I've read every single non-fiction book that Anne Lamott has penned.

Finally, I came to the conclusion that it was high time I gave some of her fiction a try. And let me tell you, it was truly fantastic.

The story itself might have been just so-so, but her writing was absolutely spectacular.

After delving deep into Anne's personality through her non-fiction works and getting to know so much about her personal journey, it's really neat to observe how she incorporates so many of these details into the characters she crafted for this fictional tale.

In this regard, the characters felt familiar right from the start.

I'm eagerly looking forward to reading more of her fiction works. She is, without a doubt, a brilliant writer.

Her ability to bring her real-life experiences and unique perspective into her fictional worlds is truly remarkable and makes her books a joy to read.

Although the ending was a little too tidy for me, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which startled me a bit.

I feel like I've seen so much of it before - the brilliant but fucked-up mother, the wiseass scowling kid, the hideously pretentious boyfriend, the best friend's perfect-but-actually-flawed mother, the inevitably predatory father figure, the jolly best friend.

And yet, somehow, the author didn't take them down the usual tedious roads. Or if she did, she introduced a bend in that road that I was absolutely not expecting.

I was pleased and surprised by the fact that the book is about people eventually dealing with their demons, even though it's hard and scary and sometimes takes a few tries.

Rather than being about people not dealing with their demons and how that scars others, which is what I feel like I've seen over and over from books with this sort of cast of characters.

Also, it's such a compelling portrait of alcoholism that I felt strangely anxious about having a glass of wine after finishing the book, as if I was the one with the drinking problem (when in fact I hardly drink at all).

I don't think I've ever absorbed a character's compulsion so strongly and viscerally, which should convey something of the effectiveness of the writing.

The author's ability to create such vivid and relatable characters, and to take them on a journey that is both unexpected and deeply moving, is truly remarkable.

This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction that explores the human condition with honesty and depth.

I got halfway through this one and seriously debated if I should continue reading or not.

The plot was extremely slow and plodding, as if it was trudging along at a snail's pace.

Moreover, none of the characters was really interesting or likable. They seemed flat and unappealing, lacking any depth or charm.

Despite my initial misgivings, I decided to finish it since I've liked Lamott's stuff in the past. I had hoped that maybe it would turn around and surprise me.

However, unfortunately, it never got any better. The story continued to drag on, and I found myself increasingly bored and disappointed.

In the end, I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction and a feeling that I had wasted my time.

It's a shame because I had such high expectations, but this particular work just didn't deliver.

Perhaps I'll give Lamott another chance in the future, but for now, I'm left with a less than favorable impression.

This is one of my favorite books.

As I was rereading it recently, I was truly amazed to realize how many times I've quoted different passages from it to people over the past 10 years.

Anne Lamott's writing has this unique charm that makes reading her books feel like having a heart-to-heart conversation with an old friend.

Her words are so relatable, so full of wisdom and humor, that they have the power to touch your soul and make you see the world in a different light.

Whether it's about life, love, or the writing process itself, Lamott always manages to offer insights that are both profound and practical.

Every time I pick up one of her books, I know I'm in for a treat, and I always come away feeling inspired and uplifted.

I highly recommend her books to anyone who is looking for a good read that will make them think, laugh, and cry.

This is a very entertaining read, but it feels a bit outdated.

The main character is an alcoholic who is raising a little girl on her own. She dates a short man who turns out to be cheating on her, but fortunately, he quits before she ever finds out.

She has a great friend named Rae who is always there for her. However, there is a tragic incident where Rosie, the little girl, is molested once by her best friend's dad.

Thankfully, the mom rises to the occasion and takes the necessary steps to protect her daughter.

Unfortunately, in the end, the best friend and her family have to move away, which is a sad parting for Rosie.

Overall, it's a story filled with both drama and heartwarming moments.

First and foremost, I must assert that Anne Lamont is an outstanding author, and I hold her in high regard. However, the book "Rosie" had a rather disturbing impact on me. I am well aware that alcohol dependency is regarded as a disease and has a certain genetic component. Nevertheless, I simply could not muster the patience to excuse the mother, Elizabeth, in this book. The little girl, Rosie, was truly a precious gem, and it vividly showcases the remarkable strength and intelligence that a child has to acquire at a tender age. I attempted to set the book aside and not complete it due to my intense frustration with Elizabeth. But I have to give credit to Lamont; she made it utterly impossible not to finish the book. If you peruse this book, it is certain to linger in your mind for a considerable period.

Anne Lamott has an incredibly powerful and unique way of forging a deep connection between us and her characters.

This particular book is teeming with an array of delightfully quirky characters. I was truly enamored by the manner in which she effortlessly pulled me into the intricate and vivid lives of each and every one of them.

