This is precisely the Lamott that I required. It astonishes me that I allowed such a significant amount of time to elapse before delving into this work. However, perhaps deep down, I was aware all along that I should reserve a couple of her novels for this period when all she seems to be publishing are the same charming essays, repeated over and over again (as seen in my review of Grace Eventually).

This particular novel is a slow-paced, serene, and sumptuous reflection on the main character (Nanny, who, as always, has layers of Annie within her) and her formative years in Marin County during the sixties. There are numerous familiar elements within this story - the setting overlaps with all of Anne's own memoir pieces, as well as with Hard Laughter and Blue Shoe. Additionally, Nanny has wild blond hair. Yet, simultaneously, it feels fresh, with a new cast of family and friends. As is customary, I found myself laughing uproariously at Anne's wry metaphors. It is truly beautiful. Beautiful.

I have a deep affection for a particular book.

This book holds a special charm for me as it allows me to embark on a dual journey.

On one hand, I can expand my vocabulary and learn new words, which enriches my language skills.

It's like opening a treasure chest filled with linguistic gems.

On the other hand, I can fully immerse myself in the captivating story.

The plot unfolds in a way that keeps me on the edge of my seat, eager to turn the next page.

The characters come alive in my imagination, and I find myself emotionally invested in their lives.

It's a wonderful combination of learning and entertainment, and I truly cherish this book for the joy and knowledge it brings.

“All New People” is not a book that will appeal to every reader, yet it had a profound impact on me. Some might view the novel, which was published in 2016, as rather depressing. In the early stages, I abandoned any expectation of a traditional plot with a neatly tied-up ending. At times, I found myself asking, “Why am I reading this book? Where is it headed?” However, Lamott’s engaging prose, quirky sense of humor, and astute life lessons would draw me back in. Eventually, I surrendered and let the book consume me.

The story commences with the protagonist, Nanny Goodman, as an adult, visiting a hypnotist to confront her pain and anxiety. This marks the beginning of the reader’s cinematic journey back in time, starting with Nanny’s childhood. The novel concludes with a twenty-something Nanny still grappling with difficulties but somehow clinging to a glimmer of hope.

LaMott’s description of the Goodman family dining in a restaurant had me in stitches. At the neighboring table sat the White family, whose daughter the young Nanny idolized. “After dinner, my father bared his teeth so my mother could inspect for trapped food, and I remember blushing, wanting to die of shame. Mr. and Mrs. White had to avert their eyes from my chimpanzee parent, who would next be raking through each other’s hair with long shaggy fingers, rooting around for lice.” I also adored her portrayal of the family dogs: “The two dogs since had manifest all of my father’s compulsions, my mother’s depressions, Casey’s impending hormonal prostration, my migraines and my fears.”

The tumultuous sixties in Marin County, California (just north of San Francisco), serve as the cultural backdrop for this work. This social upheaval exacerbates Nanny’s struggles to understand the flawed individuals in her nuclear and extended family, as well as her challenges in feeling secure and safe.

Snippets of LaMott’s Christian faith seep through Nanny’s mother’s proclamations that God has a plan, even when it is not immediately apparent, regardless of how bad or chaotic things may be. I couldn’t help but wonder if the author used Nanny’s mother’s significant facial asymmetry to symbolize the mother’s mental health instability. By the end of the book, Nanny reveals to the reader that her mother looks beautiful.

LaMott leaves it to the reader to decipher the true meaning of it all. For me, this book was a winding tunnel into the vulnerability of the human spirit and its remarkable ability to cope, as seen through the recollections of Nanny Goodman. As I stated at the outset, this book is not for everyone and is definitely not a light beach read. However, it delves deep into numerous psychological and spiritual aspects. You may choose to pass if you’re not willing to engage in the work, but if you do, “All New People” has a wealth of substance to offer.

Anne Lamott fills these pages with an abundance of wit, humor, and sadness, all expressed through her gorgeous words.

These words have the power to make you sit back and carefully mull them over, allowing them to gently drift through your mind and reveal the vivid pictures she has painted.

As we read, we encounter characters who come to life and seem real. We are able to envision the fields, hillsides, and railroad yards that surround the narrator, Nanny's, home in Marin County, California.

Unfortunately, developers are transforming these areas into shops, condos, restaurants, and other businesses. At this time, Northern California is booming, but nature is suffering.

This is a small slice of Nanny's life that we are privileged to be sharing with her. It's important to note that this is not an action thriller, so don't go into it with those expectations. Instead, appreciate the beauty and depth of Lamott's writing as she takes us on this journey through Nanny's world.

Let me start by saying that I have an intense love for Anne Lamott.

I have devoured most of her nonfiction books, but this marks my very first foray into one of her novels.

At the outset, I wasn't entirely certain what to anticipate, and I must admit that I was a touch disappointed by the rather downbeat nature of the opening chapters.

However, as I delved deeper, it emerged as a truly delicate and warm story.

