I do not understand the mystery of Grace. It is an enigma that eludes my comprehension. All I know is that it meets us exactly where we are in life, in our most broken and imperfect states. But it doesn't stop there. It doesn't leave us wallowing in our mess. Instead, it has the power to transform us and move us forward.

(4.5) This is such a refreshing and wonderful book on faith! As you all know, I have a great affection for Christianity when seen through a liberal lens. Lol. I adored this book because it was so honest and raw. It didn't sugarcoat anything. It was also clever and truly funny at certain points. I am completely obsessed with the candor with which Lamott writes. Her style is so unique and engaging. I found so many portions of this book to be simply beautiful. It is filled to the brim with so many wonderful stories of love, resilience, and forgiveness. It truly touched my heart and soul. I would most certainly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking read on faith.

I have made an exciting discovery. I have found an author whose works I am eager to explore further. I am aware that my grammar might not be perfect. The interesting thing is that I came across this book on a Black History Month display at my local library. Surprisingly, the author is not African-American; she simply has dreadlocks. Fortunately for me, a staff member made this error. Otherwise, I would never have chanced upon this book.

I was truly captivated by her profound insights and unique style of writing. Her words seemed to flow effortlessly, drawing me in and making me eager to turn the page. I found myself completely immersed in her stories and ideas. It was as if she was sharing a part of herself with me through her writing.

I am looking forward to reading more of her books and delving deeper into her literary world. I believe that each new book will offer me a new perspective and a wealth of knowledge. I am grateful to have discovered this author, and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for her readers.

I absolutely adored this piece of work.

It was so captivating and engaging that I couldn't help but finish it in one sitting.

The story, the characters, and the writing style all combined to create a truly wonderful experience.

I found myself completely immersed in the world that the author had created, and I didn't want to leave.

As soon as I finished reading, I knew that I wanted to re-read it.

I wanted to soak up every detail, every nuance, and every emotion that the author had put into the words.

This is the kind of book that you can read over and over again, and each time you will discover something new and wonderful.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.

If I were in the position of Saint Peter, I truly don't know if Anne Lamott would manage to pass through the Pearly Gates. However, since I'm not, I must say that I absolutely adored this book. It had the remarkable ability to both tickle my funny bone and stab my heart.

The account of her conversion was both powerful and hilarious. Her words, "Fuck it. I quit. All right, Jesus, You can come in," really made me laugh out loud while also making me think deeply about the nature of faith.

After being at Mount Level, her descriptions of Saint Andrew resonated deeply with me. It was as if I could see Saint Andrew right in front of me, with all his qualities and characteristics.

I also adored her descriptions of her friends as unrelentingly beautiful. It was so refreshing to read about such positive and loving relationships. Indeed, her capacity for incredible, deep, bonding friendship impressed me as much as anything else in the book.

Her chapter on Forgiveness, particularly forgiving the neighborhood supermom, really struck a chord with me. It made me realize the importance of forgiveness and how often we hold onto judgmentalisms that are really just masking our own insecurities.

And oh, how I loved the Aunties! They were such a wonderful part of the book. May I always adore the Aunties and be as proud of them as Anne Lamott is. As Anne Lamott might say, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you" for this amazing book that has touched my heart and made me think in so many ways.

I was reading this book while simultaneously copyediting a travel guide. This means that I probably took too long to get through it, which made it feel more like a chore rather than the kind of experience worth savoring that many people likely find a Lamott book to be.

I will say that I love how comfortable Lamott is in being who she is. It's evident that it has taken her decades of her life to reach this point, but it's so reassuring to read these thoughts from a woman who values her own identity while also valuing her faith. It's one of the things I love most about her as an author.

I will also say that certain sentences of hers can truly stop me in my tracks. Here are a few that I really loved. She said, "The main reason (for making her son go to church) is I want to give him what I found in the world, which is to say a path and a little light to see by. Most of the people I know who have what I want—which is to say, purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy—are people with a deep sense of spirituality."

Another one I liked was, "It's funny: I always imagined when I was a kid that adults had some kind of inner toolbox, full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of patience. But then when I grew up I found that life handed you these rusty bent old tools--friendships, prayer, conscience, honesty—and said, Do the best you can with these, they will have to do. And mostly, against all odds, they are enough."

