Another book of personal essays presents a vivid picture of Lamott's life, which is a complex blend of insanity and sobriety. It delves into various aspects such as her relationship with her teenaged son Sam, the heart-wrenching experience of her mother's death from Alzheimer's, her struggles with the current president (George Bush), and her profound exploration of religion, spirituality, God, and Jesus.

As I was reading this book in a pub in Cleveland, waiting for Old Blue (a magnificent Lexus) to be repaired, I found myself moved to tears on several occasions. Lamott's writing is truly remarkable. She has an amazing gift for turning a phrase, and an incredible ability to express her rage and frustration, only to emerge with a glimmer of hope.

In fact, as she writes, "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." (pp 65-66) While these words may seem sappy at first glance, within the context of her essay, they hold a profound truth. It is often difficult to put into words how to find hope in the midst of life's challenges, but Lamott manages to do so with grace and authenticity.

I just began reading this book last night and was surprised to find myself laughing out loud. It once again dawned on me that Anne Lamott's insights on faith are not just about Christianity. They also emphasize the importance of being kind to oneself and others.

As I read further, I couldn't help but think about a particular story. Lamott tells us that when we're prone to getting angry with our children, it's not like going from 0 to 60 in an instant. We're already at 59, and it's easier to vent our frustrations on them than on anyone else in our lives. Of course, that doesn't make it right, but it's a harsh truth.

She also poses some thought-provoking questions, like, "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 is going to be for you!."

However, I have to admit that this book didn't maintain the same level of strength throughout. There was a lot of repetition, and it didn't quite measure up to "Some thoughts on Faith." Still, it does offer some valuable perspectives that are worth considering.

Religious beliefs vary greatly among individuals and cultures.

Some people are devout followers of a particular religion, while others may have a more spiritual or agnostic approach.

The diversity of religious beliefs can lead to different worldviews, values, and moral codes.

For example, some religions emphasize the importance of charity and helping others, while others focus on personal spiritual growth.

Religious beliefs can also have a significant impact on a person's life, influencing their decisions, relationships, and sense of purpose.

Despite the differences in religious beliefs, it is important to respect and understand the beliefs of others.

This can help to promote和谐 and understanding in a diverse society.

By learning about different religions and their beliefs, we can gain a greater appreciation for the richness and complexity of human culture.

Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith is a compilation of essays that gathers Lamott's musings on how her faith has shaped her responses to various aspects of life.

It delves into her experiences with family events, the challenges of raising a teenager, and her reactions to terrorism, the war in Iraq, and George W. Bush.

I borrowed this book from the library as I was grappling with some anxiety-inducing matters in my life and hoped to gain some solace from Lamott's often comforting yet slightly edgy perspective on faith. However, I was somewhat let down by the book.

For one thing, it gave me a sense of déjà vu. I believe Barbara Kingsolver's Small Wonder has a very similar vibe - it offers thoughtful contemplations on handling tough family and national issues. In fact, I think I prefer Small Wonder.

Secondly, the book seemed a bit outdated to me. Reading about George W. Bush and the repeated assertion that he was ruining the world felt a little extreme and passé.

To be fair, my reaction to the book might simply be that it wasn't the right fit for me at that particular moment in my life.