[2] The essays range in subject, but often consider relationships in Patchett's personal and professional life, including with her father and stepfathers; her decision not to have children; the close friendship she develops in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic with Tom Hanks' assistant Sooki Raphael.

The magazine's critical summary reads: "This "cornucopia of treats" (Boston Globe) contains pieces both profound and occasional".

[4] Publishers Weekly gave These Precious Days a starred review, calling it “eloquent” and saying Patchett writes “poignantly—and often with wry humor”.

[1] In The New York Times, Alex Witchel called the collection “excellent”, saying “Patchett’s heart, smarts and 40 years of craft create an economy that delivers her perfectly understated stories emotionally whole.”[5] In The Washington Post, Michele Filgate praised Patchett's “welcoming and comforting” prose.

[2] On December 12, 2021, These Precious Days made The New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover non-fiction,[6] and has remained on it through January 2, 2022.