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Somehow: Thoughts on Love
“Anne Lamott is my Oprah.” — Chicago Tribune
From the bestselling author of Dusk, Night, Dawn and Help, Thanks, Wow , a joyful celebration of love
“Love is our only hope,” Anne Lamott writes in this perceptive new book. “It is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the right one, the noble path, the way home to safety, no matter how bleak the future looks.”
In Thoughts on Love , Lamott explores the transformative power that love has in our how it surprises us, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths, reminds us of our humanity, and guides us forward. “Love just won't be pinned down,” she says. “It is in our very atmosphere” and lies at the heart of who we are. We are, Lamott says, creatures of love.
In each chapter of Somehow , Lamott refracts all the colors of the spectrum. She explores the unexpected love for a partner later in life. The bruised (and bruising) love for a child who disappoints, even frightens. The sustaining love among a group of sinners, for a community in transition, in the wider world. The lessons she underscores are that love enlightens as it educates, comforts as it energizes, sustains as it surprises.
Somehow is Anne Lamott’s twentieth book, and in it she draws from her own life and experience to delineate the intimate and elemental ways that love buttresses us in the face of despair as it galvanizes us to believe that tomorrow will be better than today. Full of the compassion and humanity that have made Lamott beloved by millions of readers, Somehow is classic Anne funny, warm, and wise.
From the bestselling author of Dusk, Night, Dawn and Help, Thanks, Wow , a joyful celebration of love
“Love is our only hope,” Anne Lamott writes in this perceptive new book. “It is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the right one, the noble path, the way home to safety, no matter how bleak the future looks.”
In Thoughts on Love , Lamott explores the transformative power that love has in our how it surprises us, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths, reminds us of our humanity, and guides us forward. “Love just won't be pinned down,” she says. “It is in our very atmosphere” and lies at the heart of who we are. We are, Lamott says, creatures of love.
In each chapter of Somehow , Lamott refracts all the colors of the spectrum. She explores the unexpected love for a partner later in life. The bruised (and bruising) love for a child who disappoints, even frightens. The sustaining love among a group of sinners, for a community in transition, in the wider world. The lessons she underscores are that love enlightens as it educates, comforts as it energizes, sustains as it surprises.
Somehow is Anne Lamott’s twentieth book, and in it she draws from her own life and experience to delineate the intimate and elemental ways that love buttresses us in the face of despair as it galvanizes us to believe that tomorrow will be better than today. Full of the compassion and humanity that have made Lamott beloved by millions of readers, Somehow is classic Anne funny, warm, and wise.
204 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2024
About the author
Anne Lamott
73 books9,331 followersAnne Lamott is an author of several novels and works of non-fiction. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, her non-fiction works are largely autobiographical, with strong doses of self-deprecating humor and covering such subjects as alcoholism, single motherhood, and Christianity. She appeals to her fans because of her sense of humor, her deeply felt insights, and her outspoken views on topics such as her left-of-center politics and her unconventional Christian faith. She is a graduate of Drew College Preparatory School in San Francisco, California. Her father, Kenneth Lamott, was also a writer and was the basis of her first novel Hard Laughter.
Lamott's life is documented in Freida Lee Mock's 1999 documentary Bird by Bird: A Film Portrait of Writer Anne Lamott.
Lamott's life is documented in Freida Lee Mock's 1999 documentary Bird by Bird: A Film Portrait of Writer Anne Lamott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
December 30, 2023
A typical book of essays by Anne Lamott about life, love, and faith. I used to really love Anne Lamott's books, but I think they've all started to just feel kind of same-y to me. You pretty much know what you're going to get at this point if you've already read an Anne Lamott book. Your opinion on whether or not that's a good thing may differ.
April 22, 2024
"Life is such a mystery that you have to wonder if God drinks a little."
Lines like that are the reason her fans love Anne Lamott. The last few of her books seemed to be lacking her old spirit and humor, just a basic rewriting of old offerings. With this one, she's back, melding the old Anne with a newer, older Anne. Somehow is about love in all its many forms. Not just for people, but for nature and ideas and animals and places and things. I love her common sense approach. Quit giving your kids advice, they don't want it, won't take it, and resent you for being right even if you are. Be kind, help where you can, be tolerant (except when it comes to certain politicians) Avoid women who have perfect, high achieving children and love to talk about them.
