Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers

I picked up the book even though I wasn't sure about the prayer part and I'm glad I did. In less than two hours Anne Lamott gives us a succinct, funny, and all-inclusive tale about her journey from "fine china" prayers to the three that are more of the paper plate variety and probably more effective. Written in an authentic style, Lamott unapologetically shares her take on approaching god whether she is a mountain, an armchair, or some other external power we can talk to. Her breathe of knowledge about all types of spirituality is evident in the content and readers can be comfortable with her version of truth regardless of where they are in their spiritual journeys. She is honest about who we are as people and as a society yet, in the end, states we are "mostly decent." For me the hope and charm of this book is that I finished it and could say, "Yeah, I do that and can probably do a little bit more of it." While I cannot say Lamott is the best narrator in the world, she is acceptable and there is something special about her reading her own work. If you are looking for a short, touching read that helps you move along toward a little bit of change in a non defensive way, this book is wonderful.

I am so glad that I caught the tail end of a radio interview of the Author of this book on the radio. Anne Lemott is good to listen to as the narrator and this book has amazing insight. I almost wince when I see when it is in the religion section because this book is not about any particular religion- its about a higher power. Anne has a great sense of humor and I was laughing even as I was being completely awed by what she had to say and how eloquently she put it. This is a quick read (listen) and I was wishing it was longer when it was over. This book is nothing short of profound.

There is a part where she asks "Whats the difference between you and God? God never thinks he is you."
If I were to try to quote all the significant things she says in this book that stood out- I would just be typing the whole book out here.

A different narrator.

Not read in such a monotone.

Monotone. It sounded like a computer voice at times.

Anne Lamott's reading interpreted and augmented the her basic book on prayer.

The concepts behind the book are basic, but Lamott's inimitable style brings good perspective to the topic.

I could and might listen to this several times. I believe that everyone would or could get something out of this little gem!

It is very personal and human.

I didn't really enjoy the author's voice. I might have enjoyed reading the book on my own even more. But the overall message and points were so good that I got over it.

The whole book speaks to the human experience and there was a particularly touching story the author shared about a boy coming to learn about the realities of death and that his mother would likely die before him.

Highly recommend if you are interested in spiritual life, regardless of religious affiliation.

Short and excellent - a great listen with the author's dry and unfettered delivery. I wonder if Anne Lamott and Patti Smith are friends . . . they should be! The beauty of the brevity here is that I will re-listen to this book and get more from it. Anne may come from a Christian background, but her content reaches across all defined/undefined belief systems. Enjoy!

I had a hard time considering God referred to as a woman. Even while I am one it seemed disrespectful to me. Leaving the gender out would have made me happier and the book better ... in my humble opinion.

It took me a while to get used to the tone of the author but after a while I did and I found myself coming back to listen to the rest of the story.

No.

Overall, I appreciated the deeper thought into prayer that this book provoked in me. I am not sure I agreed with everything but that is okay, it is provoking thought that I appreciated. As stated above, I really did not care that God was referred to as "She" or "Mother".