Q:Great book - I read it earlier this summer. I think the family angle is especially interesting - what did you think?

selloutsamizdat

I’m not sure which book you mean, but I’m going to assume The Magician’s Assistant since I posted about it yesterday. I haven’t re-read it in a while (and I’ve read many books since), but I remember adoring the characters involved (or at least the honesty of their depiction), especially Sabine, the main character.

Reading this book really cemented Ann Patchett as one of my favorite authors. People are likely more familiar with her Bel Canto, but The Magician’s Assistant is on a smaller scale, dealing with issues of truth, family, AIDS, sexuality and more.

Patchett writes with amazing honesty, and I remember feeling humbled after finishing the book. It touched me deeply, which is why it’s a favorite.

And I really should re-read it again soon.