I truly enjoyed this small book. We are all imperfect in our different ways, and beating yourself up for whatever mistakes and failings you commit doesn't help. Pick up and move on. This makes a great gift, but read it yourself before giving it away.
Lines like that are the reason her fans love Anne Lamott. The last few of her books seemed to be lacking her old spirit and humor, just a basic rewriting of old offerings. With this one, she's back, melding the old Anne with a newer, older Anne. Somehow is about love in all its many forms. Not just for people, but for nature and ideas and animals and places and things. I love her common sense approach. Quit giving your kids advice, they don't want it, won't take it, and resent you for being right even if you are. Be kind, help where you can, be tolerant (except when it comes to certain politicians) Avoid women who have perfect, high achieving children and love to talk about them.
I truly enjoyed this small book. We are all imperfect in our different ways, and beating yourself up for whatever mistakes and failings you commit doesn't help. Pick up and move on. This makes a great gift, but read it yourself before giving it away.
March 31, 2024
I would challenge most anyone to read a book by Anne and not gain a bit of wisdom, insight or appreciation for humanity. I've read most (if not all) of Anne's nonfiction books and this collection of essays shared different nuisances and experiences. Her essays in this book should be read slowly and with care. I highlighted several lines and hope to return back to them. Anne is one of those people I'm simply grateful to be sharing the planet with. Appreciate the early copy from NetGalley so much. Absolutely 5 star. Full transparency, it would be difficult for me to rate her nonfiction work anything lower than a 5.
April 13, 2024
I think Anne Lamott must write these rambling books (which is a genuine art and skill unto itself) in hopes that one line or one word or one small story will stick for each of us.
I don’t think it’s a great plan as a reader to hope you will understand everything that she is laying down. It’s too rambling for that.
With that said, here is what stuck to me today:
“When I first got sober, a man told me that upon waking every morning, instead of reciting the standard flowery recovery prayer, he said, ‘Whatever,’ and at night when he turned off his light to go to sleep, he said, ‘Oh, well.’”
“In between he practiced simplicity—he stayed sober, worked on acceptance, tried to be of service to others, went for nature walks, picked up litter, made himself some tea, and called it a day.”
There are many ways to write that narrative. Everyone can write that in their own way just for their own self. I just particularly like the way this sober man expressed it and I like that Anne Lamott recognized the importance of sharing it in her book.
I don’t think it’s a great plan as a reader to hope you will understand everything that she is laying down. It’s too rambling for that.
With that said, here is what stuck to me today:
“When I first got sober, a man told me that upon waking every morning, instead of reciting the standard flowery recovery prayer, he said, ‘Whatever,’ and at night when he turned off his light to go to sleep, he said, ‘Oh, well.’”
“In between he practiced simplicity—he stayed sober, worked on acceptance, tried to be of service to others, went for nature walks, picked up litter, made himself some tea, and called it a day.”
There are many ways to write that narrative. Everyone can write that in their own way just for their own self. I just particularly like the way this sober man expressed it and I like that Anne Lamott recognized the importance of sharing it in her book.
January 2, 2024
Anne Lamott's books tend to be hit or miss for me, and this one hit the mark. It was at turns poignant and laugh out loud funny. Two of my favorite quotes from the book are:
"Love presents most obviously in babies and kids being cuddled, yet also as patience with annoying humans we live or work with or are."
"Curiosity leads to wonder and wonder is a cousin to love."
I received an ARC from NetGalley. The book will be released on April 9, 2024.
"Love presents most obviously in babies and kids being cuddled, yet also as patience with annoying humans we live or work with or are."
"Curiosity leads to wonder and wonder is a cousin to love."
I received an ARC from NetGalley. The book will be released on April 9, 2024.
