A Book a Week – Grace Eventually

The first book I’ve read by Anne Lamott was the amazing Bird by Bird back when I used to write novels. Years and years ago. I then read Operating Instructions which is about her first year with her son, Sam. I was hooked when I read the writing book but I was dedicated once I finished the motherhood one. Anne’s voice speaks directly to me. There’s something magical about her.

Even though I’d read Traveling Mercies and Plan B, I never even heard about Grace Eventually until a few weeks ago when I saw it on some blog I was reading. It took me only a few seconds to buy it (which is a big deal cause I don’t buy books anymore. Almost ever.) But I knew I’d want to own this book. I love her and I can read her stuff over and over again.

This was no exception. I felt like underlining every page, there was so much pithy stuff in it. So much of what spoke to me. I’m not even religious but it spoke to me. She has a way with words. She’s honest and raw and so easy to relate to even though our lives are as different as can be. I like her fiction, too, but her non-fiction is gold. True gold.

Here’s a short passage:

That’s me, trying to make any progress at all with family, in work, relationships, self-image: scootch, scootch, stall; scootch, stall, catastrophic reversal; bog, bog, scootch. I wish grace and healing were more abracadabra, kinds of things; also, that delicate silver bells would ring to announce grace’s arrival. But, no, it’s clog and slog and scootch, on the floor, in silence, in the dark.

If you’ve never read Anne Lamott, you’re truly missing out.