The main character, Rosie, is a remarkable nine-year-old girl. She is wildly funny, with a sense of humor that can light up any room. At the same time, she is precocious beyond her years, displaying an understanding and wisdom that is truly astonishing. However, life has not been easy for Rosie. She must learn to adapt to numerous losses in her young life.

This book had an extraordinary effect on me. It had me laughing out loud one moment, completely immersed in the hilarity of the situations and the antics of the characters. And then, in the very next moment, it could reduce me to tears, as I empathized with the pain and struggles that Rosie and the other characters were going through.

Despite being a rather short book, it is astonishing how much human experience it is able to pack within its pages. It explores the full gamut of human emotions, from joy and laughter to sadness and grief. I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that is both entertaining and deeply moving.

I've only read one other book by Anne Lamott, namely "Bird by Bird", which I truly relished. I have a penchant for her writing style, and I took a liking to the character of Rae. However, certain aspects of the book gave me cause for concern. For an author who is renowned for her candor and empathy, I detected a fair amount of prejudice within the book. There was prejudice towards people of diverse religions, different body sizes, various skin colors, and varying educational backgrounds. Lamott depicted the main character, Elizabeth, as if she was superior to others due to her passion for reading, her beautiful tablecloths, and her refined taste in food. Nevertheless, I actually found Elizabeth rather repugnant and narrow-minded. Moreover, she doesn't undergo much character development. While Lamott's writing is of a high caliber, I found the story and the characters unenticing. I don't envision myself reading anything else by Lamott in the future.

I had such high hopes for this book, given my enjoyment of "Bird by Bird". But unfortunately, it failed to live up to my expectations. The prejudice I sensed detracted from the overall experience. I believe that an author of Lamott's stature should strive to be more inclusive and understanding in her portrayals. It's a shame that the story and characters didn't resonate with me, as I know Lamott is capable of great things. Maybe I'll give her another chance at some point, but for now, I'm left disappointed.

This is not my favorite work by Lamott. It is not my favorite novel either. However, it should be noted that back then, she was still in the process of developing and maturing as a writer.

She was like a fledgling bird, gradually spreading its wings and learning to soar. Although this particular piece might not have reached the heights of her later masterpieces, it still holds a certain charm and potential.

It shows the early stages of her creative journey, with all the uncertainties and explorations that come with it. We can see the seeds of her talent beginning to sprout, and perhaps with time and more experience, she would go on to create something truly remarkable.

So, while it may not be my personal favorite, it is still an important part of Lamott's literary evolution.

Mixed feelings filled me as I delved into this story.

I very much enjoyed it initially, but there was this persistent sinking feeling that something bad was going to occur.

And indeed, it did happen, but really quite late in the story.

I find myself fearing that I might be too sensitive for some of the content.

Rosie, however, I thought was a precocious queen.

I also greatly enjoyed that the story was set in SF.

To add a personal touch, I used my polaroid of my Rosie as my bookmark.

It's those little details that make the reading experience even more special.

Despite the moments that made me a bit uncomfortable due to my sensitivity, overall, it was a story that had its charms and kept me engaged until the end.

I'll probably remember Rosie and the setting of SF for a long time to come.

I gave up halfway through this particular book. I have a deep adoration for Lamott's nonfiction works. I am well aware that this was only her second novel, yet unfortunately, nothing really clicked for me.

The characters within the story failed to truly capture my imagination. Their voices seemed indistinct from one another, making it difficult to distinguish between them. The situations presented lacked any real intrigue or excitement. The protagonist, in particular, neither spoke nor acted in a manner that was consistent with the little girl she was supposed to be.

Even Lamott's trademark sharp wit and crisp prose style, which I have come to love in her other works, never really surfaced in this novel.

Perhaps the second half of the story is better, but I simply lack the patience to find out one way or another. Instead, I will stick to her wonderful essays, which always manage to engage and inspire me.

[Stopped reading 8/6/15 on page 137 of 275.]

As a woman, I have always been a great admirer of Anne Lamott's nonfiction works.

She presents a down-to-earth perspective on what it means to be a woman and how faith can bring solace and strength to our often fractured and weary souls.

I am pleased to report that her fiction does not disappoint either. I devoured every page of ROSIE and eagerly anticipate the next two installments in the trilogy.

It is a tale that delves into the chaos, unpredictability, and pain that life can throw our way.

Simultaneously, it is also a story of courage, hope, and love, as we learn to face all of these challenges and, at times, find it in our hearts to forgive ourselves and begin anew.

For women of a particular age, Anne Lamott's writing is precisely what we require. It speaks to our experiences, our struggles, and our hopes, offering a glimmer of light in the darkness.

Her words have the power to inspire, to heal, and to remind us that we are not alone in this journey called life.

I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us in the remaining books of this trilogy.