Overall, the writing is of high quality. However, perhaps Lamott should have waited for some time before publishing her anti-Bush rants. Firstly, it comes across as extremely bitter, which might turn off some readers. Secondly, it gives the book a sense of being dated, as political views and situations change over time. Thirdly, it detracts from the more charming and perceptive essays within the book.

For example, my favorite essay is "Heat" (chapter 9). In this essay, Lamott discloses all the irritating aspects of being a parent. She writes, "One reason I think we get so angry with our children is that we can. Who else is there that you can talk to like this? Can you imagine saying to your partner, 'You get off the phone now! No, not in five minutes'? Or to a friend, 'Get over here, right this second! The longer you make me wait, the worse it's going to be for you.' Or to a salesman at Sears who happens to pick up a ringing phone, 'Don't you dare answer the phone when I'm talking to you.'"

She also offers this profound insight: "What has helped me lately was to figure out that when we blow up at our kids, we only think we're going from zero to sixty in one second. Our surface and persona are so calm that when a problem begins, we sound in control when we say, 'Now honey, stop that,' or 'That's enough.' But it's only an illusion. In fact, all day we've been nursing anger toward the boss or boyfriend or mother, yet since we can't get mad at nonkid people, we stuff it down. When the problem with your kid starts up, you're really beginning at fifty-nine, but you're not moving. You're at high idle already, yet not aware of how vulnerable and disrespected you already feel."

This Christian author is truly my crankiest, yet also the most honest friend I have.

Her laugh out loud aphorisms are not only addictive but also highly enlightening.

Every time I read her works, I find myself completely drawn in by her unique perspective and her ability to express profound truths in a humorous and engaging way.

Her honesty shines through in every word she writes, and it is this authenticity that makes her so endearing.

I truly love her and her writing, and I am grateful to have her in my life as a source of inspiration and entertainment.

She has a way of making me think about things I never would have considered before, and her aphorisms often stay with me long after I have finished reading.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Uber quick read - but entertaining with some nice nuggets of truth thrown in as well.

It's a very stream of consciousness style which makes it easy and enjoyable to read.

The author seems to just let their thoughts flow freely, and it creates a kind of engaging and laid-back atmosphere.

Even though it's a quick read, there are still some interesting and thought-provoking ideas scattered throughout.

It's the kind of book that you can easily pick up and put down, and yet still get something out of each time.

Overall, it's a fun and lighthearted read that doesn't take itself too seriously, but still manages to offer some valuable insights.

If you're looking for something to pass the time and have a bit of fun with, this might just be the book for you.

I read Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird" first, and that truly ruined me because I adored it to such an extent.

When I delved into this particular book, I did so with extremely high expectations. However, I was immediately met with disappointment as I found her tone and language to be arrogant, cynical, self-absorbed, condescending, and judgmental.

Her thoughts on faith seemed to lack any inspiring quality. It appeared that she had faith only in herself and her liberal approach to life, which was mainly centered around her experience of single-parenting one child. Somehow, this seemed to make her believe she was an expert on all matters.

I had to force myself to get through the book, and I will most likely never pick up another work by Lamott again. It was such a letdown.

I can only assume that she wrote this during a period of personal lows, and for that, I feel sorry. But clearly, that was not the most opportune time to pen a book on faith.

I've only read one other book by Anne Lamott, which is "Hallelujah Anyway" and was written more recently. I really liked it. This time, I picked up another one of her books at Goodwill. Published in 2005, it is firmly set in the context of the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the presidency of George W. Bush. Anne Lamott was not a fan of either.

While in some aspects, this makes the content seem dated, in other ways, it parallels the times we are living in now, the post-Obama era, very closely. Anne is blunt, irreverent, hilarious, and challenging. The chapters and stories are beautifully woven together, paying tribute to keeping the faith when it doesn't seem to make sense, loving your enemies even when it's extremely hard, and being part of a community that walks with you in the process. Heads up: there is some language in the book.

"What a mess we are, I thought. But this is usually where any hope of improvement begins, acknowledging the mess."

"One secret of life is that the reason life works at all is that not everyone in your tribe is nuts on the same day. Another secret is that laughter is carbonated holiness."

And a great quote to end the review from page 220: "...{Jesus] is available to everyone. His love and mercy fall equally upon us all. This is so deeply not me. I know the world is loved by God, as are all of its people, but it is much easier to believe that God hates or disapproves of or punishes the same people I do, because these thoughts are what is going on inside me much of the time."

But you are not just defined by your bank account balance or your ambitious goals in life.

You are not the cold lump of clay that is left behind when you pass away.

Nor are you simply a collection of various personality disorders that might seem to walk along with you.

No, you are so much more. You are Spirit, a being filled with love.

Even though it can be extremely difficult to believe this at times, the truth is that you are free.

You are here on this earth to love and to be loved freely.

Just imagine if you were to find out next week that you have a terminal illness. Well, in a sense, we are all terminally ill on this journey called life.