April 14, 2024
I've read several Anne Lamott books and loved them. Somehow: Thoughts on Love typifies Lamott's writing. I gleaned about one poignant or interesting thought from each chapter, but Lamott's writing didn't delight me as it has before. I do enjoy her stream-of-consciousness association with whatever current topic she's chosen. Maybe her message is too familiar.
March 5, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Anne Lamott is so imperfectly perfect in her writing. She makes it okay to admit to our weaknesses in character and to accept our flawed selves.
Anne Lamott is so imperfectly perfect in her writing. She makes it okay to admit to our weaknesses in character and to accept our flawed selves.
April 26, 2024
Wonderful reminders by a wise voice. The epilogue is everything!
April 11, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2024
Annie Lamott has done it again.
Her kind but searing honesty shines through in her latest take on life, love, and the universe.
And prepare to be surprised by the places she takes you in this little book.
The love she describes can’t be contained in sentiment or good vibes.
It’s a look into the deeper, stranger, unboxable principle behind all of life.
Plus, she bares her own soul and foibles in ways that made me love her from the moment I first read Bird by Bird. Delivering the medicine covered in self-disclosure and laugh out loud humor, if you are like me, you will find yourself thinking, opening your heart, and committing to loving more deeply and universally than ever before — starting with yourself.
What’s that in my eyes? Not tears. No, just, you know, springtime pollen shaken loose from the nearby apple blossoms by the energy of Life that moves the winds. Okay, I’m crying. You caught me.
Annie Lamott has done it again.
Her kind but searing honesty shines through in her latest take on life, love, and the universe.
And prepare to be surprised by the places she takes you in this little book.
The love she describes can’t be contained in sentiment or good vibes.
It’s a look into the deeper, stranger, unboxable principle behind all of life.
Plus, she bares her own soul and foibles in ways that made me love her from the moment I first read Bird by Bird. Delivering the medicine covered in self-disclosure and laugh out loud humor, if you are like me, you will find yourself thinking, opening your heart, and committing to loving more deeply and universally than ever before — starting with yourself.
What’s that in my eyes? Not tears. No, just, you know, springtime pollen shaken loose from the nearby apple blossoms by the energy of Life that moves the winds. Okay, I’m crying. You caught me.
April 12, 2024
Anne Lamott back again. Reminding me of her old works of writing i used to read in college. I personally enjoyed how familiar this book read and read it in one sitting, because i love her storytelling that much. You definitely know what you’re in store for with her essays: her laughable, spiritual humor alongside her poignant but simple look at love in the face.
pages of underlined words from her - but here are a few:
“do i want to be right? or have a loving heart.
will this be on the test?” - Anne Lamott
“Love abounds and abides, flirts and weeps with us. it is there for the asking - which this the easy part. Our life’s toughest work is in the receiving.”
- anne lamott
“good ole love. allusive and steadfast, fragile and unbreakable and always there for the asking. always, somehow.” - Anne Lamott
pages of underlined words from her - but here are a few:
“do i want to be right? or have a loving heart.
will this be on the test?” - Anne Lamott
“Love abounds and abides, flirts and weeps with us. it is there for the asking - which this the easy part. Our life’s toughest work is in the receiving.”
- anne lamott
“good ole love. allusive and steadfast, fragile and unbreakable and always there for the asking. always, somehow.” - Anne Lamott
April 10, 2024
One of my favorite authors-this wasn’t my favorite of her books, but it was still very very good. Anne Lamott is a master of words!
March 23, 2024
I love Anne Lamott's stream of conscience writing style that blends her personal life stories with life lessons. My favorite books have been "Thanks, Help, Wow" and "Bird by Bird".
The first chapters of "Somehow" were not clearly and strongly connected to the theme of love but the last few chapters left me in tears at multiple points. The chapter on attics, and the mementos of love and life we keep, was particularly powerful for me.
The love she focuses on is not romantic love or eros, but more the community and friendship love of philia - a deep, meaningful love in its own right.
(Received advanced copy from Goodreads.)
The first chapters of "Somehow" were not clearly and strongly connected to the theme of love but the last few chapters left me in tears at multiple points. The chapter on attics, and the mementos of love and life we keep, was particularly powerful for me.
