I received this as a gift for Hanukkah from my sister-in-law. Lamott's son was born in 1989. Sam and I are of similar ages (he is now 28 and I am 33). Some years ago, he became a parent and published his own book about that experience.

So, some of the cultural references Lamott makes in this book are rather outdated. However, unfortunately, the one on page 163 still holds some relevance: "now he sees something a few feet away and he gets this glinty Donald Trump look in his eyes, like in the old cartoons where someone gets a greedy brainstorm, blinks, and we hear the sound of a cash register and see the dollar signs in his eyes."

This was a very quick read with numerous short chapters, as it is her journal after all. She had some really nice passages about nursing. She thought it was the purest form of love she had ever known, which I could relate to. I adored her description of the relationship with her breast pump on page 62. "Yesterday the refrigerator wasn't working, so after I produced a small bottle of breast milk, I had to store it in a wide-mouth thermos filled with ice, like it was a severed finger that I was about to rush to the hospital to have sewn back on. It was too ridiculous for words."

But Lamott is a Christian and she wrote about that extensively, which is definitely not my cup of tea. Also, I desired more details about the earliest days of Sam's life. Overall, I would not consider this a "must-read" for new parents. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and am glad I read it. I am looking forward to passing it on to another new mother.

I really loved this one.

The author of this piece is truly remarkable. On one hand, they come across as extremely real. Their words seem to flow directly from the heart, without any pretense or artificiality. It's as if they are sharing their most intimate thoughts and feelings with us, and we can't help but be drawn in.

On the other hand, the author also exhibits great wisdom. Their insights are profound and thought-provoking, making us look at things from a different perspective. They have a unique way of seeing the world and are able to convey their ideas in a clear and concise manner.

But perhaps what I find most endearing about the author is their naivete. There is a certain childlike quality to their writing that is both charming and refreshing. They approach life with an open heart and a sense of wonder, unburdened by the cynicism and jadedness that often plagues us as we grow older.

Overall, I think this is a wonderful piece of writing that showcases the author's many talents. I can't wait to read more of their work.

I wanted to like this book more. Truly, I did. I had read Bird by Bird and thoroughly relished it. It was smart, funny, and filled with profound insights. I discovered that this book shared many similarities, but unfortunately, it had a few flaws that bothered me perhaps more than they ought to have.

What I liked about the book was its sharp insights into the duality of parenthood. For instance, the author vividly described how she loved her child passionately, yet at times, the child could drive her crazy. The writing was solid, with occasional brilliant insights, engaging anecdotes, and memorable quotes. Moreover, the book was written with great openness and honesty, which made it all the more appealing. Additionally, I could relate to the sense of shared experience as it pertained to the first year of my own son's life.

However, there were also aspects of the book that I didn't quite like. It felt rather repetitive, perhaps due to its nature as a journal. The book seemed bipolar, to put it simply. It continuously oscillated between two feelings or points of view, and after about six months of Sam's life, the territories began to feel somewhat overdone. Additionally, there was a bit too much mention of "God" for my personal taste. I really wasn't interested in hearing about her religion. Moreover, she seemed to generalize about men in a rather broad manner. While I could recognize many of our failings as a gender, it did start to get on my nerves a little.

In the end, this book felt more like a book about Anne Lamott herself rather than about her son's first year, which wasn't exactly what I had been hoping for. However, my complaints mainly stemmed from a mismatch between my world-view and Lamott's, so others' experiences may vary. Despite my mixed feelings, I did gain some valuable insights and perspectives about my own first year as a parent. In that sense, I'm glad I read it. After all, she is a talented writer and a very astute observer of the world.

I have an unwavering love for this book, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is in the early stages of parenting.

The author of this book is truly remarkable. She manages to bring a unique blend of qualities to the table. She is incredibly funny, which makes the reading experience not only informative but also highly entertaining. Her sense of humor shines through on every page, making it easy for parents to relate to her experiences and find joy in the midst of the chaos that often comes with raising children.

At the same time, she is also very real. She doesn't sugarcoat anything or present an idealized version of parenting. Instead, she shares her own mistakes, frustrations, and challenges, which gives readers the courage to admit that they too are not perfect and that it's okay to make mistakes.

Interestingly, she also has a bit of a misanthropic side. This adds an extra layer of depth to her writing and makes her seem more human and relatable. It's as if she is saying that while parenting is a wonderful and rewarding experience, it can also be exhausting and overwhelming at times.

Finally, she is spiritual. Her writing is infused with a sense of purpose and meaning, which can be very comforting for parents who are struggling to find their way in the world of parenting. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who is new to parenting and is looking for a book that is both entertaining and informative.