And also, I can't find it now, but there was an essay where Anne talked about how she was having all these things happen in her life at once - cars breaking down, appliances malfunctioning, stuff with her son at school. And in talking with her friend, he made a comment about, "If you can throw money at it, it's not really a problem" (or something to that effect). We've had a lot of minor things happen lately in our house (dryer breaking, toilet needing fixed, car repairs, lawn mower dying) and I've been coming back to that sentiment so often these past few weeks. How true it is....

I was disappointed time and time again as I read through her essays. The fact that she is a Christian made it even more disheartening. I persisted in reading, hoping against hope that she would somehow redeem herself. However, to my dismay, she did not.

Her language was offensive, and her descriptions of her loved ones, especially her mother, were often disrespectful. I have another of her books, which I borrowed from the library. Now, I am in a quandary as to whether I should read it or not.

This book offers a glimpse into the heart and mind of the most liberal Christians. It vividly shows how much her spiritual journey is influenced by her environment, namely California, and the home she was raised in, which was ultra-liberal with absent parents.

What I do appreciate about her is her honesty about herself. She makes no effort to portray herself as better than she actually is. This authenticity is perhaps the only redeeming quality in what has otherwise been a rather disappointing reading experience.

Perhaps my profound disappointment with this book stems from overly lofty expectations. I had heard countless praises about its supposed honesty, hilarity, and profundity, which made me almost giddy on the day I purchased it. However, to my great dismay, within just a few chapters, I was merely persevering to finish it.

Regarding this book's much-vaunted "honesty," I found it to be scarce and ephemeral. Admittedly, there is an abundance of self-deprecation, but it always seems to come with an unspoken plea for the reader's admiration - whether for humor or wit. And if that fails, the author resorts to shocking the reader. But never, ever does she truly bare her soul and lay it all out. There were moments - oh! - when it seemed as if the truth was about to be revealed, but then the dance of deception began anew. I felt as if I was on a disastrous date with someone who just couldn't be genuine - couldn't let go of the pretense and be real.

On top of that, there is a great deal of humor at the expense of others, which I didn't find particularly funny. In fact, it was rather sad. Those who disagree with her politics or criticize her writing are secondhand compared to the Gestapo - and she means it. Overall, the tone - despite the self-deprecation - manages to achieve a surprisingly narcissistic quality. For the life of me, I can't quite put my finger on how she accomplishes this, but she does.

I don't think she's a bad person. I don't even think she's a bad writer. It's just that this book feels more like an online blog where people ramble about nothing, use excessive flowery language, and constantly check the number of likes and comments they receive at the end of the day. It just gives the impression that the single most important driving force in this author's life and writing is the desperate need for me - for everyone - to like her. And I can only tolerate so much of that.

Classic Lamott. Her essays cover a wide variety of topics, into which she skillfully weaves wisdom, compassion, and a sense of connection. Lamott is truly like the Mr. Rogers of the adult world. She has this remarkable ability to remind us that we are not only capable but also worthy of love. In her writing, she delves deep into the human experience, sharing her insights and stories in a way that makes us feel understood and accepted. Whether it's about relationships, personal growth, or the challenges of life, Lamott's words offer a glimmer of hope and a gentle nudge to be kinder to ourselves and others. Her work is a testament to the power of writing to touch hearts and make a difference in the world.

No one writes about God and faith and life quite like Anne Lamott.

It's indeed true that at certain moments, her books might seem a bit crazy and "derailed." However, for the most part, they are brimming with humor and inspiration.

Her works are filled with genuine spiritual treasures regarding faith and dealing with life, notwithstanding how messy and agonizing it can occasionally be.

Whenever I finish reading her books, I always depart with a sense of upliftment.

I am determined to lead my life with an increased capacity for love towards others and a profound gratitude for all of God's numerous blessings.

Anne Lamott's writing has a unique charm that draws readers in and leaves a lasting impact on their hearts and souls.

Her ability to blend the humorous and the profound makes her books a joy to read and a source of inspiration for those seeking a deeper understanding of faith and life.

Whether you are a devout believer or simply someone interested in exploring the meaning of life, Anne Lamott's books are well worth the read.

They have the power to touch your heart, make you laugh, and inspire you to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

This book had an extraordinary impact on me. It made me laugh out loud one moment, and then brought tears to my eyes the next. And just when I thought I was done with the emotional rollercoaster, it made me burst into laughter again (and that happened a lot). Oh, and the best part? It really made me think deeply (also a lot).

