The Best Anne Lamott Books of 2023

• Best Overall: Crooked Little Heart: A Novel
• Best Budget: Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy
• Best Value: Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith
• Editor's Choise: Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year

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#1: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Specs:

• Title: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
• Author: Anne Lamott
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 272
• Publisher: Anchor Books
• Publication Date: September 1, 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385480016
• ISBN-13: 978-0385480017

What we like:

• Bird by Bird is an essential read for aspiring authors and anyone seeking inspiration and direction in life. Anne Lamott's writing style is engaging, humorous, and approachable, and her writing and life advice is practical, insightful, and empowering. She discusses her own struggles and successes as a writer and offers practical advice and exercises to help readers improve their own writing abilities. The book is divided into short, easily digestible chapters, making it simple to read and comprehend.

What we don't like:

• There are very few issues with Bird by Bird. Some readers may find Lamott's writing style too informal or irreverent, but the majority of readers find her voice refreshing. Notably, the book is not a comprehensive writing guide, but rather a collection of essays and anecdotes about the writing process.

Our Verdict:

Bird by Bird is a classic book on writing and life that belongs on the bookshelf of every writer. Anne Lamott's writing is witty, engaging, and filled with practical advice that will assist readers in developing their own writing skills and overcoming the difficulties of the writing process. The book is easy to read and highly entertaining, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking life guidance and inspiration. Overall, we strongly endorse Bird by Bird for anyone interested in writing or personal development.

 #2: Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers

Specs:

• Title: Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers
• Author: Anne Lamott
• Format: Kindle Edition
• Pages: 112
• Publisher: Riverhead Books
• Publication Date: November 13, 2012
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008J2IP54

What we like:

• The beautiful and thought-provoking book Help, Thanks, Wow explores the power of prayer in our lives. The book is enjoyable to read due to Anne Lamott's witty, sincere, and profoundly personal writing style. Lamott's insights on prayer are both practical and spiritual, and she recounts numerous stories and anecdotes to illustrate the transformative power of prayer. Each of the three sections examines one of the essential prayers: Help, Thanks, and Wow. Lamott's approach to prayer is refreshingly inclusive and open, making this book accessible to readers of all faiths.

What we don't like:

• There are very few issues with Help, Thanks, Wow. Some readers may find the book's emphasis on prayer and spirituality excessive, preferring instead Lamott's other works on writing and life. In addition, the book is relatively brief, and some readers may desire greater depth and detail on the topic of prayer.

Our Verdict:

Please, Thanks, Wow is a beautiful and inspiring book that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds and faiths. Her insights on prayer are both practical and spiritual, and her writing is engaging, sincere, and intensely personal. The book's brevity and readability make it an excellent choice for those seeking to expand their knowledge of prayer and spirituality. Overall, we would highly recommend Help, Thanks, Wow to anyone seeking spiritual guidance and inspiration.

 #3: Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year

Specs:

• Title: Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year
• Author: Anne Lamott
• Publisher: Anchor
• Publication Date: 1994
• Number of Pages: 272
• Format: Paperback

What we like:

• Operating Instructions is a touching and straightforward account of a mother's first year with her son. Anne Lamott navigates the joys and struggles of motherhood, including sleepless nights, breastfeeding, and the difficulties of being a single mother, with wit and raw emotion. The journal format makes it easy to follow Lamott's journey as she learns and develops alongside her son.
• Lamott's willingness to share her experiences in a manner that is both relatable and genuine is one of the most endearing aspects of this book. She provides insight into the messy and chaotic realities of parenting, which are rarely depicted in media and literature. In addition, Lamott's writing style is engaging and conversational, which makes it simple to become engrossed in her story.

What we don't like:

• Operating Instructions has the potential drawback of being highly specific to Lamott's experience as a single mother. Although this is a significant and valuable viewpoint, it may not resonate as strongly with readers who have different family structures or parenting experiences. Moreover, some readers may find the journal format repetitive or devoid of narrative structure.

Our Verdict:

Overall, we enthusiastically endorse Operating Instructions to anyone interested in reading a candid and insightful account of the first year of motherhood. Anne Lamott's writing is both humorous and moving, and her willingness to discuss the messy realities of parenting is refreshing. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking an accurate depiction of the joys and difficulties of early parenthood.

