5.0

"This family business can be so stressful - difficult, damaged people showing up to spend time with other difficult, damaged people, time that might be better used elsewhere - yet out of that, some accidental closeness, laughter, some pieced-together joy."

I just love Anne Lamott. Reading her books is like having a strong cup coffee with a very wise but vaguely insane friend. And who couldn't use more of that?

Or as I said to a friend on Facebook last night, when I had posted a quote from Sam and she said, "Is that Sam Lamott of Operating Instructions?"

"Yes. Sigh. He's a dad now. There's a book. It's as fabulous as you think."

For those who have read Operating Instructions, a journal of Anne's life during her son's first year, this is the much later follow up. For those of you who haven't read Operating Instructions - do it now. Seriously. And then read this one.