Anne Lamott is known for her sharp, funny, and clever prose. Another of her books, _Bird by Bird_, offers wonderful advice on writing and was my initial introduction to her. This particular book consists of several essays covering a variety of issues. She writes about getting older, handicapped people, and what one can learn from hurting oneself on a ski slope. Lamott can be both smart and very cute. However, while she倡导 a "love everyone" approach and emphasizes forgiving and laughing through life's brokenness and hurt, it all starts to feel a little thin and stale. After all, she is in good health, has a family, and lives in the wealthiest nation in the world. Her problems are generally of the soul, and as we all know, those are the hardest to face. But does she truly face them?

In her writing about abortion, her hatred towards those who oppose it is bleak and glaring. I could barely get through the chapter where she helps euthanize a friend, and that's when I stopped reading. Confusion and seeking are indeed part of life, especially in cultures wealthy enough to have the luxury of certain kinds of existential angst. I would also agree that there is a certain tender beauty in the ubiquitous inelegance of humanity. But I'm afraid this book is just an echo of Sixties psychology - a gushily warm philosophy, or in some cases, really a religion, of the Self that in practice is completely depressing. To the extent that she escapes this philosophy, her book is beautiful; to the extent that she clings to it, the book is extremely disturbing.

So, it gave me a perhaps useful insight into a politics and morality very different from my own and helped highlight the areas of confluence that can exist. (It might be worth a read for priests and seminarians who want to understand the mindset of the Sixties generation, which is still very much with us.) But in the end, I am somewhat spoiled by the academic approach and find myself setting aside a book with a tinge of disgust that vilifies any politics or morality other than its own while failing to be conscious, or perhaps honest, about its own inner contradictions and problems.

I believe that a truly great work should be able to engage with different perspectives and be self-reflective. While Lamott has her moments of brilliance, this book ultimately falls short in my eyes.

Anne LaMott, if you're reading this, I want to share a little about myself with you.

I live in San Antonio, Texas during the summer. It's a vibrant and exciting place with a rich culture and a lot to explore.

In the fall and spring, I attend Gordon College. It's a wonderful institution where I'm able to pursue my studies and grow as a person.

If you're ever in the area, I would absolutely love to give you a hug. I can't even begin to express how much your book and your heart have touched me.

I'm serious when I say I'll run errands for you or do whatever else you need. I just want to show my appreciation and gratitude for all that you've done.

Thank you for being such an inspiration, Anne LaMott. I truly hope to meet you one day.

Having read "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott years ago, I was well-acquainted with her charming writing style. I had a hunch that "Traveling Mercies" would be a great choice for my vacation reading. And I was spot on.

In this memoir, Lamott shares her journey of coming to faith and her continuous battles with it. It is refreshingly honest and straightforward, perhaps to a fault. Her at times rather crude language might make many of her fellow believers feel uncomfortable. However, for those believers who struggle with questions like whether they are the only ones who doubt, fear, yell at their kids, find the subtle signs of God's presence uplifting, struggle to know how to pray, or still feel sadness when others think the grief should have passed, this book is an encouraging read. They are not alone. Anne Lamott reveals herself to us as a kindred spirit in these aspects.

A friend recently asked me about Lamott, especially because some of her views and beliefs are, let's say, on the far-left side of the orthodox path. Was she lacking something, my friend wondered? Well, if we set aside the more obvious signs of syncretism, the liberal politics, the feminist tendency, and the open admiration for her female pastor - all of which might make many evangelicals squirm - we still have a sister in Christ who is not so different from us. The truth is, most American Christians have our own elements of syncretism, embrace theologically-liberal ideas that suit our preferences, and hold social and political opinions that are perhaps closer to hers than we'd like to admit. It's just that most of us are good at keeping these things secret and hidden.

Anne Lamott sees no point in such pretense. As a result, "Traveling Mercies" presents us with someone who we recognize as both familiar and, at times, a bit more raw than we think is proper. But I believe most of us could benefit from a little more of that.

Lamott is approximately my age and hails from Northern California, which gives us some good connections.

She is a liberal Christian, very down-to-earth and confessional, and once again, I can identify with her.

