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cdjdhj's review against another edition
4.0
This is an interesting little book, which, while it may fall outside of the doctrine of many Christian sects, is certainly not without inspiration. Barely over 100 pages, it can easily be read in one sitting. I enjoy Anne Lamott's casual, chatty style of writing. She became one of my favorite author's after I read her trilogy of books about her journey of faith - Traveling Mercies, Plan B and Grace Eventually. Lamott's books are just the kind of books I like to read. When I finished with them, I feel like I have just had a warm conversation with a good friend. In fact, I really would like to meet Anne Lamott and go to lunch with her someday. Her books are among my favorites because they are pleasant, life affirming and inspirational. Why did I give this book only four stars? Mainly because I wish it were longer with more warm, witty and wise anecdotes from her own life experience.
kimberlymichelle's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I listened to audiobook from the library.
I really appreciate her humor, wit, irreverence, vulnerability, faith, wisdom and especially her humility and authenticity.
I can think of several people to buy this book for because it encourages without being dogmatic or patronizing.
I really appreciate her humor, wit, irreverence, vulnerability, faith, wisdom and especially her humility and authenticity.
I can think of several people to buy this book for because it encourages without being dogmatic or patronizing.
djbeyers75's review against another edition
2.0
I am a tremendous admirer of Anne Lamott and her many books. I've been looking forward to reading this book for some weeks. Now that I have, I must say that I am disappointed.
First, the book is way too expensive for the length that it is. And I am not even sure if it was worth being made into a hard cover.
Second, the book really did not strike me as being profound or even notable. While there are some good ideas in Help, Thanks, Wow - they are not terribly radical or new. Unless one is rather new to spirituality, most of the material in this book is a narrative repackaging of the much larger themes common to many world religions - Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, etc.
Third, I found reading the book to be much like reading Anne Lamott's latest posts on Facebook. Her writing style was not the same quality as is found in her other books. Rather, it left me with the feeling that she was rambling. (Perhaps, much like my review.) To get a sense of the writing in Help, Thanks, Wow, read her Facebook posts. Sure, they can be amusing or you may find yourself relating to her experiences. But don't plan on going back to them for later inspiration.
I must confess, I am sad to write this review. I really have enjoyed Anne's books and have found her story to be inspiring. But regarding this book, I can't share that same praise.
First, the book is way too expensive for the length that it is. And I am not even sure if it was worth being made into a hard cover.
Second, the book really did not strike me as being profound or even notable. While there are some good ideas in Help, Thanks, Wow - they are not terribly radical or new. Unless one is rather new to spirituality, most of the material in this book is a narrative repackaging of the much larger themes common to many world religions - Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, etc.
Third, I found reading the book to be much like reading Anne Lamott's latest posts on Facebook. Her writing style was not the same quality as is found in her other books. Rather, it left me with the feeling that she was rambling. (Perhaps, much like my review.) To get a sense of the writing in Help, Thanks, Wow, read her Facebook posts. Sure, they can be amusing or you may find yourself relating to her experiences. But don't plan on going back to them for later inspiration.
I must confess, I am sad to write this review. I really have enjoyed Anne's books and have found her story to be inspiring. But regarding this book, I can't share that same praise.
libraryam's review against another edition
4.0
Lamott is the most "namaste" of Christians. She does/has a stream of consciousness thing that makes me feel like we're past setting the ground rules; we attended the same party and now it's time to compare notes over a great meal. The book is succinct and on point. (Wow. It helps; thanks.)
keichler's review against another edition
3.0
Used it as a 4 week series. I think it would make a good series to teach parents about praying simply with their children with variety.
kathleenguthriewoods's review against another edition
5.0
I know, I know. After I recommended "God is Not Great" by Christopher Hitchens, you’re thinking “What the heck?” What can I say? I am a complex woman! :-) In this book you’ll learn about the three kinds of prayer, as explained (genuinely) by Anne Lamott. This, in part, inspired my decision to read all of her spiritual books in chronological order this coming year.
* * *
Re-read this in 2016, and it is among my favorites. It's one of those "small" books that packs in so much wisdom, so you take a long time reading it (this time, about six weeks) to take it all in. In many of Lamott's books, I feel like she is living in my head, and this one is no exception. So many passages "speak" to me.
* * *
Re-read this in 2016, and it is among my favorites. It's one of those "small" books that packs in so much wisdom, so you take a long time reading it (this time, about six weeks) to take it all in. In many of Lamott's books, I feel like she is living in my head, and this one is no exception. So many passages "speak" to me.
samanthas_bookshelf's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
This is more of an autobiography of the author's experience with prayer than a book to learn from
ekellogg's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars rounding down to 2. I read this only because a friend recommended it to me, and I’ll always read a book recommended by a friend. It is not my cup of tea, however, as one of my long-ago high school teachers was fond of saying “take the meat and leave the bones.” And the “meat” I’ll be taking from this book is remembering to take moments to recognize a need for help, be appreciative of the good things, and amazed by the amazing.