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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is an amazing book that had a profound impact on me. It made me experience a wide range of emotions, from crying to laughing out loud and even crying from laughing. The story was so engaging and relatable that it truly tugged at my heartstrings.

I would highly recommend this book to be read with a group of other women. There's something special about sharing the reading experience and discussing the different perspectives and emotions that the book evokes. It can lead to deep conversations and a stronger sense of connection among the group.

Whether you're looking for a heartwarming story, a good laugh, or a thought-provoking read, this book has it all. So gather your girlfriends, get a copy of this book, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable literary journey together.
July 15,2025
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Anne Lamott has always been a reliable source of writing inspiration for me. Her works are not only well-written but also deeply thought-provoking.

There are three things that stand out in her writing. Firstly, all the hate towards Bush. She doesn't shy away from expressing her views and opinions, which makes her writing more real and engaging.

Secondly, all the love for Sam. Sam seems to be a very special person in her life, and her descriptions of him are full of warmth and affection. These are my favorite parts of her writing as they show a different side of her.

Finally, all the struggles on following Christ's teachings. Lamott is a devout Christian, and she openly shares her struggles and doubts in her writing. This makes her more relatable and helps readers to understand the challenges of living a Christian life.

In conclusion, Anne Lamott's writing is a great source of inspiration and wisdom. Her ability to write about complex topics in a simple and engaging way is truly remarkable.
July 15,2025
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This book delves deeper into numerous faith-based themes and personal relationships that were initially explored in her highly successful first collection of essays on faith, Traveling Mercies.

She persistently contemplates death, dogs, parenting and children, her son Sam, and her unique thoughts on what it means to be a Christian.

Unlike any other author I can recall (except perhaps Elizabeth Gilbert in a close second), her writing style effortlessly seizes that immediate, light-hearted, and humorously confessional connection.

Since these essays are autobiographical, you have the remarkable feeling of stumbling upon a hilarious window into the truth of her life.

The charmingly likeable Anne LaMott, in her inimitable fashion, shares the best explanation I've ever encountered for why I personally have such a passion for reading.

Quietly tucked away at the end of Chapter 8 - Sincere Meditations, she writes that "you laugh with recognition, with relief that your baggage and flaws are not vile, unmentionable. It's like soul aerobics."

Not that I've been fruitlessly seeking the perfect explanation for my love of reading, but the fact that she could so uncannily hit upon it in one well-written sentence solidifies the reason why I enjoy her essays so very much.

July 15,2025
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Someday the lion shall lie down with the lamb, but the lamb is not going to get any sleep, as Woody Allen once said.

My first encounter with Anne Lamott's book was truly a nice awakening. Anne shares her stories based on her own lived experiences, deeply pondering and meditating on the consequences of her choices.

She doesn't give up the pursuit during difficult times and embraces what and who is good in her life. Speaking from the heart, as she progresses on her journey, she is living her true self, her truth.

By allowing the Holy Spirit access to our hearts, we can be changed, letting the light into the darkness. One cannot rush the spirit or rush to change oneself. One has to be patient, kind, and loving toward oneself. In accepting one's self, one becomes more accepting of each other.

You can't buy it, lease it, date it, or apply for it. The best job in the world can't give it to you, nor can success, fame, or financial security. You are not your bank account or your ambition. You are Spirit. You are love. You are free.

We are all part of a bigger truth than our individual selves.

Some years ago, I was talking to a priest who was changing parishes. He said that every time he changes parishes, it's a new beginning, a new start. He leaves behind everything that went wrong, learns from the lessons of the past, and moves on.

Every day, you have to start your relationship with God all over again from the beginning.
July 15,2025
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This was a truly lovely book, just like all of Anne's books.

It was filled with such depth and charm that it left me completely captivated. However, I think I need to take a short break before delving into another one of her works.

Her books are so rich and complex, much like the delicious spaghetti sauce I just prepared, which is stuffed with succulent meat and bursting with flavor.

I want to savor each one slowly and not rush through them all at once. Too much of a good thing can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.

Nevertheless, I am extremely grateful that an author like her exists in the world.

She is so brilliant, her writing is so honest and unapologetic, yet also so irreverent and at the same time, so reverent.

I will always be a devoted fan of hers, eagerly awaiting each new release and cherishing the ones I have already read.

July 15,2025
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Lamott's perspective on life is truly enjoyable and frequently strikes a deep chord within me.

I vividly recall reading "Traveling Mercies" and experiencing the intense emotional rollercoaster of crying and laughing within minutes of each other. Additionally, she has a remarkable talent for crafting great sermon material.

I perused this book while simultaneously preaching a sermon series on the parables in Luke, and I was astonished by how often her stories mirrored elements in Jesus' tales. They both share a profound appreciation for the way God reveals Himself in the unexpected and the awkward. Moreover, they are both overcome by the power of grace.

However, this collection did not possess the same richness as some of her other books. Admittedly, I am reading it a considerable time after its publication, and thus the nearly every chapter's complaints against George Bush (which might have resonated with me in 2004) were rather distracting in 2013. But even setting that aside, a greater number of these stories were lacking in strength, although a few were genuine gems.