The love she focuses on is not romantic love or eros, but more the community and friendship love of philia - a deep, meaningful love in its own right.
(Received advanced copy from Goodreads.)
January 29, 2024
Somehow by Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott has always amazed me with her willingness to bare her soul and just pour her heart out to her readers. Years ago (the 80s, maybe?) she used to come to our local bookstore (Capitola Book Cafe) and do readings. Those events were magic! And I have such great memories of her fiction (especially All New People and Rosie) and the tons of people who came through the doors of the public library where I worked who came back to thank me for recommending her books. So I was more than happy to get a copy of her latest book, Somehow, from Penguin Group Riverhead and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Somehow is all about love which is, according to AL, in all of us, and is central to our very being. She examines various kinds of love, including finding a partner/soulmate in later life as well as the deep love for one’s children. And along the way she throws in some spiritual/religious mentions without being preachy about it. Very enjoyable. Not my favorite of hers, not even in my top five, but well worth reading. Four stars.
Anne Lamott has always amazed me with her willingness to bare her soul and just pour her heart out to her readers. Years ago (the 80s, maybe?) she used to come to our local bookstore (Capitola Book Cafe) and do readings. Those events were magic! And I have such great memories of her fiction (especially All New People and Rosie) and the tons of people who came through the doors of the public library where I worked who came back to thank me for recommending her books. So I was more than happy to get a copy of her latest book, Somehow, from Penguin Group Riverhead and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Somehow is all about love which is, according to AL, in all of us, and is central to our very being. She examines various kinds of love, including finding a partner/soulmate in later life as well as the deep love for one’s children. And along the way she throws in some spiritual/religious mentions without being preachy about it. Very enjoyable. Not my favorite of hers, not even in my top five, but well worth reading. Four stars.
Currently reading
March 24, 2024SVWC 7/24
Release late April
Check for on Libby
Release late April
Check for on Libby
April 14, 2024
She’s such a gifted writer. I got to see her last night in San Francisco being interviewed.
April 25, 2024
Pure Lamott brilliant ramblings. So good.
February 24, 2024
First a big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the DRC.
You can never go wrong with Anne Lamott. She is truly a delight to read. Each chapter is a slice of her life, her thoughts, her experiences and most importantly her growth as a human. She shows the reader all of her insecurities, followed by the paths she takes to learn and mature.
If you are a regular reader of Lamott's work, parts of "Somehow" will feel very familiar, if not a bit repetitive from her previous books. Fortunately she intersperses those moments with new experiences.
One such essay discusses the fallout over her transphobic retweet years after she posted it, It is clear she took ownership of her behavior and learned from it. She eloquently pointed out we are all human, humans err, it is what you do after erring that makes the difference. Our society is far too quick to "cancel" someone, we would be better served learning forgiveness..
Anne Lamott is the neighbor everyone should be and at the same time she's the neighbor everyone should have in their lives. Not perfect but well meaning, thoughtful and full of love.
You can never go wrong with Anne Lamott. She is truly a delight to read. Each chapter is a slice of her life, her thoughts, her experiences and most importantly her growth as a human. She shows the reader all of her insecurities, followed by the paths she takes to learn and mature.
If you are a regular reader of Lamott's work, parts of "Somehow" will feel very familiar, if not a bit repetitive from her previous books. Fortunately she intersperses those moments with new experiences.
One such essay discusses the fallout over her transphobic retweet years after she posted it, It is clear she took ownership of her behavior and learned from it. She eloquently pointed out we are all human, humans err, it is what you do after erring that makes the difference. Our society is far too quick to "cancel" someone, we would be better served learning forgiveness..
Anne Lamott is the neighbor everyone should be and at the same time she's the neighbor everyone should have in their lives. Not perfect but well meaning, thoughtful and full of love.
April 25, 2024
Plus 1/2 star. Anne Lamott gets it. Every time.
