Anne Lamott writes essays that make you reflect on life. This series of essays did not resonate with me as much as some of her other books but I'm glad I was able to spend more time with Lamott.

I would challenge most anyone to read a book by Anne and not gain a bit of wisdom, insight or appreciation for humanity. I've read most (if not all) of Anne's nonfiction books and this collection of essays shared different nuisances and experiences. Her essays in this book should be read slowly and with care. I highlighted several lines and hope to return back to them. Anne is one of those people I'm simply grateful to be sharing the planet with. Appreciate the early copy from NetGalley so much. Absolutely 5 star. Full transparency, it would be difficult for me to rate her nonfiction work anything lower than a 5.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Anne Lamott is so imperfectly perfect in her writing. She makes it okay to admit to our weaknesses in character and to accept our flawed selves.

First a big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the DRC.

You can never go wrong with Anne Lamott. She is truly a delight to read. Each chapter is a slice of her life, her thoughts, her experiences and most importantly her growth as a human. She shows the reader all of her insecurities, followed by the paths she takes to learn and mature.

If you are a regular reader of Lamott's work, parts of "Somehow" will feel very familiar, if not a bit repetitive from her previous books. Fortunately she intersperses those moments with new experiences.

One such essay discusses the fallout over her transphobic retweet years after she posted it, It is clear she took ownership of her behavior and learned from it. She eloquently pointed out we are all human, humans err, it is what you do after erring that makes the difference. Our society is far too quick to "cancel" someone, we would be better served learning forgiveness..

Anne Lamott is the neighbor everyone should be and at the same time she's the neighbor everyone should have in their lives. Not perfect but well meaning, thoughtful and full of love.

Lamott's 20th book, publishing the day before her 70th birthday, offers fresh insights to long readers while proving to be a hospitable place to jump in for those new to her work.

I could not love this author more. She bares her headt to all of us and makes us feel as if we know her. So uplifting and spiritual. Great book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. great story!

Somehow by Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott has always amazed me with her willingness to bare her soul and just pour her heart out to her readers. Years ago (the 80s, maybe?) she used to come to our local bookstore (Capitola Book Cafe) and do readings. Those events were magic! And I have such great memories of her fiction (especially All New People and Rosie) and the tons of people who came through the doors of the public library where I worked who came back to thank me for recommending her books. So I was more than happy to get a copy of her latest book, Somehow, from Penguin Group Riverhead and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Somehow is all about love which is, according to AL, in all of us, and is central to our very being. She examines various kinds of love, including finding a partner/soulmate in later life as well as the deep love for one’s children. And along the way she throws in some spiritual/religious mentions without being preachy about it. Very enjoyable. Not my favorite of hers, not even in my top five, but well worth reading. Four stars.

Anne Lamott's books tend to be hit or miss for me, and this one hit the mark. It was at turns poignant and laugh out loud funny. Two of my favorite quotes from the book are:

"Love presents most obviously in babies and kids being cuddled, yet also as patience with annoying humans we live or work with or are."

"Curiosity leads to wonder and wonder is a cousin to love."

A lovely read by the fabulous author Anne Lamott. This book was as refreshing as spring itself. A true enjoyment from a most brilliant and beloved author.

Anne Lamottś strength lies in her willingness to expose her faults as well as her wisdom. The most compelling part of this book to me was her meditation on having acted terribly on Twitter toward a famous transwoman. The entire unfolding of the incident, including her son (correctly) pointing out (also on Twitter) that his mom was a bit out of touch was handled honestly. Anne was able to admit she was wrong, that she had learning to do, start the work to repair the brokenness she had caused with her remarks, and yet, still come off as a bit of an old crank. And arent we all old cranks, at times? Well done.