Most important books: Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett is the author of the brilliant novel Bel Canto, a PEN/Faulkner Award winner about a hostage crisis in South America, and the more recent novel Run, the story of a fictional mixed-race Boston family.

She recently told Newsweek about her five most important books. And addressed two related issues:

A classic book that, upon rereading, disappointed:

George Orwell's Animal Farm. The last time I had read it I was 12. Now I don't think it holds up past the age of 13.

A book you hope parents read to their children:

All of Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" books. The girls grow up to be smart and resourceful. What could be better than that?

Read more about Ann Patchett's most important books.

--Marshal Zeringue