As a new mom, this article is not only funny but also extremely comforting to read. It offers a unique perspective on the joys and challenges of motherhood, presented in a light-hearted and engaging way. The author's use of humor helps to ease the stress and anxiety that often come with being a new parent, making it a refreshing and enjoyable read.

The stories and anecdotes shared in the article are relatable and will have you laughing out loud one moment and nodding in agreement the next. It's like having a friend by your side who understands exactly what you're going through.

Whether you're dealing with sleepless nights, messy diapers, or the constant worry about whether you're doing a good job, this article provides the reassurance and support you need. It reminds you that you're not alone in this journey and that there are others out there who are going through the same thing.

In conclusion, if you're a new mom looking for a little bit of laughter and comfort, this article is definitely worth a read. It's sure to brighten your day and make you feel better about this wonderful yet sometimes overwhelming adventure called motherhood.

This book truly had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions.

It is the journal of a young mother, and her unique perspective and sense of humor are what make this book such an incredibly great read.

As I delved into the pages, I was immediately drawn into her world, filled with the joys and challenges of motherhood.

Her witty anecdotes and lighthearted approach to even the most mundane of tasks had me chuckling and sometimes even guffawing.

It was like having a front-row seat to her life, and I couldn't get enough.

This book is not only entertaining but also relatable, as it touches on many of the universal experiences that mothers face.

Whether it's dealing with a fussy baby, trying to keep the house clean, or simply finding a moment of peace and quiet, the author's humor and honesty make it all the more enjoyable.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh and a heartwarming read.

I'm seriously going to miss this book. It truly felt like my personal anthem of life. The way it was written was so captivating. It had me laughing out loud at times, with its hilarious and witty remarks. Then, suddenly, it would tug at my heartstrings and bring tears to my eyes with its deeply moving and emotional moments. The beauty of the story was in its simplicity and yet, it managed to touch on the most profound aspects of human existence. It made me think, it made me feel, and it made me realize so many things about myself and the world around me. I will forever cherish this book and the impact it has had on my life.

Anne Lamott is truly such a charming and lovely writer.

How could one possibly resist falling in love with this book?

Only she has the remarkable ability to transform the ordinary and mundane aspects of life with a baby into beautiful and enchanting poetry.

Although it has been quite some time since I had a little baby in my life, I found myself able to relate to this book on so many levels.

Lamott has truly captured the gamut of emotions that one experiences during that first year with a baby.

There is the intense and all-consuming love, the moments of boredom, the ever-present anxiety, the frustration that comes with the challenges, the overwhelming fatigue, the infatuation with every little detail of the baby, and the excitement of seeing them grow and develop.

I found myself laughing out loud at some of the humorous anecdotes, reminiscing about my own experiences with a baby, and empathizing with Lamott's feelings throughout the entire book.

It is a truly wonderful and engaging read that I would highly recommend to anyone who has ever had a baby or who simply enjoys a good and relatable story.

Anne Lamott is often seen as the embodiment of the vitriolic and hateful liberal. The irony is that she seems to be somewhat aware of it. In "Operating Instructions", one can find hints of her understanding that there is an inconsistency in preaching love, mercy, and non-judgmentalism while at the same time tearing apart Republicans as a whole, actively teaching her child to despise them, and comparing them to the greatest of evils. She actually gets that there is something amiss with running on hatred. But she doesn't know how to let go of it either, as in some ways, it defines her. This, I assume, reflects her larger Christian journey - and perhaps the journey of many Christians: finally seeing the new self, but still struggling to shed the old one.

Although Lamott doesn't seem to think there's anything wrong with casual promiscuity and having multiple abortions, this time she does sense that there's something not quite right about aborting this particular child. She wants the child, even though the father doesn't, and even though she'll have to face the difficult challenge of raising it alone. (Not that she's truly alone; she has amazing friends and family, a loving church, and, of course, her faith.) So she has Sam and writes a journal of his first year, or more accurately, a journal of her first year as a mother - a raw and honest journal that reveals feelings most mothers would be reluctant to admit. There are moments of great beauty in this journal - wonderful turns of phrase, insights into the magnificence of mercy, and glimpses of Christ reflected in the love and compassion of ordinary people. The book is an easy read because she writes well. I just wish I could like the author more. She describes herself accurately - an egomaniac with a low self-esteem problem. But maybe that, in the end, is what makes the book so interesting - its humanity, its bold honesty, its revelation of the flawed and fallen yet ultimately redeemed human being, the mother struggling to get through her first year as a parent.

The book contains passages that are breathtakingly beautiful, as well as passages that are breathtakingly pretentious. Some sentences made me laugh, others made me cry, and still others made me roll my eyes. Lamott uses so many impressive analogies for faith, stories, and descriptions that show the tentativeness, the tenderness, the necessity, the beauty, the not-quite-sufficient sufficiency, the depth, and the difficulty of faith - how faith is like waiting, expectantly and half-hopefully, for our next set of operating instructions from God.

