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astoms's review against another edition
5.0
Ann Lamott is one of my favorites! This book is another one I could (and will) read again and again.
pattydsf's review against another edition
4.0
Anne Lamott has always spoken to me whether through her books or the times I have heard her actually speak. Her belief system seems close to mine and I am always anxious to read what she has to say about her faith. My only disappointment with this book (and why I gave it four stars) is that this book is way too short.
Over the last few years I have been reading more about prayer and actually trying to apply it to my own prayer life. I think Lamott has captured the essential prayers with these essays. I will be revisiting this book often. Although this is short there is a lot to contemplate. I only regret the length because it is always too long between Lamott's books about faith and life.
I recommend this as a good introduction to Lamott's writing. Also if you finding yourself in any of these categories, pick this book up: you have a prayer life, you don't have a prayer life, but want one, you are a woman in middle age and you want to hear from someone whose life might resemble yours, you are part of the Christianity that the media ignores, or you just like reading well written books.
Over the last few years I have been reading more about prayer and actually trying to apply it to my own prayer life. I think Lamott has captured the essential prayers with these essays. I will be revisiting this book often. Although this is short there is a lot to contemplate. I only regret the length because it is always too long between Lamott's books about faith and life.
I recommend this as a good introduction to Lamott's writing. Also if you finding yourself in any of these categories, pick this book up: you have a prayer life, you don't have a prayer life, but want one, you are a woman in middle age and you want to hear from someone whose life might resemble yours, you are part of the Christianity that the media ignores, or you just like reading well written books.
kmatthe2's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful book. Accessible and thought provoking. Reframes grace and prayer in productive and lovely ways.
iphios's review against another edition
4.0
This book spoke to me, in a way I view not only prayer, but my own belief system. The simple Help, Thanks and Wow boils down to the surrender to life and to trust in the beauty against the pain. In letting go of control, in surrender we trust in a greater power. We seek not meaning, but believe in the meaning of things and we say thank you at the revelation that comes in life's experiences. At the same time, we allow ourselves to wonder, to be taken a back by the beauty of life---its ability to get back up despite the most tragic of experiences.
In the practice of these 'prayers' Lamott is able to move us towards the simple appreciation of life and living.
In the practice of these 'prayers' Lamott is able to move us towards the simple appreciation of life and living.
themadmadmadeline's review against another edition
2.0
I don’t know if I was quite in the mood for this book ha.
moonpie's review against another edition
3.0
I started reading Help Thanks Wow when I was in a pretty rough place and thought Lamott's writing would be just the thing to pick me up.
The book is divided into three sections (CAN YOU GUESS WHAT THEY ARE?) and I made it through "Help!" and part of "Thanks!" and then wandered off and never came back. I finally had to return the book last weekend, so, despite my fondness for Lamott's writing, I'm going to have to mark this one "unfinished."
I think the biggest reason I didn't power through Help Thanks Wow -- it's a short little book! -- was that it didn't feel cohesive. It didn't flow the way I expected; it was more like a bunch of shorter bits tied loosely together into a string of good illustrative moments. Everything was written wonderfully and there were nice insights tucked in there, and "Help!" was just what I needed at the time I read it, but I didn't feel a pull to see the whole thing through.
The book is divided into three sections (CAN YOU GUESS WHAT THEY ARE?) and I made it through "Help!" and part of "Thanks!" and then wandered off and never came back. I finally had to return the book last weekend, so, despite my fondness for Lamott's writing, I'm going to have to mark this one "unfinished."
I think the biggest reason I didn't power through Help Thanks Wow -- it's a short little book! -- was that it didn't feel cohesive. It didn't flow the way I expected; it was more like a bunch of shorter bits tied loosely together into a string of good illustrative moments. Everything was written wonderfully and there were nice insights tucked in there, and "Help!" was just what I needed at the time I read it, but I didn't feel a pull to see the whole thing through.
karnaconverse's review against another edition
4.0
A simple reminder about the importance of ALL kinds of prayer -- as we sometimes focus on "help" and neglect "thanks" and "wow."
I listened to this book to get the full effect of Anne's words. I've always thought she's a delight to read, but her words even more meaningful to hear.
I listened to this book to get the full effect of Anne's words. I've always thought she's a delight to read, but her words even more meaningful to hear.
jennutley's review against another edition
3.0
Most prayers have their share of asking for help. Giving thanks is a natural response to our many blessings. But I love that Lamott reminds us to acknowledge the awe-inspiring moments in our lives as well.
victorialynch's review against another edition
4.0
I've been trying to add the practice of daily reading in at lunch to give myself a break from the work (I'm terrible at this!). I snagged this when it was on sale on the kindle, and it was a perfect thoughtful read at my lunch. Very short and to the point, highlighted lots.
noahbw's review against another edition
4.0
I think the most revolutionary thing about this book for me has been it's title and core concept: that the three essential prayers are help, thanks, and wow. So I've thought a lot about that before even picking up the book. When it came to actually reading this, the thing I found the most interesting and valuable was the prelude: Prayer 101. I really appreciate how Lamott frames both God and prayer -- with an openness and understanding that there are many different versions of both of these, and they're all good and important and can even all be true at once.