Why Ann Patchett thinks the secret to success might be lowering people's expectations

Ann Patchett has written many celebrated books: Bel Canto, The Dutch House, State of Wonder. Her new book, Whistler, is another in her line-up of lovely stories that honour memory and the moments that make a life. Besides her work as a writer, Ann owns a bookstore called Parnassus in Nashville, and she’s a tireless advocate for independent booksellers. In the midst of a busy book tour for Whistler, she stops by to chat and recommend some titles from the Parnassus shelves. Plus, author Monique Gray Smith talks about true happiness while answering The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire.Books discussed on this week's show include:Whistler by Ann PatchettKin by Tayari JonesJohn of John by Douglas StuartThe Left and the Lucky by Willy VlautinMusic Against the Night by Yiyun LeeSharing the Light: Stories and Reflections by Monique Gray SmithCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks