Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
30(30%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Lamott's books on faith are truly remarkable, and one of my favorites stands out.

It is an incredibly honest work that has the power to deeply resonate with readers.

As you journey through the short chapters, you'll find yourself alternating between fits of laughter and moments of profound tears.

The author's ability to convey complex spiritual concepts in a relatable and accessible way is truly a gift.

Each chapter feels like a personal conversation, drawing you in and making you feel understood.

Whether you're a person of strong faith or simply seeking answers and inspiration, this book has something to offer.

It challenges you to think, to question, and to grow in your own spiritual journey.

Lamott's writing is engaging, humorous, and deeply moving, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the topic of faith.

It has the potential to touch your heart and change your perspective in ways you never thought possible.

July 15,2025
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I completely immersed myself in this book and devoured it in one sitting.

I had heard numerous wonderful things about Anne Lamott, and to my great delight, I found her writing to be even more captivating than I had anticipated.

She is refreshingly raw and brutally honest in her words, which truly touched my heart.

At times, I couldn't help but burst out laughing, sharing in her moments of humor.

Other times, I grieved along with her, feeling the pain and sadness she so eloquently described.

Most importantly, her writing inspired me to love deeper and more fully, to embrace the beauty and complexity of life with an open heart.

Anne Lamott's words have left an indelible mark on me, and I will surely be reflecting on them for a long time to come.
July 15,2025
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I think that Anne Lamott may be my favorite author at the moment.

This is the second book I have read by her, and I truly relished this one. Since I have a belief in God, I have a penchant for reading books penned by other believers who are unashamed of their faith. Anne Lamott is precisely such an author. However, her books are by no means didactic or self-righteous.

Instead, she writes with humor and candor about her struggles in everyday life as she endeavors to survive in these chaotic times, raise her teenage son, and be an authentic Christian. It is also invigorating to read the thoughts of a believer whose politics lean decidedly to the left, and to know that political views do not and should not have any impact on following Jesus.

This book really resonated with me. It was poignant in certain parts and uproariously funny in others. I am traversing through her "Thoughts on Faith" series in reverse order, as initially I read "Grace Eventually," which was the most recent. I still haven't perused the first in the series, "Traveling Mercies." I commenced on the series quite accidentally when I picked up "Grace Eventually" one night in the book section of Target and began reading here and there. After approximately five minutes, I knew that I would either have to buy the book or remain in the store all night reading it. I have been on the lookout for books by Anne Lamott ever since.
July 15,2025
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Irreverent, provocative, stream of consciousness essays on life, politics, and faith.

These essays are a unique exploration of the various aspects that shape our world and our understanding of it. They offer a fresh perspective, unafraid to challenge the status quo and question the commonly held beliefs.

With an irreverent tone, they cut through the clutter and get to the heart of the matter. The provocative nature of the essays aims to stimulate thought and engage the reader in a lively debate.

The stream of consciousness style adds a sense of authenticity and immediacy, as if the writer is sharing their unfiltered thoughts and emotions with the reader.

Whether it's delving into the complex issues of politics, exploring the meaning and purpose of life, or examining the role of faith in a modern society, these essays offer a thought-provoking and engaging read.

They encourage the reader to step out of their comfort zone, question their own beliefs, and look at the world from a different angle.

In a world where so much of the information we consume is sanitized and filtered, these essays provide a refreshing alternative, a space where ideas can be freely expressed and explored.

So, if you're looking for something that will make you think, challenge your assumptions, and expand your视野, then these irreverent, provocative, stream of consciousness essays are definitely worth a read.
July 15,2025
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I'm truly biased when it comes to rating this book with my stars. Objectively, the book might deserve a solid four stars. However, Annie being Annie, she elevates it to a full five-star rating.

Although they might seem like rather odd companions, I envision her and Madeleine L'Engle as the two women who have had a profound impact on me in embracing my faith and feeling comfortable with it, rather than bristling at all the aspects that come with it and make me feel uneasy and annoyed. I have a deep love for her earthy and authentic words that describe the intersection of life and faith in all its messiness.

For a girl like me who grew up in a very pristine evangelical world, her perspective on love, doubt, faith, and hope is always incredibly refreshing. A choice quote from her is: “Laughter is carbonated holiness.”

Whether she's writing about the death of her dog (or her mother), starting a Sunday School (“Holy of Holies 101”), or struggling with bitterness over George W. and his war, there is always, in some way, a simple yet meaningful spiritual truth about life that surfaces in the most hilarious, honest, and conversational of manners. I've always had this desire to have a beer with Annie (I suspect she's a beer kind of girl). After all, for heaven's sakes, she calls the jiggly part of her butt and thighs “the aunties.” And she originated my favorite phrase for terrible trouble, “f****d unto the very Lord.”

Her writing style and her unique take on life and faith make her a truly remarkable author. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us in the future.
July 15,2025
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I listened to this one as well. In fact, I have a stronger preference for her writing compared to her reading. Her stories are truly captivating, and some of the words she uses are filled with wisdom. However, I must admit that I became rather tired of her passionate yet somewhat outdated complaints about Bush.

She said, "We figured out that ppl who make farting noises and weapons out of doritos should not determine what we do and don't do in class. There's a lovely hasidic story of a rabbi who always told his ppl that if they studied for the torah they would put scripture on their hearts. One of them asked, why ON our hearts and not IN them? The rabbi answered, Only God can put scripture inside but reading sacred texts can put it on your hearts and then when your hearts break, the holy words will fall inside."