April 20, 2024
For the past several weeks, I've been in some kind of funk that makes me not want to do anything at all--even read. I decided to try and read one chapter of Somehow in the hopes that it would connect with me. I found myself unable to put it down. This book is a gentle book, which does restate some of Anne's most beautiful lines in new ways, and it was just what my spirit needed. We may live in a world that is sometimes unloving and cruel, but love is still there whispering to us through the fog--whispering "I need you to find more of me, and I need you to share me with others."
April 26, 2024
As usual, witty, and inspirational. Autobiographical, and fun to read. She is a regular at Sun Valley Wrtiers’ Conference, and interesting to read and meet her over the years.
April 15, 2024
I love Anne Lamott books but she needs some new material.
April 16, 2024
While I have savored many of her beautiful quotes over the years, this is the first Anne Lamott book I’ve read. In it she shares her thoughts and personal experiences, loosely connected to love, in a series of vignettes. Some are funny, others faith-filled, but mostly they seemed random and all over the place. The strength is found in her humility, vulnerability, goodness, and quirkiness. In the end, I needed a little more order and direction, and her thoughts were just too scattered for me. Thankfully it was a short read, and true to my initial impression, she does excel in memorable one-liners (my collection below).
-“Even in the darkest and most devastating times, love is nearby if you know what to look for.”
-“Love is interconnectedness. We grew up learning that tree roots are always competing for space and nutrients, but since then we've learned that beneath the ground is a lacey network of communication and help.”
-Compassion – “the love that arises in the presence of suffering”
-“Love is what our soul is made of and for.”
-“This is the main instruction that I would leave my family in my swag bag of spiritual truth: Be goodness with skin on. Most days this will be enough.”
-“Want to have loving feelings? Do loving things.”
-“Kindness is how I feel the movement of God.”
-“This is the launch code when under attack: Gratitude, Chores, Chocolate, Service, Breath, Nature.”
-“I hate when God does not agree with my excellent ideas.”
-“I also shoehorned in a suggestion that they pour themselves into reading, that this would give them better lives. All good books are books of ourselves.”
-“People say pain shared is pain divided.”
-“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” -Picasso
-“Even in the darkest and most devastating times, love is nearby if you know what to look for.”
-“Love is interconnectedness. We grew up learning that tree roots are always competing for space and nutrients, but since then we've learned that beneath the ground is a lacey network of communication and help.”
-Compassion – “the love that arises in the presence of suffering”
-“Love is what our soul is made of and for.”
-“This is the main instruction that I would leave my family in my swag bag of spiritual truth: Be goodness with skin on. Most days this will be enough.”
-“Want to have loving feelings? Do loving things.”
-“Kindness is how I feel the movement of God.”
-“This is the launch code when under attack: Gratitude, Chores, Chocolate, Service, Breath, Nature.”
-“I hate when God does not agree with my excellent ideas.”
-“I also shoehorned in a suggestion that they pour themselves into reading, that this would give them better lives. All good books are books of ourselves.”
-“People say pain shared is pain divided.”
-“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” -Picasso
April 28, 2024
I was looking forward to reading, Somehow Thoughts on Love by, Anne Lamott published earlier in 2024. Like all of Lamott books, it’s short sweet and gets right to the point.
Anne acknowledges there is a flaw in our genetic and social coding, which is why we keep kicking up errors in the form of damage to our relationships, to ourselves, and to the planet. Most of the blame goes to the ego, protecting and promoting itself without a thought for the neighbor, the community, the divine.
Most mistakes we make are of almost no consequence and cause only passing embarrassment, while others are far more dramatic, perhaps especially the ones some of us made as parents, which we grieve for the rest of our lives.
We all have an unknown expiration date and are all on borrowed time. But, love is food and medicine. Miracle Max said in The Princess Bride, "True love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops." Love is the few places where you feel safe, the few faces imprinted on your soul.
Picasso said, "I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. I am slowly learning to do the hardest work of all, to love and forgive myself, weirdness and wounded ego and all.”
Good old love, elusive and steadfast, fragile and unbreakable, and always there for the asking; always, somehow.
Good read indeed
Anne acknowledges there is a flaw in our genetic and social coding, which is why we keep kicking up errors in the form of damage to our relationships, to ourselves, and to the planet. Most of the blame goes to the ego, protecting and promoting itself without a thought for the neighbor, the community, the divine.
