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hatrireads's review against another edition
3.0
When I started reading this a couple of days ago, I felt like "ho hum, here we go again with more of the same..." but then I settled into Anne Lamott's voice and felt like I was with an old friend. I've read every single book and novel she has written, so I felt like I was just picking up a conversation with a very trusted and beloved friend that I accept in all her imperfections. What a relief that I can just be myself and know that I am loved and accepted by the Old Lady Upstairs (God, not Anne). So much gratefulness here.
Also, Anne made some really strong points about giving up all the hate I am feeling towards Trump and all the bullies out there in the world.“Haters want us to hate them, because hate is incapacitating. When we hate, we can’t operate from our real selves, which is our strength. Now that I think of it, this is such a great reason to give up our hate—as revenge, to deprive the haters of what they want.” Thanks Anne. I really enjoyed the time spent with this book. Great start to the year.
Also, Anne made some really strong points about giving up all the hate I am feeling towards Trump and all the bullies out there in the world.“Haters want us to hate them, because hate is incapacitating. When we hate, we can’t operate from our real selves, which is our strength. Now that I think of it, this is such a great reason to give up our hate—as revenge, to deprive the haters of what they want.” Thanks Anne. I really enjoyed the time spent with this book. Great start to the year.
schray32's review against another edition
4.0
There is a lot in this book that I needed to hear at this time. She talks about the current political climate and how it has made her into a person that she is fundamentally not like. This hate is not good for any of us.
I love her wit and wisdom and was lucky to hear her speak on this book last week. I always get something out of her books and am glad to have her teachings as part of my journey.
I love her wit and wisdom and was lucky to hear her speak on this book last week. I always get something out of her books and am glad to have her teachings as part of my journey.
nicoleankenmann's review against another edition
4.0
Audiobook: 03hr 40m
This book is REAL timely. Written before the pandemic when the social and political world felt at its most unstable in a generation, this book plainly stares despair in the face and nods. "I see you, all the reasons to panic and cry," says this book, "and I also see you, the lighthouse in the storm, the way forward and through, the motivating thing that I need to carry on caring for myself and others."
And I needed someone to talk me through the paradox of "both / and" in this season.
Maybe you do too.
This book is REAL timely. Written before the pandemic when the social and political world felt at its most unstable in a generation, this book plainly stares despair in the face and nods. "I see you, all the reasons to panic and cry," says this book, "and I also see you, the lighthouse in the storm, the way forward and through, the motivating thing that I need to carry on caring for myself and others."
And I needed someone to talk me through the paradox of "both / and" in this season.
Maybe you do too.
annalisenak97's review against another edition
4.0
This book reads like a conversation. The tone is casual and poignant, often funny. Lamott looks at the world through the lens of one who has been through many dark nights, but who has seen the morning come again and again.
tricklet17's review against another edition
2.0
Oof. I wanted to love this book, but there was just too much identification of the terrible things in life and not enough hope to counteract it.
deecreatenola's review against another edition
4.0
I've often heard people say that it wasn't the "right time" to read a book. I was several essays into Almost Everything, and I was bored. It wasn't speaking to me. Normally at this point, I would mark it a DNF and put it in a give away pile. But this was no normal book, not something I just picked up at a used book sale. No, I had paid for a ticket to see Anne Lamott speak to get this book. She was lovely, and it was a lovely night, and I certainly wasn't just spending the $50 for the book and the appearance and not reading the book. So it remained on my nightstand.
I recently completed a tome - a 650+ page fantasy novel that wasn't a satisfying read. Essays from the here and now seemed like a good palate cleanser, so I reopened Almost Everything. And this time, it spoke to me. I felt myself nodding along with Anne's word. I heard her voice reading it in my head. I felt understood, like she knew my life. It was the right time to read this book.
Anne Lamott is a combination writing teacher, spiritual guide, and friend next door. Her writing style is unique unto her - conversational and funny and thoroughly real. I'm so glad I went back to this book and let her words wash over me. Thanks for the hope, Anne.
I recently completed a tome - a 650+ page fantasy novel that wasn't a satisfying read. Essays from the here and now seemed like a good palate cleanser, so I reopened Almost Everything. And this time, it spoke to me. I felt myself nodding along with Anne's word. I heard her voice reading it in my head. I felt understood, like she knew my life. It was the right time to read this book.
Anne Lamott is a combination writing teacher, spiritual guide, and friend next door. Her writing style is unique unto her - conversational and funny and thoroughly real. I'm so glad I went back to this book and let her words wash over me. Thanks for the hope, Anne.
lokroma's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a shot in the arm for these anxious times. Lamott is so wise and simultaneously so down to earth. Chapters on hate, writing, families, and death remind us that we all share in the human condition; and that material stuff and body angst and trying to fix/solve everything are big obstacles to being present to the life we're part of.
carlybarly6's review against another edition
3.0
This book is full of sweeping statements and therapy-type thoughts to remind you of goodness. Anne Lamott’s voice comes through as friendly and sitting-right-next-to-you and zero-judgement as ever. Though there were times that I felt there were too many life-lessons and not enough anecdotes or illustrations to make it stick, overall this short book, written for times when the world seems like it’s all despair and gloom, is as the title suggests, hopeful. Of course, it is honest. And Lamott does not mind putting herself in a bad light, and so, it is also relatable. My favorite parts were her thoughts on the sacredness and grief of death, insights gained from her alcohol recovery, and of course, her wisdom on writing.
maura27's review against another edition
4.0
I love Anne Lamott. Her writing is always just so so good. I super duper enjoyed reading this book it was just the right balance of reflection and frustration but also optimistic without being preachy