Finding Comfort And Joy In The New Year

In 'Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy,' Anne Lamott delves into the theme of mercy, emphasizing its importance in transforming our lives. She defines mercy as 'radical kindness,' which involves forgiving debts, absolving the unforgivable, and letting go of judgment and pain. The book encourages readers to face the chaos of their lives, recognize their personal mess, and foster greater understanding and compassion. Through personal anecdotes, humor, and forthrightness, Lamott invites readers to practice mercy, starting with kindness towards themselves, which can lead to warmer and more generous hearts. The book is a hopeful and caring exploration of hands-on spirituality, highlighting the necessity of mercy in difficult times and its impact on personal healing and relationships.

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.