I love Anne Lamott!!!!

Her writing is truly a gem. This particular book of hers is filled with wit, humor that makes you laugh out loud, and a deeply personal touch that allows you to connect with her on a profound level.

It is written in a style that is so easy to read, flowing smoothly from one page to the next. You don't have to struggle to understand her words or the concepts she presents.

Moreover, it is really entertaining. It can keep you engaged for hours, whether you're reading it during a quiet afternoon at home or on a long commute.

Anne Lamott has a unique ability to tell stories that are both relatable and inspiring. Her book is not just a collection of words; it's a journey that takes you through her life and experiences, and in the process, makes you reflect on your own.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves good writing, a good laugh, and a meaningful read.

I love Anne Lamott. I truly do.

I must admit that I might have had a little complaint about her absolute dogmatism regarding our broken childhoods. But my gripe was actually born out of love. And perhaps she's right. After all, who really knows? I still don't feel that I was left scarred and bleeding, but maybe I'm just in the minority. The world out there is a rotten place, and the demons are lurking everywhere.

Anyhow, this is one of her books that I've checked out at least nine times. Usually, during my manic library runs where I'm like a bank robber raiding the library. The living room is left in a mess, trying to figure out what to do with the sixteen stacks of books that suddenly appear, and the family has to sidestep around in the aisles of my book hoarding. The thing about those guilt-free library binges is that all those beloved books will never get read before they have to go back to their true homes. I try to convince them that they have enough friends here and this could be their new home, but the overdue notices always come, and I always have to give them back to their rightful owners before the fines reach double digits.

Thank God for public libraries. Thank God for books that keep coming back until I finally pick them up.

Lately, I've been deeply immersed in a lot of politically incorrect 'Christian' reading. Generally, it's snarky women writing about that messy place where the hot rubber meets the hotter asphalt, and we're left in uncomfortable yet oh-so-real territory. These are honest writers who aren't willing to follow the crowd and present the shiny-happy or the ignorant and blissfully irritating. They are fine folks with laptops and dirty, grimy, desperate faiths, and their editors long ago threw away the cans of whitewash and just let them write.

This rough-hewn faith and straight-up writing is really good. It reaches into places where not a lot of writing can go. It breaks down the crappy images we have of God and humanity. It helps us to open ourselves a little bit more to both. Anne Lamott has pretty much mastered this.

"Operating Instructions" is a raw and real journal of the first year with her first child. She was a single mom and a recovering addict, fighting against depression and insanity while clawing at life and struggling to be a good mom. We might not all be recovering addicts or single moms, but some of the crazy in these pages is universal. Some of it is so extreme that it makes you feel good about your own craziness because she goes a little further off the deep end than most. But a good deal of it will strike a chord with any honest human who's had a baby and then tried to raise that baby into a full-sized human. This is a tough job, folks.

Still, I haven't tried any of Anne Lamott's fiction. I hear it's really hard stuff. Given her inability to hold back, I imagine what I hear is probably true. And most of the time, I just don't need hard. It's too... well, hard. Life in the here and now is hard enough for me; I don't need to bring in more.

But this must be the fifth or sixth of her never-ending non-fiction hit-list, and she never disappoints. She gets a little grungier than I would like, but that's who she is, and you can't fault her for her fearless honesty.

Anyway, I've been wanting to read the one about the kid for a long time, and I finally did. And it was good.

Next up: "Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son's First Son". I can't wait.

This is an outstanding and charming book that delves into the experience of having a newborn. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as I no longer have a newborn. Instead, I have a three-and-a-half-year-old, which presents a completely different set of challenges. It's easy to look back on G's babyhood with fondness, based on what are likely false recollections.

We often say things like, "Remember when we could just set him on the couch and he couldn't go anywhere? Remember when he took two whole naps a day? Ah, such good times." But in reality, I was an idiot. I was constantly exhausted to the point where my skeleton hurt. And while you could set G on the couch and he couldn't move, he'd immediately start crying hysterically, so it wasn't as great as it seemed.

Lamott beautifully describes her moments with her napping son, thinking how angelic he is. But then, a few minutes later, when he wakes her up, she has a completely different thought. I can relate to that feeling all too well. Every ridiculous fear she has, like thinking she broke Sam's neck because of a pothole in the car, all her amazement at his tiny hands, big round eyes, and puffy lips - it's all so accurate.

When she comments about how Sam can now say more than "Ah-goo," I laughed out loud because "Ah-goo" is the name of G's stuffed monkey. It was the first animal he noticed and the first thing he could say. This book is truly wonderful, but it has also convinced me that I am absolutely never having another baby.