The book I read was just okay for me.

There wasn't a great deal of substance in it. It seemed rather lacking in depth and complexity.

This author was recommended to me by Joan Fletcher. I had high hopes initially, but unfortunately, the book didn't quite live up to my expectations.

However, it did have its enjoyable moments. I managed to get a few laughs here and there, which was nice.

The author also seemed to have a tenderhearted side, which came through in some of the descriptions and characterizations.

Overall, while the book wasn't a masterpiece, it wasn't a complete waste of time either. It had its flaws, but it also had some redeeming qualities.

I'm not sure if I would recommend it to others, but if you're looking for a light read that might make you smile, it could be worth a try.

How can one not fall in love with Anne Lamott? Her words are like a gentle and refreshing rain that washes over you, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

I was so captivated by her writing that I actually found myself walking around the house, reading excerpts aloud to my husband and children. I wanted them to experience the beauty and sweetness of her language for themselves.

As I read, I could see the expressions on their faces change. They were drawn in by the power of her words, just as I was. It was a wonderful moment, sharing the joy of great literature with my family.

Anne Lamott has a unique ability to touch the hearts and souls of her readers. Her writing is honest, raw, and full of life. It makes you think, it makes you feel, and it makes you want to be a better person.

If you haven't read her work yet, I highly recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed.

Anne Lamott is truly one of my all-time favorite authors. Her writing style is so unique and engaging that you can never predict what she's going to say next.

Her words have a way of captivating readers and drawing them into her world. Whether she's sharing personal anecdotes, offering profound insights, or simply making us laugh out loud, Lamott always manages to leave a lasting impression.

One of the things I love most about her is her honesty. She doesn't hold back, and she's not afraid to tackle difficult topics or share her own flaws and insecurities. This makes her writing feel relatable and authentic, and it's what keeps me coming back for more.

In conclusion, Anne Lamott is a talented and inspiring author who has touched the lives of countless readers. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

This book gives the impression of being like a hug.

Perhaps it's like a hug where one person, a rather independent girl with an abundance of spunk oozing out of her ears, gets a bit prickly and eventually pinches you and labels you as phony.

After having just finished reading _Bird by Bird_, I have the sense that I have an intimate understanding of Lamott's writing style even as I'm perusing the actual text.

I can envision her delving into the ground and extracting worms, examining them in the light, and perhaps even squishing them a little.

At this moment, I am especially attracted to stories of dysfunctional and challenging families that, against all odds, manage to persevere through the bonds of love.

This book is an exact match for my current interests.

It's a perfect read for a weekend filled with plane rides, allowing me to immerse myself in Lamott's world and gain further insights into her unique perspective on life and writing.

Maybe reading all of Ann Lamott's books too close together is not a good thing.

I truly enjoyed the book I just finished. However, upon closer inspection, it became evident that it mostly presented the same themes and featured similar people, even though it was supposed to be a work of fiction.

This repetition, while not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, did start to feel a bit monotonous after a while.

I found myself longing for a bit more variety and diversity in the storylines and characters.

Despite this, I still appreciate Lamott's writing style and her ability to bring the stories to life.

Maybe in the future, I'll space out my readings of her books to avoid this sense of sameness and be able to fully appreciate each one on its own merits.

Overall, it was an interesting reading experience, but one that could have been enhanced with a bit more innovation.

I just never got caught up in this book.

Nanny, Casey, their lefty parents, Uncle Ed, Aunt Peg, Natalie, Lynnie, Maddy, Pru, Wino John - all of them are walking around with their own very real pain.

However, they just never really pulled me in. Maybe it was a bit too elliptical?

For example, see what you can do with the symbolism of the railroad yard - which gets swallowed up by condos - and the birds and the brilliant bay?

The railroad yard might represent the old ways or a fading era, being replaced by the modern condos.

The birds could symbolize freedom or perhaps a connection to nature that is being lost.

The brilliant bay might be a source of beauty and hope, yet it too is affected by the changes around it.

Maybe if I could better understand these symbols and their significance, the story would have had more of an impact on me.

As it stands, I just couldn't seem to get fully engaged with the characters and their experiences.

For many years, it was my favorite book of all time.

Even now, it still holds a very high position in my heart.

I truly believe that it is just about perfect from beginning to end.

The story unfolds in a captivating way, drawing the reader in from the very first page.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their lives.

The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what will happen next.

The writing style is beautiful and engaging, making it a pleasure to read.

Overall, this book is a masterpiece that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read.

Lovely, lovely novel! Lamott's works always have a unique charm that never disappoints. This particular novel is no exception. From the very beginning, it captured my attention and took me on an unforgettable journey. The characters were vividly portrayed, and I found myself deeply invested in their lives and emotions.

The story unfolded in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly eager to turn the page and discover what would happen next. Lamott's writing style is so engaging and beautiful that it made the reading experience truly enjoyable.

However, as all good things must come to an end, I was sad to see this novel finish. It felt like saying goodbye to old friends. But at the same time, I was also grateful for the wonderful experience it had given me. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more of Lamott's works in the future.

A great writer is like a magician who can transport readers to different worlds with just a few words. They have the ability to create vivid characters, captivating storylines, and beautiful prose that leaves a lasting impression. A great writer can make you laugh, cry, think, and feel a whole range of emotions. They are masters of their craft, constantly honing their skills and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Whether it's a classic novel, a thought-provoking poem, or a gripping short story, a great writer has the power to touch our hearts and souls and make us see the world in a new light.

This is a captivating coming of age story that is set in Marin during the 1960s. It serves as a remarkably skillful snapshot of that particular time period.

During this era, divorces were becoming increasingly common, leading to the disappearance of fathers from the family unit. People were also seen eating jello powder right out of their hands, which was a rather unique and perhaps somewhat quirky behavior.

The advent of drugs was another significant aspect of this time, along with the popularity of fishnet stockings. Additionally, as the state population began to grow exponentially, the coastal California towns were developing rapidly.

I found myself enjoying this book, yet I likely won't remember an excessive amount about it. The setting felt oh-so-familiar, as did the relationships and the challenges that the characters faced. However, it is a rather smallish book, with a domestic scope. And when one thinks about all of the social pressures of that era, it is rather a sad story.

Overall, it offers an interesting glimpse into a bygone era, but may not leave a lasting impression in the long run.

This is yet another instance where I delved into a book penned by an author I had never before encountered. (Evidently, that seems to be my recurring theme for this year - quite inadvertently, I might add!)

It is a "coming of age in the '60's" sort of book that gives off the distinct impression of being a memoir. The storyline has a somewhat dark undertone, but to be frank, living through the '60's was indeed a rather dark period, so it is entirely fitting. By the conclusion of the book, I found myself sympathizing with every single character within its pages!

It was an acceptable read. If one desires to gain an understanding of the more somber aspects of life during the '60's, I believe this would be a worthwhile book to peruse. I was extremely young at that time, yet I do recall the palpable sense of anxiety, unease, and upheaval that prevailed during those days. I remember my father being completely engrossed in the television in the afternoon (a most unusual occurrence!) when JFK was assassinated, and how deeply uneasy he was, his thoughts and feelings regarding MLK and the race riots, student rebellions, bra burning, and when Bobby Kennedy was shot. He felt as though the entire country had spiraled out of control and that this was no longer a safe place to reside, essentially believing that everyone had gone mad! I think this book effectively captures that essence.

Will I reread it? No, but I do have a desire to explore something else written by Lamott to determine if this is the prevailing tone of all her works. Would I recommend it? Yes, as I previously stated. For those who inquire: there is some language, so read at your own discretion.

This book is truly remarkable.

The characters within its pages seem so vivid and real, as if they could step out and interact with us.

Moreover, the author's writing is of an extremely high caliber.

There is a perfect blend of pain and humour, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.

The sentences are just wonderful, each one carefully crafted to draw the reader in and make them feel a part of the story.

I have a particular fondness for great sentences, and this book is full of them.

For instance, consider this sentence: "I am living once again in the town where I grew up, having returned here several weeks ago in a state of dull torment for which the Germans probably have a word."

It sets the scene so effectively and gives us a glimpse into the protagonist's complex emotions.

Another excellent example is: "In a way I've never quite understood, the veil tore an inch for me that day, like it does every so often, when in the midst of all that is mundane and day-to-day, there's suddenly a tiny tear in the veil, and you see the bigger and brighter thing, and then the veil repairs itself, and the day goes on as before."

This sentence is both beautiful and profound, making us think about the nature of our perception and the fleeting moments of enlightenment that can occur in our lives.

Overall, this book is a joy to read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates great literature.