Religious : Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith

EUR 7,12


For most writers, the greatest challenge of spiritual writing is to keep it grounded in concrete language. The temptation is to wander off into the clouds of ethereal epiphanies, only to lose readers with woo-woo thinking and sacred-laced clichés. Thankfully, Anne Lamott (Operating Instructions, Crooked Little Heart) knows better. In this collection of essays, Lamott offers her trademark wit and irreverence in describing her reluctant journey into faith. Every epiphany is framed in plainspoken (and, yes, occasionally crassly spoken) real-life, honest-to-God experiences. For example, after having an abortion, Lamott felt the presence of Christ sitting in her bedroom: This experience spooked me badly, but I thought it was just an apparition born of fear and self-loathing and booze and loss of blood. But then everywhere I went I had the feeling that a little cat was following me, wanting me to reach down and pick it up, wanting me to open the door and let it in. But I knew what would happen: you let a cat in one time, give it a little milk and then it stays forever. Whether she s writing about airplane turbulence, bulimia, her feta cheese thighs, or consulting God over how to parent her son, Lamott keeps her spirituality firmly planted in solid scenes and believable metaphors. As a result, this is a richly satisfying armchair-travel experience, highlighting the tender mercies of Lamott s life that nudged her into Christian faith. --Gail Hudson

I love this woman! - A friend gave this book to me for my birthday after hearing Anne read passages on national public radio. What a gift! I told my friend this is hands-down the best book I ve ever read. I cried, I laughed out loud, and I m a tough customer to please. The author described her feelings and I found myself saying Yeah, that s how I would like to have put that into words for myself. The author tapped into the warmest sweetest part of me. Her brutal honesty and self-effacing writing was incredible. Now I really know what finding your voice is.

Spiritual journeys of an honest sinner! - You ve gotta love Anne Lamott s honest appraisal of her decision to turn herself over to God. Most such stories are fraught with angst or deep self-reflection. My guess is hers actually was, but she paints a much more real-life picture of a person who has decided to quit hiding from herself. If she can be accepted by Christ after this kind of acquiesence, there s hope for all of us! What I enjoy so much about her essays is her ability to find spiritual moments in the most mundane of things, whether it is the advance of cellulite or making peace with her hair. I still find myself laughing over her decision to forgive a woman who didn t even know she WAS her enemy, but she was. She wore Spandex in all kinds of weather. Because she COULD! Although many of her insights will ring especially true for women, men shouldn t discount them, either. I recommended this book to my pastor, who then chose it for his clergy book discussion group. She may shock, she may make you laugh, she may touch deep chords, but you know these are the musings of a person who has lots of flaws, like all of us.

Worth the wait - At a friend s suggestion, I bought this book when it first came out in hardcover. I delved into it... but either the time was not right for me or perhaps the book is just slower in the beginning. This time, I read through it in three wonder-filled days. This woman is funny, yes, but more importantly she has an authentic, unique, more aware take on what life is all about. I found myself highlighting and underlining and starring passages to read again and again. I ve already sent some samples to friends around the world. I recommend it to anyone whose reflections on life and the things that mean the most need a kick-start.

traveling mercies grabbed and didn t let go - I m always looking for authors who can write so well that you can almost most taste the words. In this book I can taste the pain, and nuances in every passage. It is uplifting and courageous. Many of the lines sink deep in your soul and give you thought, about christianity and the spiritual journey you may be on. I plan on buying her other books.

Rejoicing the California way - I found this book enticing, with it s ability to make me walk the range of grief to gritty wit all in one chapter. Few books can I read in a matter of days, but the fondness for this new friend overtook me, and I kept whisking off to meet with her in secret. Lamott is a true Californian, though that s hard for me to describe in words, she did an excellent job so I don t have to. If you re looking for some flavorful, one-sided, free-associative conversation, this book is it. It will help you admit to yourself that you, too, are human, in all it s intended glory.




Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith