Traveling Mercies

Some Thoughts on Faith

By: Anne Lamott

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

Length: 7 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of Operating Instructions and Bird by Bird comes a chronicle of faith and spirituality that is at once tough, personal, affectionate, wise, and very funny.

With an exuberant mix of passion, insight, and humor, Anne Lamott takes us on a journey through her often troubled past to illuminate her devout but quirky walk of faith. In a narrative spiced with stories and scripture, with diatribes, laughter, and tears, Lamott tells how, against all odds, she came to believe in God and then, even more miraculously, in herself. She shows us the myriad ways in which this sustains and guides her, shining the light of faith on the darkest part of ordinary life and exposing surprising pockets of meaning and hope.

Whether writing about her family or her dreadlocks, sick children or old friends, the most religious women of her church or the men she's dated, Lamott reveals the hard-won wisdom gathered along her path to connectedness and liberation.

©2000 Anne Lamott (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Anne Lamott is a cause for celebration. [Her] real genius lies in capturing the ineffable, describing not perfect moments, but imperfect ones...perfectly. She is nothing short of miraculous." (The New Yorker)

"[She is] sidesplittingly funny, patiently wise, and alternately cranky and kind." (Seattle Times)

"Lamott writes about subjects that begin with capital letters (Alcoholism, Motherhood, Jesus). But armed with self-effacing humor and ruthless honesty - call it a lower-case approach to life's Big Questions - she converts potential op-ed biolerplate into enlightenment." (Newsweek)

Inspiring

Thank you for writing this book; it moved me, touched me, encouraged me, and drew me into self reflection. This book made me want to reach for God as though He is as accessible as the sand, trees, and wind. This book reminded me of my fragility and imperfection, and told me this is not a bad thing because God is love.

Beautifully written, beautifully narrated

I loved this book- so softly, dryly funny. Felt compelled to review because the narrator did such an amazing job- usually I am disappointed when the author is not the narrator but she did such a good job it felt like listening to an Oscar winning performance. Bravo to all involved!

Moving and Helpful. Both.

Listening to this book was a special experience. To hear of someone’s life who is endeavoring to make sense of it is very touching. My emotions were grabbed and I was amazed by her honesty.

She writes of a lifetime. She writes of what some of that meant to her and what she is still learning. The vignettes drew me in and were helpful in thinking of my life as well. What an excellent story teller.

The narrator was excellent in bringing this to life audibly. The emotions expressed and the not overdone voices kept me moving while letting me stop and take it in easily as well.

Love Anne Lemott. Super well done

Narration was superb. Story had me in tears and laughing out loud by turns. So real and relatable.

I loved listening

The stories grabbed my attention and thought. They were heart grabbing and poignant. Anne and Same were wonderful. Anne told real experiences and was very likable. I hope to listen to more by Anne Lamott.

Excellent book!

This is my first Ann Lamott book, but it won’t be my last. Funny, profound, comforting - it’s like spending time with a close friend.

Truly beautiful

It's the first time I've read anything by Anne Lamott. I'm so glad I did.
She brilliantly delivers her unsugar-coated understanding of faith and life.
I'll be purchasing the hardcopy, too.

So so good

This was my first experience with Anne Lamott and my goodness I am hooked. As a father of two little boys, the stories she shared about Sam absolutely rocked me and comforted me at the same time. Also, I find Anne’s faith journey so refreshing and real. Man, this book was just so so good.

Always Mind and Soul Shifting

Anne remains one of my favorite writers because she comes to each story with a disarming honesty that makes you feel either startled or thoroughly amused. This book does both for me and I'm still laughing thinking about some chapters. The airplane episode is hysterical. Go get this. Loved it!

Powerful

Every woman should read this book. Seriously. She writes her story so beautifully and with so much wisdom, yet also in a way that is entirely relatable and touches the deepest parts of your soul. It made me cry multiple times. I know a lot of my more conservative friends probably wouldn't like her style, but I think they need it. They need her raw honesty about her sin. They need to see themselves in her story. I needed it. It's humbling and yet so very full of God's grace and incredible love that defies everything that makes sense. It's the gospel. It's beautiful. I wish I had a friend like her. I'm so glad I listened to her book.