Almost Everything

By: Anne Lamott

Narrated by: Anne Lamott

Publisher's summary

From Anne Lamott, the New York Times best-selling author of Help, Thanks, Wow, comes the book we need from her now: How to bring hope back into our lives.

"I am stockpiling antibiotics for the Apocalypse, even as I await the blossoming of paperwhites on the windowsill in the kitchen", Anne Lamott admits at the beginning of Almost Everything. Despair and uncertainty surround us: in the news, in our families, and in ourselves. But even when life is at its bleakest - when we are, as she puts it, "doomed, stunned, exhausted, and over-caffeinated" - the seeds of rejuvenation are at hand. "All truth is paradox", Lamott writes, "and this turns out to be a reason for hope. If you arrive at a place in life that is miserable, it will change." That is the time when we must pledge not to give up but "to do what Wendell Berry wrote: 'Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts.'"

In this profound and funny audiobook, Lamott calls for each of us to rediscover the nuggets of hope and wisdom that are buried within us that can make life sweeter than we ever imagined. Divided into short chapters that explore life's essential truths, Almost Everything pinpoints these moments of insight as it shines an encouraging light forward.

Candid and caring, insightful and sometimes hilarious, Almost Everything is the audiobook we need and that only Anne Lamott can write.

©2018 Anne Lamott (P)2018 Penguin Audio

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Critic reviews

“Part memoir, part manual and part sermon from the church of Lamott, this satisfying escape points to notes of beauty in our uncertain world.” (People)

“Like a feminist C.S. Lewis, [Lamott] talks about God, politics and other unmentionables, and gently exhorts her readers, as she does herself, to find joy in a bleak and chaotic world: a leftie guru of optimism.” (The New York Times)

“[Lamott] cheers us on with her blend of sobering truth and essential inspiration.” (Parade Magazine)

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5 out of 5 stars

By Susan on 01-21-19

laser beam to the heart of what I've been feeling

this book helped me shift focus and laugh at a time I really needed to

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5 out of 5 stars

By Janice Erickson on 03-21-24

so practical, relatable, gutsy, raw; a real life journey

ending was kinda abrupt…oh, I guess it’s the end- would have liked a smoother transition

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5 out of 5 stars

By Baking for fun on 01-06-19

Worth a listen

Anne Lamott is deeply thoughtful in an energetic and entertaining way. This is a short book with a lot of little gems, good for a cold afternoon when you need cheering up.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Daniel Mulhern on 12-11-18

yes she's done it again

Anne lamott is the best author in the world at reading her own books. She is so philosophical and so funny, and she just makes it come alive in this book. I hesitate when I buy her books, because the messages are typically the same. Then I buy them and listen to them and think oh my gosh that was the best one ever. So, if you enjoy a little bit of philosophy, a lot of reflection on life's strange paradoxes and contradictions and enjoy laughing to yourself in the car, this is the book for you. If not, definitely don't buy it.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Herstory buff on 11-01-18

Like eating comfort food for the spirit.

Enjoyed the author's own narration immensely.

Especially good reading for older people to reflect. A calming salve in these days of national upheaval and fear. This is Lamott's best insight into love, hope, grace and forgiveness yet. I listened to it several times.

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5 out of 5 stars

By P. B. on 03-27-20

Great Uplifting Read

I absolutely loved this book! It seemed like it was right from my own heart! I agree and get everything she says in her wild all over the place thoughts. I laughed out loud so many times! I was touched by grace and her insights!
I will wait eagerly for her next book!

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5 out of 5 stars

By Jes on 12-14-18

Profound

What a great way to describe hope! A must listen, read, highlight and dog ear. I will be visiting this often.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Reina Flores on 04-03-19

Truth

I loved this, I needed this and innately I know this. Fantastic! Deep! Truth! Love!

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5 out of 5 stars

By Diana Nelson on 04-09-20

I love Anne Lamott

What style. What grace! Earthy in a simple and honest way. I'm ready for her next book. Chapter thirteen on family was perfect.

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5 out of 5 stars

By E. Neimy on 05-13-23

F***ing brilliant!

It’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket or bear hug by your favorite aunt. We are all “pre-accepted” & loved. Our life mistakes are birds on the Bob Ross canvas of life. Pain, suffering & loss are gateways to spiritual growth. Best book this yr.

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