What's more important is that she is a talented essayist who knows how to draw a broader conclusion from a specific detail, with an emphasis on the concrete and less confidence in the overarching narrative.

Sharman and I read this together, and she was especially looking forward to the cozy reading time. It's a double endorsement!

It's so much fun to discover a great new voice to follow. I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work!

I can't wait to see what other insights and stories she has to offer.

Her writing style is engaging and relatable, making it a pleasure to read.

I'm sure that as I continue to explore her work, I'll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for her unique perspective.

Overall, I'm very excited about this new find and can't wait to see where this literary journey takes me.

All I should say is that this book wasn't for me.

Perhaps if I were twenty-five years older and a woman who frequently goes to church, then I would truly be captivated by this one. I do understand her appeal as a writer, but it simply didn't have the same effect on me.

I'm not anti-religion in any way. In fact, I'm quite open to spirituality, which is probably the reason why I chose to read this book. However, at this particular point in my life, it didn't hold much significance for me. But then again, who knows what the future holds? Life is constantly changing, and perhaps my perspective on this book and its themes will also change as I grow and experience more.

Maybe one day, I'll look back on this book and see it in a whole new light. For now, though, it just wasn't the right fit for me.

I have to admit that while there were certain aspects of what she said that I found quite appealing. However, when it came to the actual writing, it was a completely different story for me. The text seemed to be too disjointed, jumping from one thought to another without any clear connection or flow. It felt as if the author was simply rambling on without a proper structure or direction. This lack of coherence made it extremely difficult for me to enjoy the piece. I found myself constantly getting lost and having to reread certain parts in an attempt to make sense of it all. Overall, despite the few redeeming qualities in her words, the disjointed and rambling nature of the writing really detracted from the overall experience for me.

I thought this was an extremely honest and authentic portrayal of faith and the arduous struggles associated with it.

However, in a certain sense, I perceived this reading experience more as a profound exploration of life itself and the process of surmounting the numerous struggles and challenges that inevitably arise within it, rather than simply a book centered around faith. Perhaps, in fact, that is precisely the intended essence.

I truly valued her thoughts and perspectives, which offered a sense of profound grounding as I delved into the text. It felt almost as if I was engaged in a meaningful conversation with someone, rather than simply perusing a book.

This unique quality made the reading experience all the more engaging and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on my mind and heart.

I am not entirely certain as to who bestowed this book upon me.

The humorous segments and the account of her journey to becoming Jewish during her college years truly appealed to me. However, at this juncture, I feel that I have had my fill of Anne Lamott's writing, perhaps even for all time.

It is essential for me to add that the chapter dedicated to her mother almost brought me to tears.

Maybe this very aspect is sufficient reason to peruse the book.

Her description of her mother was so vivid and filled with such raw emotion that it tugged at my heartstrings.

Despite my current stance on Anne Lamott's work, I cannot deny the impact that this particular chapter had on me.

It serves as a reminder of the power of a well-written story to evoke deep emotions within the reader.

Perhaps in the future, I may find myself drawn back to her writing, but for now, I am content to have experienced this one book.

Damn,

This book has truly slayed me now in a manner that it didn't when I initially read it way back in 2004. For starters, I'm older,即将turning 40 this year. Secondly, I'm a mom of a little boy who is steadily getting taller and older, which makes me acutely aware of how quickly time is passing. Anne Lamott writes with such raw honesty and humor about the real aspects of life - friends passing away, finding a home church and a spiritual community, trying not to compare one's middle-aged butt to a youthful teen's butt, and a parent growing old. But what really gutted me again and again is the stuff regarding her relationship with her sweet Sam. He is now a grownup man, but in the essays in the book, he was 7 and 8 years old. Anyway, if you're longing for a little spiritual sustenance, you should definitely read this. I'm going to reread all of her memoirs. They are truly so worth it.

It's amazing how a book can have a different impact on us at different stages of our lives. This one has brought up so many emotions and made me reflect on my own life and relationships. I can't wait to see what new insights I'll gain from rereading her other memoirs.

I truly wish I had come across this remarkable book many years ago. For me, it transcends being merely a story about one woman and her faith. Instead, it delves deep into the essence of faith, the trials and tribulations of single parenting, and the intricate tapestry of life itself.