 #4: Rosie

Specs:

• Title: Rosie
• Author: Anne Lamott
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Publication Date: June 1, 1997
• Number of Pages: 288
• Format: Paperback

What we like:

• Rosie is an exquisitely written novel that explores the complexities of love, loss, and family ties. Anne Lamott's writing is both lyrical and perceptive, and she has a remarkable capacity for developing fully realized and empathetic characters. Elizabeth, a woman struggling to accept the death of her best friend Rosie, narrates the narrative. Through flashbacks and recollections, Lamott paints a vivid portrait of their friendship and the ways in which Rosie affected everyone she met.
• Lamott's examination of the nuances of grief and the various ways in which people cope with loss is one of the book's strengths. The characters are flawed and intricate, but ultimately relatable, and the themes of forgiveness and acceptance resonate strongly throughout the story. In addition, Lamott's writing is evocative and poetic, immersing the reader in the story's setting and atmosphere.

What we don't like:

• A potential drawback of Rosie is that the story's emphasis on introspection and character development rather than plot can cause it to move slowly at times. In addition, some readers may find the narrative's nonlinear structure confusing or disjointed.

Our Verdict:

Overall, we recommend Rosie to anyone in search of a moving and thought-provoking examination of grief and friendship. Anne Lamott's prose is exquisite, and her characters are intricately rendered and fully realized. The emotional depth and authenticity of the story make it a must-read for fans of literary fiction, even if the pacing is not for everyone.

 #5: Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith

Specs:

• Title: Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith
• Author: Anne Lamott
• Publisher: Riverhead Books
• Publication Date: March 13, 2008
• Number of Pages: 256
• Format: Kindle Edition

What we like:

• Grace (Eventually) is a collection of Anne Lamott's essays in which she examines the intersection of religion, politics, and personal experience. Her writing is sincere and vulnerable, and she has an uncanny ability to find humor and grace in the darkest situations. The essays cover a broad range of topics, from her struggles with alcoholism and relationships to her volunteer experiences with a hospice organization and her thoughts on the political climate of the time.
• This book's strength is Lamott's ability to approach difficult topics with compassion and insight. She is unafraid to confront unsettling truths, but does so in an approachable and nonjudgmental manner. In addition, Lamott's writing style is engaging and conversational, which makes it easy to become completely absorbed in her stories and reflections.

What we don't like:

• Grace (Eventually) may not appeal to readers who are not interested in faith and spirituality, which is a potential disadvantage. While the themes of love, loss, and human connection are universal in Lamott's writing, her perspective is heavily influenced by her own spiritual beliefs. In addition, some readers may find the essays to be disjointed or devoid of a unified narrative arc.

Our Verdict:

Overall, we enthusiastically recommend Grace (Eventually) to anyone interested in faith, spirituality, and personal development. Anne Lamott's writing is both moving and humorous, and her ability to find beauty in the mundane moments of life is truly inspirational. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and uplifting exploration of the human experience, though it may not be for everyone.

• Identify the genre: Anne Lamott has written books in various genres, including memoir, fiction, and non-fiction. If you prefer memoirs, you may want to start with her most popular work, "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life." If you enjoy fiction, her novel "Rosie" is a good place to start.

• Consider the reading level: Some of Anne Lamott's books are more challenging to read than others. If you're new to her writing, you may want to start with one of her more accessible works, such as "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith."

• Read reviews: Look for reviews of Anne Lamott's books to get a sense of what other readers think. Goodreads and Amazon are good places to start.

• Consider the format: Anne Lamott's books are available in various formats, including hardcover, paperback, and audiobook. Consider which format you prefer before making a purchase.

• Check availability: Some of Anne Lamott's books may be out of print or hard to find. Check online booksellers, libraries, and used bookstores to see if they have the book you're looking for.

What is the most popular book by Anne Lamott?

The most popular book written by Anne Lamott is "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life."

Which literary genre does Anne Lamott write?

Anne Lamott has written memoir, fiction, and nonfiction, among other genres.

What is Anne Lamott's style of writing?

Anne Lamott's writing style is distinguished by wit, humor, and candor.

What is the most recent book by Anne Lamott?

Anne Lamott's most recent book was published in 2021 and is titled "Dusk, Night, Dawn: On Revival and Courage."

Is the writing of Anne Lamott appropriate for all ages?

No, Anne Lamott's writing is not appropriate for all ages because it contains mature themes and language.

Anne Lamott is a prolific author whose memoirs, novels, and nonfiction works have garnered critical acclaim. Consider genre, reading level, format, and availability when purchasing books by Anne Lamott. Her writing style is characterized by her wit, humor, and sincerity. Her most popular book is "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life." Start with one of her more accessible works, such as "Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith," if you are unfamiliar with her writing.