Always love Ann Patchett's writing - it's so cozy, gentle and delicious. The kind of book you listen on a slower speed to really savor. Add on top MERYL STREEP narrating and you got a winner!! I've never seen Our Town (but not to worry, it's on my short list to remedy) but from what I gather, it is one of the best plays to see and very central to this plotline. Tom Lake is multi-generational families in a small town, tragedies and celebrations and finding the very best things in life to enjoy. This whole book feels like Dirty Dancing, but reliving a wild, young-adult summer in 1980's small theater out in northern Michigan. Peter Duke and Lara Nelson are one fiery but short lived couple. Duke ends up being a self-absorbed up and coming movie star while Lara settles into a low key life ultimately ending up on the cherry farm that she visited on her happiest day ever. This is THE book to read on lake days, on a porch swing or pretty much anywhere that is more nature than city. There is a place.

I can't say enough good things about Ann - I haven't read anything I didn't like by her. I got to see her speak at the Texas Book Festival on Tom Lake, but sadly hadn't read it yet. All I really remember is Ann mentioning that American Spoon made a batch sour cherry preserves in honor of Tom Lake.