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) 

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful

This book is incredibly beautiful. It’s moving and deep and so authentic. I highly recommend it!

She’s my favorite

Anne Lamott is one of my favorite writers on the planet. This book and Plan B were the tools I used when I first got sober in 2008. I had no faith, and I felt alone on my thoughts. Ann let me know that I wasn’t. I’ve recommended this book to anyone and everyone who will listen. I am grateful for her, all of her books, and and the grace she’s encouraged me to give myself.

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.

Good book horrible narrator

I was looking forward to having this on Audible but this narrator sounds like an automated voice. Could not listen past the first few paragraphs.

Faith

I needed to hear about someone growing in Faith. Faith has brought me so far and with out it I would not be here and alive still. The book reminded me of struggles.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

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!

Honest and brilliant

I have never written a review but I needed to tell everyone they need to listen to this book. Ann Lamott is one of the most talented artists I have had the joy of experiencing in quite some time. Yes, she is an artist.