Traveling Mercies

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Summary: A MUST-READ FOR EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS
Review: As a conservative, male, Evangelical Christian, I am concerned that my church is too willing to let people like a lost Anne Lamott drown and too content to preach to the choir. Anne's concern to win the lost is obvious from her concerns about her son's salvation mentioned near the end of the book. But clearly she is sensitive to the knowledge that feminists would quickly toss the book in the trash upon a hint of evangelism, an attribute that makes it easy for most Evangelicals to look the other way as lost liberals flounder through life. I wish she had consulted more on "religious principles" with members of her own congregation because they are the reason Anne is alive and able to write a book that can save many thousands like her. My opinion that most liberals simply can't see or just refuse to see the "big picture" was evident in Anne's analysis of Houston as a broken city based on the poor quality of taxi drivers and cash register clerks when actually this is a sign of a city living the conservative-led American dream.

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Summary: If you buy one book this year, buy this one!
Review: No, Anne didn't pay me to say that (although I do accept gratuities!). This book is wonderful, as most of the comments here say. As a lapsed Catholic, it has made me re-examine my own relationship to the church and God. There seems to be a resurgence of faith and religion in America as we approach the millenium, and Anne Lamott captures the struggles of reaching out to the unknown in the age of skepicism/secularism with wit and grace.

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Summary: I said a prayer for my son today, and got an answer back
Review: Well, I'm a huge fan of Lamott, having read almost all she's written, but this one really got me.And as odd as it may sound to some of you, several times since I have finished this work I've needed some extra help from the wo/man upstairs. Take today for instance, I got involved with my 9-year-old's relationship with someone else, messed things up, and said a little prayer, asking for some help or inspiration. I got it........Not that dreams always come true by a long shot, but I thank Anne for reminding me of that awesome higher power who's willing to help out a mom in 100 degree heat, in the car, with 2 whiny kids, and provide her with a helpful answer. I loved this book, I love this author, and I only hope and pray that I can sustain the strong belief that she has in God above. God bless you and your child, Ms. Lamott

Rating:
Summary: Stunning, real, life-changing
Review: A real and honest person. I wish I knew her. She is fearless in her admission of fear. She wrote what so many think but deny out loud, even deny to themselves. God loves us where we are. He is the inventor of humor and appreciates it. You can't shock God.

Rating:
Summary: Great book - Clever, funny and honest
Review: Anne Lamott shares her struggles and search for meaning and acceptance in an open, pithy and down to earth style. Her accounts of her alcoholism, drug use, and abortion are rendered in a way that is real and yet humorous. Her faith in God and God's faith in her are found, not through "head- in-the-clouds thinking" but through trials, questions and splendid moments of discovery. I find myself quoting some of her clever lines. I'm looking for more Lamott.

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Summary: Vulnerable, touching and real
Review: Annie (I can call her that; the way she writes I'm sure she'll agree she's my new best friend) shares EVERYTHING with her readers. If you think your life has been rough, you haven't read this book. Annie Lamott spent many years worshiping a trinity of drugs, alcohol and writing. She managed to make a living, so to speak, as a writer. Hangovers and serendipity drew her to a ramshackle church in a poor suburb of San Francisco whose congregation would prove to be her salvation. And just in time, for she became pregnant with Sam, whom she would have and rear with an extended family of friends. In Traveling Mercies, Annie shares vignettes of her life, blending each tale with reflections of her faith. Her musings offer glimpses of wisdom every reader can treasure. I cherish one in particular. It was Sam's seventh birthday, and he had been invited to fulfill a long-held passion to go paragliding. What's a parent to do? Of course you want to say no. Of course, you want to say yes. Of course you ask every friend you know and trust for advice; in desperation you even ask perfect strangers. Finally, Annie found the answer in the only place she could find her truth: her gut. She drew on advice a priest gave her when she was choosing to have Sam, and the odds of success as a single mother weighed against her. "Get quiet for a moment," the priest said, "and then think about having the abortion: if you feel a deep and secret sense of relief, pay attention to that. But if you feel deeply grieved at the thought of it, listen to that." We know she chose to have Sam. You'll have to read the book to find out if Sam got his birthday wish. I'll only tell you this book has a wonderful ending. And a fascinating beginning and a very perfect middle. Anne Lamott is a vulnerable, endearing, talented writer who has generously shared herself and her vision of God. It's lovely summertime reading sprinkled with spirituality, humor and love.

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Summary: Bless Anne Lamott!
Review: She is real and a sister. It must be quite something to be her friend. I very much enjoyed this book.

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Summary: Entertaining, fast read, not enough substance
Review: I found the book entertaining--laughed at parts, agreed with parts, but not very thought-provoking. I was particularly annoyed with the author's easy dismissal of the role of fatherhood in her son's life. Men don't seem to be too important to Ms. Lamott, as she goes through them like tissues. I did enjoy her style of writing, however, and I like her sense of humor. I find that many people struggling with their faith are self-absorbed and hypocritical, and Ms. Lamott's book has not disappointed me in that regard.

Rating:
Summary: Hilarious, touching writing. Gave me cause for reflection.
Review: I rarely openly emote when reading but I was, both, laughing out loud and shedding tears at times when reading this wonderful book. I was constantly reflecting on my own experience with faith, alcoholism, and parenthood. Anne Lamott is the rarest of persons: A liberal Christian who is open about your own failings and self-discovery while maintaining a sense of humor. BUY THIS BOOK!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, profound book!
Review: As somone who is also a Christian, but struggles with faith questions often, it is so comforting to read a real person's real journey to a real faith. I especially appreciate AL's honesty in proclaiming her beliefs - she is not shy or worried about being considered "not cool" - but she is not a raving fundamentalist either. This will be one of our books for our summer book group at church. Thank you, AL!