As a parent myself, I did empathize with her difficulties in dealing with an adolescent child and her responses to him, which were refreshingly not politically correct.
July 15,2025
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Lots of truly remarkable things can be found within these pages. There are numerous elements that are both interesting and engaging. However, it must be noted that there is a somewhat excessive amount of political rants. While political discussions can be valuable and thought-provoking, when they become overly dominant, they might overshadow some of the other wonderful aspects present. It would be beneficial if there could be a better balance struck between the various topics and the political commentary. This way, readers could fully appreciate the wide range of great things without being overly bombarded by the one-sided nature of the political rants.

July 15,2025
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I have a deep affection for Anne Lamott. The main reason is that she appears to be one of the rare individuals in the world who seems as crazy as I often feel.

However, I simply can't tolerate the way she expresses her hatred towards George Bush and conservatives. I can't help but wonder if there is anyone in her life who could give a more human face to conservatism for her. After all, she seems to make a great effort to show love and kindness to people. Yet, she constantly rants about how much she despises non-liberals.

I truly wish I could have the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with her about the Bible. Anyway, I am well aware that most of my friends wouldn't be patient enough to read this book. But here is one highly compelling example of what I love about it: "My mind is my main problem almost all the time. I wish I could leave it in the fridge when I go out, but it likes to come with me. I have tried to get it to take up a nice hobby, like macrame, but it prefers to think about things and jot down what annoys it." This description is so incredibly familiar to me!

It makes me feel understood and less alone in my own struggles with my overactive mind.
July 15,2025
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I gather that there was a recent rerelease of this remarkable work.

As part of a publisher giveaway, I was fortunate enough to receive a free copy.

This couldn't have come at a better time for me. In times of despair and frustration, it offers profound thoughts on faith and hope.

The book delves deep into the human spirit, exploring how one can find strength and meaning even in the darkest of times.

It doesn't matter if you are a Christian or a non-Christian; the messages within these pages are universal and applicable to all.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration, guidance, and a new perspective on life.

It has the power to touch your heart and change your outlook, making it a must-read for everyone.

So, if you're looking for a book that will make you think, feel, and grow, look no further than this rerelease.

You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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This is the third book of Anne Lamont that I have had the pleasure of reading, and once again, she has not let me down.

She remains as insightful as ever, with a comforting sense of being off-kilter, and as deeply human as can be. And this is precisely what I adore about her work.

Lamott's follow-up to Traveling Mercies offers equally satisfying snippets of life. It presents vivid images not only of what goes on in Lamott's mind but also in her spirit. My favorite aspect of this work is the same as what I loved most about Traveling Mercies, which is her unique authorial voice.

Lamott is a complex blend of quirky, funny, neurotic, jubilant, sad, and honest all at once. However, underlying all of this is a profound sense of gratitude and a recognition of the holiness in the ordinary. Reading an Anne Lamott book is like forging one of those rare friendships where an immediate deep connection is formed, making it always such a spiritual and intimate experience.

The only critiques I have are the looser connection between stories compared to Traveling Mercies, which was more organized like a tour of Lamott's life, sometimes making this book feel a bit scattered. Also, the frequent mention of politics, while I agree with her views, at times became repetitive and distracting. Overall, though, it is an excellent read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in a relatable exploration of spirituality without any pretensions or posturing. This is what Lamott does best.

July 15,2025
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Let me state up front that I have a genuine interest in learning about religions. However, I have an aversion to preachy books and thus don't often engage with anything like "spiritual memoirs". But my admiration for Anne Lamott is such that I decided to give her a chance. And she did not disappoint.

As always, she was deeply touching, hilariously funny, and extremely articulate. The book is filled with a plethora of stories. There are tales of motherhood, accounts of peace marches, the heart-wrenching loss of a pet, the profound grief of losing her mother, and the process of making peace with her mom.

She openly shares her feelings through the lens of her faith, yet it's all about her own journey. She's not trying to impose her beliefs on anyone else; rather, she's simply sharing her own experiences and emotions as they pertain to her life. One story has the power to make you thoughtful, another fills you with gratitude, one may leave you feeling melancholy, and yet another can make you laugh out loud (sometimes all within a single anecdote).

I would without hesitation definitely recommend this book to both Christians and non-Christians alike. It offers a unique and engaging perspective on life, faith, and the human experience.
July 15,2025
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Another Anne Lamott to help carry me through the quarantine.

Her words are like a gentle breeze that soothes my soul during these difficult times. She always has a way of raising my spirits and giving me a lot to think about.

Right now, in the midst of this quarantine, her wisdom and insights are exactly what I need.

She is like a bright light shining in the darkness, guiding me and giving me hope.

With each page I turn, I feel a little more inspired and a little more at peace.

Anne Lamott's writing is truly a gift, and I am so grateful to have her words to help me through this challenging time.

I know that whenever I need a boost, I can always turn to her books and find the comfort and inspiration I seek.

She is a true literary gem, and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.

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