fame, drugs, and misery.

This is a touching and sad about loving the person we can't help. It's about devotion and being inspired by someone who knows how to live life to the fullest.

Our thoughts on Truth & Beauty

Our favourite quote from Truth & Beauty

Writing is a job, a talent, but it's also the place to go in your head. It is the imaginary friend you drink your tea with in the afternoon.

Book Summary

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Writing is a job, a talent, but it's also the place to go in your head. It is the imaginary friend you drink your tea with in the afternoon.

— Ann Patchett, Truth & Beauty