So, I'm out walking my dog in the park.

My dog, a border collie mix, has this amazing ability to almost always find a tennis ball.

This time, it was a brand new-looking tennis ball. What was strange was that instead of the usual dots, it had the name of a book and the author's name on it.

I was already somewhat familiar with the author due to her book on writing called Bird by Bird. However, I had never delved into any of her fiction.

But finding this tennis ball with such specific information on it piqued my curiosity. Of course, I just had to read the book.

I was hoping for some good entertainment and also to solve the mystery of why the book's name was on a tennis ball.

Well, I have to say that the book was indeed entertaining. As it turns out, the reason the name is on a tennis ball is because the young protagonist, Rosie, is a top-ranked junior tennis player.

(I hope that doesn't give away too much.) The characters in the book are very well-drawn. While I can't say that I could completely relate to them, I could definitely recognize their humanity.

It was an interesting and enjoyable read, all because of that chance encounter with the tennis ball in the park.

When Anne Lamott delves into the topic of writing, she frequently mentions magpies.

She describes the process as one of gathering scraps here and bits there, and then skillfully weaving them together to form a story.

This is precisely what this book evokes. It is a compilation of remarkable sayings and astute observations, all neatly packaged around a genuine narrative of teenage angst and maternal depression.

Surprisingly, it reads at a much slower pace than I had recalled. However, approximately halfway through, it begins to gain momentum.

The slower start allows for a more in-depth exploration of the characters and their emotions, while the building momentum keeps the reader engaged and eager to discover what lies ahead.

Overall, this book offers a unique and engaging reading experience that combines the art of storytelling with profound insights into the human condition.

I actually can't say I have read this book.

I have read 36 pages and I simply cannot stand to read one more word. It makes me feel horrible, but I just can't do it. I truly adore Anne Lamott and her non-fiction works. However, I can't stand her fiction.

Truthfully, I don't think I should even be giving the book 1 star since I only got 36 pages in and couldn't bear it.

What did I hate? The overuse of descriptive words was simply overwhelming. I felt like I was reading the Thesaurus with some words randomly inserted between the descriptives.

The lack of plot was also a major issue. At 36 pages in, there was NO plot whatsoever, which leads me to believe there isn't going to be one at all.

The story was so dull that it made me yawn continuously. It was the most boring story I have read in a very long time.

I felt like I was wasting my life and time by reading any more of this book. So, I had to give up on it. It pained me because, as I said, I love Lamott's non-fiction.

I really think Lamott should stick to non-fiction. While reading those 36 pages, I felt like yelling, "Anne! Where is your voice? Where are you?"

Her non-fiction is so funny, real, and just...great. Her fiction, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. It lacks everything that I love about Anne Lamott as an author.

A friend of mine also agrees with me about Lamott's fiction. In fact, she read 3 of Lamott's fiction works, this one being one of the three, and told me to give it up because Lamott's fiction works simply aren't worth the time.

Anne, I love you and your voice in your non-fiction works...please stick with that! :)

I just couldn't finish this book. I had read some of Lamott's previous non-fiction works, and I really liked them.

Thankfully, I didn't buy this one. I definitely wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Although I don't consider myself a Republican (I'm a conservative libertarian with a small "l"), I took offense at the offhand remarks made against that group. They weren't as overly cruel as some of the things you read on Twitter and in the media, but they were enough to make me stop reading.

These remarks weren't necessary for the story. They came directly from the author, not from a character speaking them.

Moreover, the characters in the book were just unbelievable. It was really hard for me to get invested in their stories when they seemed so unrealistic.

Overall, this book was a disappointment for me, especially considering how much I had enjoyed Lamott's previous work.

Heard so much about her, but this is my first encounter with Ann Lamott's work.

I was more inclined towards the novels rather than the nonfiction, so I chose to begin with this particular one.

I have a penchant for books that delve deeply into the minds and hearts of the characters, and this one indeed accomplishes that.

It vividly illustrates the flaws within each of us, and shows how the characters gradually learn to forgive themselves and those they hold dear.

I liked the book, but didn't love it.

I believe this is because the characters themselves lack a certain depth, interestingness, or likability.

That might make it seem as if I didn't enjoy it at all, but in fact, I did like it, just not to the extent of being in love with it.

Perhaps with more exploration of the characters or a different narrative approach, it could have had a stronger impact on me.

Nevertheless, it was still a worthwhile read that provided some insights into the human condition.

Overall, I'm glad I gave it a try and look forward to exploring more of Ann Lamott's works in the future.

A novel penned by a highly talented writer who excels in both fiction and nonfiction. Rosie Ferguson, in the prime of her young womanhood, is completely consumed by tournament tennis. Her mother, a recovering alcoholic, is still deeply mourning the loss of her first husband. Meanwhile, her stepfather, a struggling writer, is grappling with his own inner demons. And now, Rosie discovers that her remarkable athletic gifts, which were once a source of great triumph and an escape from reality, are now placing her in a dangerous situation. A mysterious and shadowy man, who stalks her from the bleachers, appears to be developing an unhealthy obsession of his own. If it were possible, I would have given this novel 3.5 stars.