This statement about the rabbi and the Torah is quite interesting. It makes one think about the power of studying and how it can have an impact on our hearts. While I may not agree with all of her views, I can still appreciate the thought and effort she puts into her work.
July 15,2025
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I will always adore Anne Lamott.

This book was precisely what I needed to listen to. The majority of it addressed her inner turmoil regarding the American president (for her, it was Bush in 2005; for me, it's Trump in 2016). She is perhaps the most honest and unwavering writer I have ever come across.

She expresses the things that we hope we don't think, do, or believe, and then she reminds us of grace and assists us in learning to be at peace with never completely fixing ourselves.

I have a plan to reread this book soon. It has had such a profound impact on me that I feel the need to revisit it and soak in its wisdom once again.

Anne Lamott's words have a way of cutting through the clutter and getting to the heart of the matter. Her honesty and vulnerability are truly refreshing in a world where so many people are afraid to show their true selves.

I am grateful to have discovered her writing and look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
July 15,2025
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Reading this book has truly made me experience a wonderful feeling. It is not only funny and honest but also interspersed with some profanity. However, in the end, each and every essay within it is life-affirming and love-affirming.


She is so excellent that she even made me contemplate going to church at some point. This is no insignificant matter. I am a non-religious person, yet I am open-minded. But I usually get extremely bored during sermons, either feeling bored or alienated.


The last time I attempted to visit a Christian church - which was the first time since high school - the guest speaker spent a full 45 minutes informing us that we were God's chosen ones. Then she lamented the fact that she couldn't convert a Jewish man before he met a gruesome end by killing himself at his office. In her mind, the cause of his death was the absence of Jesus in his life.


True believers like this both frighten me and make me yawn, or simply irritate me to the core. They give Christians a bad reputation.


Anne Lamott, on the other hand, gives Christians a good name. She is not perfect. She doesn't pass judgment on people who are different from her. Instead, she struggles daily to stay close to God, maintain an open mind, and be kind to herself and others.


Reading her essays has inspired me to strive for a more mindful, generous, and helpful life, especially when it is inconvenient and challenging to do so.

July 15,2025
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I find myself in a bit of a quandary when it comes to Anne Lamott's works.

I simply can't decide if I have a greater affinity for her novels or her non-fiction.

On one hand, her novels draw me in with their engaging characters and captivating storylines.

They allow me to lose myself in different worlds and experience a range of emotions.

On the other hand, her non-fiction is equally enthralling.

It offers profound insights into life, love, and the human condition.

Her writing is so honest and relatable that it often feels like she is sharing her personal experiences directly with me.

Thankfully, I don't have to make a choice between the two.

I can enjoy the best of both worlds and continue to be inspired by her wonderful writing.

Whether it's a novel or non-fiction, Anne Lamott always manages to touch my heart and make me think.

I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.
July 15,2025
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I kind of wish I could have an Anne Lamott book going in the background forever.

This is precisely why this particular one took me such a long time to read.

I am truly in love with the way God (and for her, Jesus) is presented as a character in her life.

The manner in which she writes about relying on prayer and her spiritual community is truly inspiring.

It has actually helped me to figure out a significant part of what has been missing in my own spiritual life.

This book is truly some pretty good stuff.

It makes me reflect on my own spiritual journey and consider how I can incorporate some of the things she has written about into my own life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring their spiritual side or who is looking for some inspiration and guidance.

Anne Lamott's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, and it has the power to touch the hearts and souls of readers.

Overall, I am extremely glad that I took the time to read this book, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
July 15,2025
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I had deliberately avoided this book initially. The reason being that I had mistakenly confused this author with an Anne of a different name, someone whose works I did not particularly care for.

However, one day while I was driving to a certain destination, I happened to hear an interview with Anne Lamott. As I listened, I found myself thinking that here was someone whose words I would really like to hear more of. So, I decided to go in search of books written by her.

If you often think and wonder about your own relationship with things that are spiritual, then this book is truly a wonderful find. The author, Anne Lamott, is a Christian. But I don't believe that being a Christian is a necessary prerequisite for readers to enjoy and gain from this book.

The author comes across as being quite honest. She openly admits that in many situations, she isn't entirely certain about what the best course of action is. But she firmly believes that if one is honest and true to oneself, then things will ultimately work out better. She also shares some of her own spiritual practices. However, she does so from the perspective that these are the things that have worked for her personally, not necessarily suggesting that they would be the absolute best for all of her readers. This is a refreshing change compared to most other authors who are overly confident in proclaiming that they have discovered the one and only true way.

Overall, this book offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on spirituality and personal growth.
July 15,2025
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I am not even sure how it is that I got this book to read.

Probably it was from my wife who got it from our Pastor.

I can tell you that I would not have sought it out on my own.

However, having said that, I must say, it was a nice read.

She is a liberal and a Christian, and her 24 chapters cover a wide variety of perspectives on political and personal happenings and events.

The country is in a sorry state and will likely get worse due to the current politicians in charge.

She does not view her faith as dogma or ritual. Instead, she finds it in opening our hearts even when things seem hopeless or we are simply confused by our faith and/or events.

She did not have a liking for George Bush.

One of the most important things we can do is to open up and give to one another.

Faith is not about how we feel, but rather more about how we live. In my view, that is one of the primary charges to me as a Christian... to live it – yes, you can talk about it – but exemplifying it carries far more credibility than any words.

This one line that really resonated with me a great deal... “A moral position is not a slogan, or wishful thinking. It doesn’t come from the outside or above. It begins inside the heart of a character and grows from there.”

I finished the book and said to myself... I like this person. We would probably have political debates, but she would be welcome in my home anytime.
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