"Onlookers is a story collection about people living in the same Southern town whose lives intersect in surprising ways"--
Ann Beattie Book order
Ann Beattie is an American short story writer and novelist whose work is celebrated for its incisive look at modern life and relationships. Her distinctive style, often compared to literary giants, delves into the complexities of everyday existence with a nuanced understanding of human psychology. Beattie masterfully captures quiet moments, unspoken thoughts, and subtle nuances of communication, crafting narratives that resonate with readers for their authenticity and depth. Her fiction is admired for its ability to reveal the hidden emotional currents and existential anxieties within seemingly ordinary situations.






- 2023
- 2023
A selection of Ann Beattie's nonfiction essays, chosen and introduced by the author. Ann Beattie's nonfiction (originally published in Esquire, The American Scholar, Life, The New Yorker, The New York Times, and many others) has never before been gathered and published in book form. With subjects ranging from Alice Munro to Elmore Leonard, from Sally Mann to John Loengard, this is a wide-ranging, and always penetrating and surprising, collection by a curious and fascinating mind.
- 2019
A Wonderful Stroke of Luck
- 288 pages
- 11 hours of reading
"Published in the year 2019 by arrangement with Viking, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC"--Copyright page.
- 2018
The Accomplished Guest: Stories
- 288 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Recognized as a notable fiction book by The Washington Post, this work captivates readers with its compelling narrative and rich character development. It explores profound themes and offers a unique perspective on contemporary issues, making it a significant addition to modern literature. The author’s skillful storytelling engages the audience, inviting them to reflect on the complexities of human experience.
- 2016
The State We're in: Maine Stories
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Exploring a spectrum of emotional states, this new collection from Ann Beattie delves into themes of longing, disaffection, ambivalence, love, and regret. Marking her return after a decade, the stories showcase her renowned narrative style and insight into the human experience. Readers can expect a compelling blend of familiar voice and fresh perspectives.
- 2016
The State We're In
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
A new collection of stories from an award-winning master of the form, about the stories we tell about ourselves to others and the stories we're told.
- 2012
Mrs. Nixon: A Novelist Imagines a Life
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Focusing on Pat Nixon, this captivating work delves into her life while exploring broader themes of fiction, writing, and the creative process. The author, celebrated as a national treasure, presents a unique and original narrative that intertwines biographical elements with reflections on the art of storytelling. This layered approach offers readers an insightful look at both a historical figure and the nature of fiction itself.
- 2011
The New Yorker Stories
- 544 pages
- 20 hours of reading
The collection features a comprehensive anthology of the author's stories that were published in "The New Yorker" from 1974 to 2006. Spanning 528 pages, it showcases a diverse range of narratives reflecting the author's unique voice and style, appealing to both longtime fans and new readers. With a substantial print run of 40,000 copies, this compilation highlights the author's significant contributions to contemporary literature.
- 2008
Tengwe Garden Club
- 156 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of Robert Mugabe's regime, this memoir recounts Ann Rothrock Beattie's heartfelt love story that blossoms during a safari in Zimbabwe. Transitioning from a romantic adventure to life on a tobacco farm in Tengwe, she shares her experiences with local wildlife, community life, and the profound connections she forms, particularly with her husband, Dave. As political instability threatens their safety and livelihood, Ann candidly explores the challenges faced by her family and community in a time of crisis.
- 2006
Follies: New Stories
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Exploring the intricate dynamics between adult children and their aging parents, this novella and collection of stories delves into the transformative moments that can change lives. The author masterfully weaves together narratives that highlight the complexities of familial relationships and the unexpected connections that arise, offering profound insights into love, loss, and the passage of time.