Most mistakes we make are of almost no consequence and cause only passing embarrassment, while others are far more dramatic, perhaps especially the ones some of us made as parents, which we grieve for the rest of our lives.
We all have an unknown expiration date and are all on borrowed time. But, love is food and medicine. Miracle Max said in The Princess Bride, "True love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops." Love is the few places where you feel safe, the few faces imprinted on your soul.
Picasso said, "I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it. I am slowly learning to do the hardest work of all, to love and forgive myself, weirdness and wounded ego and all.”
Good old love, elusive and steadfast, fragile and unbreakable, and always there for the asking; always, somehow.
Good read indeed
April 17, 2024
While some of this felt a bit navel gazing and victimizing, it’s fairly balanced with self awareness and a raw, honest admittance to personal flaws. As with most of Lamott’s writing, there’s a culpable vulnerability that’s refreshingly rare.
I personally enjoy the collection’s abstract exploration of the act of loving and being loved. That said, there’s an undercurrent of self servitude, rather than altruism, that reads like, “do kind things and serve others because it makes *you* feel better!” In addition, there’s some pretty privileged ramblings that gave me pause; are you as progressive as you say, Ann. I don’t think that’s the intention, but it felt a wee bit icky at times.
A good amount of Lamott’s reflections focus on her religious (Christian) faith, and although she does include criticism of the archetypical Christian in today’s world, I totally see how it could come across as offputting and preachy for some readers.
Still, I love the author’s witty, stream-of-consciousness, and generally prophetic writing style. And I do believe there’s wisdom everyone can take away from the book, if not every chapter, every page. Bottom line: I’m conflicted.
I personally enjoy the collection’s abstract exploration of the act of loving and being loved. That said, there’s an undercurrent of self servitude, rather than altruism, that reads like, “do kind things and serve others because it makes *you* feel better!” In addition, there’s some pretty privileged ramblings that gave me pause; are you as progressive as you say, Ann. I don’t think that’s the intention, but it felt a wee bit icky at times.
A good amount of Lamott’s reflections focus on her religious (Christian) faith, and although she does include criticism of the archetypical Christian in today’s world, I totally see how it could come across as offputting and preachy for some readers.
Still, I love the author’s witty, stream-of-consciousness, and generally prophetic writing style. And I do believe there’s wisdom everyone can take away from the book, if not every chapter, every page. Bottom line: I’m conflicted.
April 15, 2024
To say that Anne Lamott is one of my favorite authors would be an understatement.
This book had me crying because she had shot me in my soul, just thinking about how many times I had wronged someone and wondered if the Almighty could look down and forgive.
The answer is yes, I would like to list 2 quotes from the book:
page 113: "This is unfortunate, I think Jesus would agree that some people are incredibly annoying."
(Many days He had to lie down with a cold compress on his head."
page 101: "We stopped to listen to the silence. Then she passed gas as loudly as a tuba. We howled with laughter and for the rest of the walk, kept giggling off and on. We felt lifted on an updraft, lighter and silly, which can be a rear occurrence if you don't know whether you are going to live a few months or a year. As if any of us do."
So just keep keepin on and let love rule, thank you Lenny Kravitz....
This book had me crying because she had shot me in my soul, just thinking about how many times I had wronged someone and wondered if the Almighty could look down and forgive.
The answer is yes, I would like to list 2 quotes from the book:
page 113: "This is unfortunate, I think Jesus would agree that some people are incredibly annoying."
(Many days He had to lie down with a cold compress on his head."
page 101: "We stopped to listen to the silence. Then she passed gas as loudly as a tuba. We howled with laughter and for the rest of the walk, kept giggling off and on. We felt lifted on an updraft, lighter and silly, which can be a rear occurrence if you don't know whether you are going to live a few months or a year. As if any of us do."
So just keep keepin on and let love rule, thank you Lenny Kravitz....