It beautifully portrays a loving family grappling with the turmoil that characterized 1960's California.

If you have perused her nonfiction works, you will surely recognize Lamott herself, along with several of her family members and friends within this narrative.

It is a slim yet thoroughly enjoyable novel that I would most definitely recommend to her legion of fans.

It offers a unique and engaging perspective that is sure to captivate readers and leave them with a sense of warmth and satisfaction.

Nan, the protagonist in this book, is a girl who grew up in Marin County in the 1960s.

To be honest, I didn't notice the word "novel" on the cover until I had read several chapters. The reason for this was that the book was filled with so many details that seemed similar to Anne Lamott's life. In fact, I initially thought it was a memoir. However, as I read on, too many details that were different from her life forced me to take a closer look at the cover.

As a disguised memoir, it is truly beautiful. The details of the "memories" are both poignant and engaging. The author has an amazing ability to draw the reader into a scene, making them smell the marsh, hear the birds, and experience the awe of nature or the frustration with a dysfunctional family.

It really reminded me of my own childhood in the Bay Area, with the encroachment of development on the beloved nature and the struggles within the family. The writing in this book definitely deserves a 4. However, the form did frustrate me a bit. It felt more like a collection of "here is what influenced me to be who I am" rather than a traditional novel. In a novel, I would expect to see a bit more of a character arc, leading the protagonist towards some sort of wisdom or growth.

Anne Lamott truly works wonders when it comes to creating her characters in this novel.

Her ability to bring them to life is nothing short of remarkable. They are as real and honest as the accounts in her autobiographical writing.

Each character seems to have their own unique personality, flaws, and dreams. Lamott delves deep into their psyches, allowing the reader to understand their motivations and inner turmoil.

Whether it's the protagonist's journey of self-discovery or the supporting characters' complex relationships, Lamott weaves a captivating story that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Her writing style is both engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters on a personal level.

In this novel, Anne Lamott once again proves herself to be a master storyteller, capable of creating a world that is both believable and enchanting.

The pacing and overall content of the book deserve a two.

It seems that the rhythm of the story is not quite up to par, and the overall content may lack a certain depth and coherence.

However, I must admit that I really did enjoy the author's style.

The combination of realism and wit makes the reading experience quite unique and engaging.

The author has a talent for presenting the characters and the world in a vivid and relatable way, which adds a lot of charm to the book.

Nevertheless, in the end, I was left wanting as far as the plot goes.

The story seems to lack a clear and strong purpose, which makes it difficult for me to fully invest and be interested.

I needed more motivation and direction in the plot to keep my attention throughout the entire book.

Perhaps with some improvements in the pacing and plot, this book could have been a real gem.

I found myself getting lost and just plowing through pages at least a few times while reading one of my favorite authors. It was a bit of a strange experience. That said, I think it was an okay story. It had its moments, but it also left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. I am not sure what I was expecting other than something more. I wanted a coming together of the various elements and characters in the story to pull it all together in some fashion. Maybe a big reveal or a resolution that tied everything up neatly. But either I missed it or it just didn't happen. And you know what? That's probably more like real life anyway. In real life, things don't always work out the way we want them to. There are loose ends and unanswered questions. So, while I may have been hoping for a more perfect story, I guess I can accept this one for what it is.

Now that I got a hold of this book and flipped through it,

it looks pretty boring.

The content seems to be dry and unengaging.

I can already tell that it's not going to hold my interest for long.

Rather than wasting my time reading something that doesn't excite me,

I'm going to save myself the trouble and just pass.

There are so many other interesting books out there waiting for me to discover.

I'd rather invest my time in those than struggle through this one.

Maybe someone else will find this book fascinating,

but for me, it's just not worth the effort.

So, I'll simply move on and look for something more captivating to read.

The story would be more captivating to me if it were presented as a memoir.

As a novel, it lacked a distinct plot line, which made it less engaging.

I have a greater affinity for Anne's nonfiction works compared to this particular novel.

I too grew up in the 1960s, but my experiences were quite different.

At that age, I resided in Indiana, and it was fascinating to read about a different world during the same era.

The contrast between my own upbringing and the events and settings described in the story added an element of intrigue.

Perhaps if the author had focused on real-life experiences and memories, it would have made the narrative more vivid and relatable.

Nonetheless, it was still an interesting read that provided a glimpse into a different perspective of the 1960s.

This is a great option for a beach read or a bus read.

It is really nice and easy to get through, and it goes by quite quickly.

The story manages to pique the reader's interest in the characters, which is a plus.

However, there is some extra information that seems to be missing or underdeveloped.

Despite this minor drawback, I still liked it overall.

It's the kind of book that you can pick up and enjoy without having to think too hard, yet it still has enough substance to keep you engaged.

Whether you're lounging on the beach or commuting on the bus, this book is sure to provide some entertainment.

It's a light and enjoyable read that I would recommend to others who are looking for something easy to pass the time.

Overall, it's a solid choice for a quick and enjoyable read.