What will truly matter then are the beautiful memories you have created, the fact that people have loved you, and that you have loved them in return.

These are the things that will last and give meaning to our existence.

“There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground” (Rumi, quoted on p. 37). This beautiful quote by Rumi seems to suggest that there are countless ways to show our humility and reverence. It makes us think about the different ways we can connect with the divine or with something greater than ourselves.

“I could feel something tugging on my inside sleeve, which is the only place I ever hear from God: on the shirtsleeve of my heart” (60). The author's description of feeling God's presence in such a personal and unique way is quite touching. It shows that our connection with the divine can be very intimate and can occur in the most unexpected places.

“Archbishop Carlo Maria Martini of Milan wrote the 'full of grace' is the passive: grace is something Mary has received, and the phrase is in the distant past tense, so it really means something like, 'You have been loved for a very long time'” (63). This interpretation of the phrase “full of grace” gives us a new perspective on the concept of grace. It emphasizes that grace is not something we earn but something we receive, and that it is a sign of God's love for us that has endured throughout time.

“Laughter is carbonated holiness” (66). This humorous and yet profound statement by the author makes us realize that laughter can be a source of spiritual renewal and connection. It reminds us that even in the midst of our busy and often stressful lives, we should take the time to laugh and find joy in the simple things.

“During the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy received two letters from the Kremlin. One was aggressive, the other gentler. And because Kennedy said to his men, 'Let's respond to the saner message,' we did not get blown up, or have to blow up the world. So I tried to respond to the kinder voice” (66). The author's reflection on this historical event and its parallel to our own lives is quite thought-provoking. It shows us the importance of listening to the voice of reason and kindness, even in the face of conflict and aggression.

“Even as we improved as teachers and students, the children continued to have impulse-control problems; the very thing that made them spontaneous and immediate could also make them mean. One day a mouthy eight-year-old said something insulting about my dreadlocks. Rather than hit him over the head with the Wiffle Ball bat, which was my first impulse, I sat beside him and said, 'It's only been in the last ten years that I learned how beautiful my hair and I are, so please don't say critical things about me. It hurts my feelings.' He gaped at me, and said, 'You're freaking me out, Octopus Head'” (70). The author's account of this interaction with a student is both humorous and touching. It shows us the importance of patience and understanding when dealing with children, and how our own self-esteem and confidence can impact our relationships with others.

“There's a lovely Hasidic story of a rabbi who always told his people that if they studied the Torah, it 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 text can put it on your hearts, and then when your hearts break, the holy words fall inside'” (73). This story beautifully illustrates the power of reading and studying sacred texts. It shows us that while we may not be able to fully understand or internalize the teachings of the scriptures, simply reading them can have a profound impact on our lives and hearts.

“Your sick, worried mind can't heal your sick worried mind” (130). This simple yet powerful statement by the author reminds us of the importance of taking care of our mental health. It shows us that we cannot rely on our own negative thoughts and emotions to heal ourselves, but rather we need to seek help and support from others.

“Arrange whatever pieces come your way” (Virginia Woolf quoted on p. 166). This quote by Virginia Woolf encourages us to be flexible and adaptable in the face of life's challenges. It reminds us that we may not always be able to control the circumstances that come our way, but we can choose how we respond to them and how we piece our lives back together.

“... not only do I get along with me most of the time now, I am militantly and maternally on my own side” (172). The author's statement about her newfound self-acceptance and self-love is truly inspiring. It shows us that we can learn to love and accept ourselves, flaws and all, and that this self-love can give us the strength and courage to face life's challenges.

“The eight-year-old flower girl could not be there [at the rehearsal:], and she did not really need to be, because there is no one more capable and helpful than an eight-year-old girl” (248-9). The author's observation about the capabilities of eight-year-old girls is both charming and true. It reminds us that children are often more resourceful and capable than we give them credit for, and that we should not underestimate their potential.

“I remembered something Father Tom had told me--that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns” (257). This profound statement by Father Tom challenges our traditional understanding of faith. It shows us that faith is not about having all the answers or being certain about everything, but rather it is about being open to the unknown and trusting that there is a greater plan at work.

“Rumi wrote, 'Be a well-baked loaf.' Loaves are made to be eaten, to be buttered, and shared. Rumi is saying to be of service, to be delicious and give life” (296)....Reminds me ofSleeping with Bread. This quote by Rumi encourages us to live a life of service and to share our gifts and talents with others. It reminds us that we are here on this earth to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us, and that by doing so, we can find true meaning and fulfillment in life.

“Rest and laughter are the most spiritual and subversive acts of all” (308). This final statement by the author sums up the essence of the book. It reminds us that in order to live a healthy and fulfilling life, we need to take the time to rest and laugh. These simple acts can have a profound impact on our spiritual well-being and can help us to resist the pressures and demands of modern life.

1st read this book in April 2006. Listened to the audiobook in August 2009.