February 23, 2024
I was first introducted to Anne Lamott in 1995 when a book group read Bird by Bird. Since then, I have read and enjoyed every book that she has written and Somehow: Thoughts on Love is no exception. In our sometimes disappointing, fragile world, it is reassuring to be reminded that there is transformative power in love--even though we may not understand how or why. I especially appreciate the fact that she so often uses examples from her own experience. In our current world, between social media, filters, and the need to present one's life as perfection, it is both refreshing and comforting to read her examples of times when both life and the author herself were less than perfect. Thank you, Anne, for once again reminding us that we are not in control and that life can be so much better than we can imagine through simple acts of compassion, kindness and love.
April 27, 2024
I am a forever fan of Anne. Another wonderful book full of love and humility.
" Love is our only hope. It is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the right one, the noble path, the way home to safety, no matter how bleak the future looks"
" Love abounds and abides, flirts and weeps with us. It is there for the asking-which is the easy par. Our life's toughest work is in the receiving"
"Life is such a mystery that you have to wonder if God drinks a little"
" I told them almost everything I know about life: that it is a precious gift; that it is full of pleasures, messes, delights, loss, suffering, love. I also shoehorned suggestions that they pour themselves into reading, that it would give them better lives. All good books are books of ourselves".
" Love is our only hope. It is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the right one, the noble path, the way home to safety, no matter how bleak the future looks"
" Love abounds and abides, flirts and weeps with us. It is there for the asking-which is the easy par. Our life's toughest work is in the receiving"
"Life is such a mystery that you have to wonder if God drinks a little"
" I told them almost everything I know about life: that it is a precious gift; that it is full of pleasures, messes, delights, loss, suffering, love. I also shoehorned suggestions that they pour themselves into reading, that it would give them better lives. All good books are books of ourselves".
April 27, 2024
Love it 💕💕💕
Excerpt from the book
"All the other kids nodded. I was about to ask how it left them feeling, but instead I closed my eyes for a moment. I heard, loud and clear, that these kids had had enough for one week. So I moved on to Plan B, which had actually been Plan A, the talk I'd prepared for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. But first I told them almost everything I know about life: that it is a precious gift, and hard; that it is full of pleasures, messes, delights, loss, suffering, love. I also shoehorned in a suggestion that they pour themselves into reading, that this would give them better lives. All good books are books of ourselves. "Promise me you'll all read a lot," I said, and they nodded, and two said at the same time, "I already do."
I promise I will read a lot 😊😊😊
Excerpt from the book
"All the other kids nodded. I was about to ask how it left them feeling, but instead I closed my eyes for a moment. I heard, loud and clear, that these kids had had enough for one week. So I moved on to Plan B, which had actually been Plan A, the talk I'd prepared for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. But first I told them almost everything I know about life: that it is a precious gift, and hard; that it is full of pleasures, messes, delights, loss, suffering, love. I also shoehorned in a suggestion that they pour themselves into reading, that this would give them better lives. All good books are books of ourselves. "Promise me you'll all read a lot," I said, and they nodded, and two said at the same time, "I already do."
I promise I will read a lot 😊😊😊
March 20, 2024
How wonderful is Anne Lamott. Bird by Bird is a well-loved, heavy underlined, dog-eared book on my shelf. I was thrilled and grateful to receive a copy of her newest book from the publisher. This is a collection of essays that are very Anne Lamott. If I had the pages in front of me without any indication of who wrote them, I'd immediately know they're hers. She has a way of making big things feel less big which is such a gift. This collection landed a bit flat for me. At times, it seemed like the book was rehashing things she had already shared in past books and not in a new way. I'm still glad I read it and I think many people will love this. For me, it was meh.
April 12, 2024
Someone who knows me well was surprised to hear I was an Anne Lamott fan.
How can anyone who is acquainted with her work *not* be a fan? If someone said to me “I can’t stand that Anne Lamott lady,” I would have to assume that person also took candy from babies, and probably kicked puppies as a hobby.
Not that Anne is a saint. That’s kind of the point. She’s very up front about her un-saintliness. She’s just out there trying her best, and encourages the rest of us to do the same.
If you ever need a written pep talk that comes with a side of humor, pick up virtually any of her non-fiction titles.
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