A Common LifeA Common Life
Score Modern
What it's about
After years as a bachelor, Father Tim Kavanagh, the Episcopal priest of the little town of Mitford, North Carolina, is finally marrying Cynthia, his warm, artistic neighbor. This book tells the story of their wedding: the preparations, the nerves, the whole town getting involved, and the surprises along the way.
Why it's worth reading
It was a #1 New York Times bestseller. It's a gentle, funny interlude in the beloved Mitford series.
You'll love it if you liked
In This Mountain
Winter Solstice
A Man Called PeterGood to know
It's short and best read after the earlier Mitford books, which it fits between in time.
By the numbers
- Readers82 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller22 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #685 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1292 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
More by Jan Karon
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Quick answers
Is A Common Life worth reading?
Yes. It was a #1 New York Times bestseller. It ranks #1,292 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 70.0 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is A Common Life about?
After years as a bachelor, Father Tim Kavanagh, the Episcopal priest of the little town of Mitford, North Carolina, is finally marrying Cynthia, his warm, artistic neighbor. This book tells the story of their wedding: the preparations, the nerves, the whole town getting involved, and the surprises along the way.
How long does it take to read A Common Life?
About 5 hours (186 pages), or about 10 days at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after A Common Life?
If you liked it, try In This Mountain by Jan Karon, Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher or A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall.