Lamott reading binge

I've been on a reading binge the last two weeks for books written by Anne Lamott. Bird by bird has a permanent home on my bedside table. Once a friend of mine who sells used books, and I told to hold all the Anne Lamott titles for me asked, "...Is it because you have the same almost the same name that you like her books so much?"

My middle name is Lamont - hers is Lamott, close but not quite.

I'd misplaced my copy of Traveling Mercies about a year ago, and found a hardcover copy in another used book story this weekend for only $3.00. I knew I'd be ready for another one of Anne's books as I was in the final chapters of Blue Shoe on Friday. I started Traveling Mercies on Monday and I'm already halfway done reading it. Anne Lamont's books, both the fiction and non-fiction have a way of getting under your skin. I find myself thinking about the characters in her fiction, wondering how they are and then remember they are fictional. Then again, when I read her non-fiction, I see shadows and shimmers of her fictional characters in her real life friends and family. Then I smile, knowing that the essence of the fictional characters are real after all, and I continue wishing them health and wellness.

Anne's books are real. Maybe they are too earthy for some, but I think the sincerity of her writing is what helps hold my attention - zesty content and all.

Someday I'd like to have tea with Anne Lamott. With her dreads, her wit, and her life experience - I'd like to think we'd hit it off, just like I've hit it off with her books. After all my middle name and her last are nearly the same.

“Seeing yourself in print is such an amazing concept: you can get so much attention without having to actually show up somewhere . . .You don't have to dress up, for instance, and you can't hear them boo you right away.” Anne Lamott

Due to the fact that Anne does not have an official website, I'll give you a link to her Wikipedia - at least you can get a list of her books there. Enjoy!