Written by Anne Lamott, this collection of essays delves into the profound themes of living and dying, love and loss, mothering and being mothered, and above all, faith. It is a comprehensive compendium of thoughts that will resonate with everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Lamott is an unexpected spiritual mentor. She grew up in a dysfunctional household in 1960s California. However, as a child, she was repeatedly cared for by kind friends and their mothers. She had a burning desire to become a writer, but before she could establish herself in that challenging profession, she fell into the clutches of alcoholism and drug addiction. She longed for love and marriage, but before that finally happened at the unlikely age of 65, she had a series of tumultuous love affairs, some with rather strange (and even scary) married men. But in 1986, she managed to sober up, and her life took a new turn. In 1989, she got pregnant by a man who had no intention of being a father, so Anne single-handedly brought that baby into the world and named him Sam. Sam not only became the love of her life but also gave her a new sense of purpose.

This book, which reflects Lamott's rough and eventful life, is far from being a typical spiritual guide. And that's what makes it even better. It's real, it's tough, it's often irreverent, it's insightful, and it's hilarious – well, when it's not dealing with tragic and sad moments.

Lamott is brutally honest about so many aspects of her life, whether it's the state of her soul or the state of her hair. She reveals in excruciating personal detail her struggles with bulimia, drug abuse, alcoholism, her messy conversion to Christianity, wearing a swimsuit in middle age, the intense grief she endured when her father and best childhood friend passed away, the difficulties and joys of being a single mom, and so much more.

And although there is a great deal of sorrow and suffering in her story, there is also healing and hope. Lamott shows how to pray, and like in her book "Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers," her methods are unconventional yet highly effective. It might just be worth giving them a try!

And the title? It is derived from a prayer said in Anne's church when someone is about to embark on a journey: "Traveling mercies: love the journey, God is with you, come home safe and sound." I absolutely love that!

If you're grappling with any facet of your Christianity, do yourself a favor and pick up a book by Anne Lamott.

She has a remarkable way of reaching out to those who are exhausted by the hypocrisy, the hate, and the judging that can sometimes be associated with the faith. Lamott reminds us that there is a place of peace to be found. Jesus calls those who are "weary and heavy laden," and that's where we should seek refuge.

We must remember that the presence of Jesus is not reserved for those who have all the answers. It's for those who are searching, those who are struggling. We need to show this truth to the world.

I recently completed "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith," and I was completely captivated by Lamott's unique take on faith and spirituality. I'm now eager to read the rest of her books. Fortunately, my wife is already a big fan and has been collecting them, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

Lamott has so many profound and thought-provoking things to say. She writes, "Most of the people I know who have what I want - which is to say, purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy - are people with a deep sense of spirituality. They are people in community, who pray, or practice their faith; they are Buddhists, Jews, Christians - people banding together to work on themselves and for human rights. They follow a brighter light than the glimmer of their own candle; they are part of something beautiful."

Her words are not only profound but also often laced with humor. She once wrote, "I was too young to die - or at least, I was too upset to die. You don't want to die when you're this upset - you get a bad room in heaven with the other hysterics, the right-to-lifers, and the exercise compulsives."

In conclusion, Lamott's work is always very, very good. I highly recommend that you read "Traveling Mercies" and discover the wisdom and inspiration it has to offer.

I have shared parts of this remarkable book with my dear husband, my closest friends, and my precious daughter.

If you were to stop by, I would be more than happy to read some of my absolute favorite passages to you.

Take, for instance, when Anne Lamott describes treating her thighs and butt as if they were embarrassing, yet somehow endearing, aunties.

Or her spiritual awakening that seemed to arrive on kitten-soft feet and conclude with an expletive.

I find myself hoping that God, just like Anne Lamott, might have dreadlocks.

Her words are so powerful that they make me seriously consider twisting my baby-fine blond locks into dreads, almost as if it could increase my odds of becoming a wise woman.

As she so beautifully writes, "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." (pg. 234)

And, "I was desperate to fix him, fix the situation, make everything happy again, and then I remembered this basic religious principle that God isn't there to take away our suffering or our pain but to fill it with his or her presence, so I prayed for the health simply to enter into Sam's disappointment and keep him company." (pg 241)

These words truly touch the heart and make one reflect on life's deeper meanings.