I found myself thrust into the role of a single parent when my son was just five years old, and it has无疑 been the most arduous aspect of my life. The overwhelming stress and paralyzing fear that accompany single parenting far outweigh the challenges posed by a career, academia, study, priesthood, or anything else I have ever encountered. It was as if I was thrown into a furnace, but within that crucible, my faith took on a newfound authenticity. I learned to walk with God, much like Anne Lamott.

This means simply embracing everyday faith and allowing it to guide us through all the vicissitudes of life.

The beauty of this book, for me, lies not in the fact that Anne is a renowned theologian. Rather, it is in the way she navigates the highs and lows of life in communion with God. Her faith is not confined to the pew; it permeates every aspect of her existence – her work, her kitchen, her drives, her writing, her friendships, her losses, her pains, her joys, and all the grace and tenacity that define her life.

And this is exactly how it should be.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because I could see reflections of my own life within its pages. It is always鼓舞人心 and life-affirming to realize that we are not alone on this journey. We are part of a community, and there are others who have walked or are walking the same path as we are.

It means that we are in the company of fellow travelers, journeying through life together, supported by mercy.

I regret not having discovered Anne Lamott in the early days of my single parenting when life was harsh and confusing. However, I am grateful that I have found her now, as I have reached more stable shores. I now have the privilege of leading others in their spiritual walks, and Anne's book serves as a timely reminder of this responsibility.

So, as I read this book, I am able to recall my past, bring it into the present and future, and share my own life wisdom with others, so that they too can experience a fulfilling life. This is how it is meant to be, and this is precisely what Anne Lamott has accomplished here. She has done so in an ordinary and unassuming way, with writing that captivates the heart with its beauty and passion.

Her writing is genuine, and I was deeply moved by its honesty, openness, compassion, humility, and love.

But this book is not solely about faith.

It is also a valuable resource for those without faith because we all have to navigate the complexities of life. We all face those inevitable pains and joys, and why not do so in the company of others rather than alone?

I cherished this peek into a life that resounds with echoes of my own. It was affirming, comforting, and encouraging, and it couldn't have come at a more opportune time for the journeys that lie ahead.

I usually have a great appreciation for Anne Lamott's writing. However, when it comes to "Traveling Mercies," I wasn't overly enthusiastic.

It is a memoir that delves into Lamott's religious faith, which is mainly Christian but also incorporates a touch of Buddhist philosophy and the occasional slogan from a motivational poster when it suits her purpose. The subtitle, "Some Thoughts on Faith," gives the impression that she has engaged in deep reflection on these matters. But in reality, I had the sense that she hadn't thought deeply about any of it. At times, it seemed almost deliberately naive.

The book reads a bit like those fake inspirational blogs that also showcase the blogger's rather unattractive artwork (typically a drawing of a misshapen hand holding a bunch of flowers against a rainbow background). Generally speaking, I found the writing, for Lamott, to be uncharacteristically overwrought. While she is usually straightforward, here she seems to be striving for something - perhaps profundity or a more intellectual tone - that doesn't come naturally to her. This results in pretentious word choices and tortured metaphors, like the one where God is compared to the donkey in the Pin the Tail game of life.

Although there are parts of this book that are beautifully written, especially the chapter about her aging mother, overall it was a disappointment.

I listened to an abridged version on tape, so I did not get the whole feel of the book.

Lamott is indeed an engaging storyteller. She manages to make her somewhat pathetic and indulgent earlier life sound like a great foundation for faith. It's easy to see why many people are drawn to her writing.

However, for me, there was an undercurrent of disdain. This child of liberal hippies led such a reckless and self-destructive life as an alcoholic, drug addict, and perhaps a sex addict. There is likely more to her story than what she reveals, and fortunately, she has ended up in a good place.

It amazes me the paths people take and how God intervenes in their lives. She writes in a sort of innocent way, as if to say, "This is just what happened to me." But I suspect there is more awareness than her writing voice implies.

Maybe I'm being too harsh; probably so. But I was not as captivated by her as others have been.

Having said that, she does have some great turns of phrase, like "Courage is fear that has said its prayers."