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Almost Everything: Notes on Hope

Review

Almost Everything: Notes on Hope

When I was heading to physical therapy last summer (a long, unexciting drive, through construction and delays, to the other side of town), I started listening to TED Talks, which made me forget my irritation and boredom. I happened upon one such talk by author Anne Lamott. It was honest, unexpected, really funny and kind. I had read her books before, and loved her, but during this particular drive her wise and enjoyable words encouraged me, prompted me to think, and also made me laugh. Listening to her was a gift. Her newest work, ALMOST EVERYTHING, is the same sort of gift but in written form.

One day, Lamott was wishing that her father, the author of numerous books, had left her his own wisdom in writing. What could he have told his children about life that would have helped them live better and understand more? So she began her own list to share with her beloved grandson and niece. Here is how it began: “So Dearest…: Here is everything I know about almost everything, that I think applies to almost everyone, that might help you someday.” That list became this lovely book of 13 truths, expounded upon chapter by chapter. And because it’s Anne Lamott, the list is deep, wonderful, thoughtful and occasionally hilarious. Even better, it’s never pedantic or heavy-handed.

"Enjoy Lamott’s craftsmanship, humor and ability to show us the beauty in pain and in life. I think you’ll find that her gentle words will quiet the stress around us that we’re all living in these days."

One of my favorite moments in the book is a two-sentence summary of Lamott’s conversation with her grandson in chapter eight (it may or may not involve laughter). Others include, “Most of my spiritual breakthroughs have been against my will. I am mortal, impermanent, imperfect, scared, often uptight and even petty, but wow, what a beautiful sunset.” Writing about paradox, she says, “This is distressing to those of us who would prefer a more orderly and predictable system, where you could say and prove that certain things are true, and that their opposites are false. Is this so much to ask?”

So what are some of the things that Lamott thinks are important that she tells us about? The part of my copy with the largest number of Post-It flags is her chapter about writing. But she also shares with us her thoughts on solving others’ problems (or trying to) and what happens to people who insist on Being Right. She talks about hate and why we should avoid it. She even mentions the real purpose of dark chocolate (and I agree with her 100%).

Some of the stories that Lamott shares in ALMOST EVERYTHING show that absolute good can come out of the saddest, most terrible events. Other tales will break your heart. This isn’t just a book with happy stories, which is one of the hallmarks of her writing. It is honest, sometimes gut-wrenchingly so. But at the same time it is beautiful. There are fears, but there are miracles too.

Anne Lamott is a writer’s writer. Her stories are like pearls; she takes the ugly and painful irritants of life (as well as the lovely parts) and strings them together into a gorgeous necklace. But even if you are not a writer, you will love and appreciate this honest and truthful book about things important to all of us. Get a copy for yourself. Read it little by little, or gorge yourself on it all at once. Enjoy Lamott’s craftsmanship, humor and ability to show us the beauty in pain and in life. I think you’ll find that her gentle words will quiet the stress around us that we’re all living in these days.

Reviewed by Melanie Reynolds on November 9, 2018

Almost Everything: Notes on Hope
by Anne Lamott