When I first began reading this, I discovered that I didn't truly love it.

I perused a few reviews and noticed that someone else had the same sentiment and had given up on it after around 30 pages.

However, I persevered because I typically adore Lamott's books, and I'm extremely glad that I did.

This was an excellent read.

The characters were all imperfect, and yet, simultaneously, they were perfect.

The character of Luther is truly inspired.

He's their savior who arrives precisely when they need him, even when they didn't realize they required saving.

I highly recommend this book.

And if those who are inclined to give up early come across this, do yourself a great favor and persevere, as it will reward your tenacity.

This is truly an outstanding book.

I have an immense love for her writing style. It was my very first encounter with a Lamott book, and I am absolutely certain that I will be delving into many others.

I have a particular penchant for coming of age stories, and this one holds a special place in my heart. The reason being that she beautifully takes into account both the adolescent's thoughts and feelings as well as the mother's.

My favorite line from the book is: "Having a teenage daughter is punishment for being a teenage daughter." Oh lord, just thinking about it makes me realize that I'm probably in for some trouble in about 8 years!!!

It's a thought-provoking and engaging read that I would highly recommend to anyone.

Today, as she stood in front of the mirror, she could clearly see the worried beauty of the girl she had once been and, God willing, the marvelous crone she would become one day.

Charles's amazing and agile mind, which was once so sharp and full of vitality, was now like a moth trapped in a jar. Every time it attempted something vigorous, more of its precious powder seemed to fall off.

She had cheated, yet deep down, she didn't consider herself a cheater.

She went directly to James's office, eager to tell him how wonderful it had been to be out in the sun and how she was trying to be of help. She had excused herself for the interruption and began to share all that she had seen. However, he looked at her almost wearily, and she ended up feeling as if all of her excitement was draining away around her feet.

She relaxed into his body, and they began making love for comfort, not seeking the transports of sex where one wants to lose oneself in the ether of it all. What they truly desired was to find each other again and, in doing so, find themselves.

If marriage was like a comforting garment that one could wrap around oneself, a fight could easily rip it loose, leaving one standing bare and alone in the high wind of the messes of marriage, all that was frayed and grubby. Too many harsh words had been spoken, and too much had been left unsaid. Too many compromises had snatched at the garment, leaving it dirty and frayed. It was so difficult, though, after a fight, because one hardly had the strength or the desire even to bend down and pick up the garment at one's feet. But then, when one did, it would feel warm and heavy and have the smell of one's beloved, which was so incredible, familiar, and also a little rank, with the mammalian essence of life and the sweat of the battle.

Crooked little Heart

There was always that nagging feeling in her soul that the bottom could drop out of their marriage. There were so many areas where things could go irreparably wrong. And the jacket was always waiting in the closet, the jacket of being a martyr and a bitch, the jacket she was now wearing.

This book was just \\"okay\\".

I have a certain appreciation for Anne Lamott as a writer. She has shown great talent in the realm of non-fiction. However, when it comes to this particular work, I must say that I was not overly impressed.

The plot of the book seemed rather weak. It lacked the kind of depth and complexity that would have kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself easily losing interest as the story progressed.

Moreover, I wasn't enthralled with her characters either. They didn't seem to come alive on the page for me. I didn't feel a strong connection or empathy towards them.

In my opinion, Anne Lamott's own life and her keen observations of real people are far more interesting and engaging. Those are the aspects that truly showcase her writing skills and make her work stand out.

Overall, while this book had its moments, it didn't quite measure up to my expectations. I would still recommend Anne Lamott's non-fiction works, but this particular book may not be the best place to start for those new to her writing.

Anne Lamott's writing is truly captivating.

At times, it can be poignant and heartbreaking, yet it also has a real sense of wit in both conversation and its exploration of the human condition.

She has a remarkable talent for writing about the aspects that we have in common as well as those that distinguish us, with a greater emphasis on the former.

This work serves as a fine follow-up to "Rosie", especially for those who don't mind all the references to tennis, which I personally don't.

Lamott's ability to touch on universal themes and make them relatable is what makes her writing so engaging.

Whether it's through her vivid descriptions or her humorous anecdotes, she manages to draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and beautifully written literature.

I didn't want it to end.

A book about a thirteen-year-old girl has the power to remind you vividly of being 13 yourself.

What makes this book truly remarkable is that it is written by the mother of a boy in real life, yet it captures the essence of a thirteen-year-old girl with such accuracy.

I simply cannot imagine having as good a relationship with my mother or a stranger who comes to my games (in my case, it would have been recitals) when I was 13. Although the girl's mother in the book has her flaws, she is still a great deal better than the mother I had. I firmly believe that Anne created the mother she desired to have in this character, at least the mother she ultimately becomes in the end.

Lamott's writing is so captivating that she truly rules the page. Her words draw you in and make you feel as if you are right there with the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows. It is a testament to her talent as a writer that she can create such a believable and engaging story.