Operating Instructions is a raw and heartfelt memoir chronicling Anne Lamott's tumultuous first year of single motherhood. Navigating the chaos of newborn care, spiritual questioning, and the complexities of love, Lamott's wit and vulnerability shine through in every page. As she grapples with self-doubt and the weight of responsibility, readers are invited into her intimate journey of faith and resilience. With humor and honesty, she transforms mundane moments into profound reflections on life and growth. This compelling narrative leaves us pondering the beauty and challenges of parenting, ultimately sparking curiosity about our own stories of transformation.
By Anne Lamott
Published: 2011
"“Parenting is like a long trip in a strange place; you get lost and end up somewhere you hadn’t planned to be.”"
With the same brilliant combination of humor and warmth she brought to bestseller Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott gives us a smart, funny, and comforting chronicle of single motherhood. It’s not like she’s the only woman to ever have a baby. At thirty-five. On her own. But Anne Lamott makes it all fresh in her now-classic account of how she and her son and numerous friends and neighbors and some strangers survived and thrived in that all important first year. From finding out that her baby is a boy (and getting used to the idea) to finding out that her best friend and greatest supporter Pam will die of cancer (and not getting used to that idea), with a generous amount of wit and faith (but very little piousness), Lamott narrates the great and small events that make up a woman’s life. "Lamott has a conversational style that perfectly conveys her friendly, self-depricating humor." -- Los Angeles Times Book Review "Lamott is a wonderfully lithe writer .... Anyone who has ever had a hard time facing a perfectly ordinary day will identify." -- Chicago Tribune
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““Parenting is like a long trip in a strange place; you get lost and end up somewhere you hadn’t planned to be.””
Operating Instructions
By Anne Lamott
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Anne Lamott is a celebrated American author known for her insightful and often humorous takes on life's challenges, faith, and the creative process. She gained widespread acclaim with her books such as "Bird by Bird" and "Traveling Mercies," which blend personal memoir with poignant observations. Lamott's writing often addresses themes of spirituality, family, and the complexities of human relationships, resonating with readers across diverse backgrounds. In addition to her novels and nonfiction, she is a noted speaker and essayist, sharing her unique perspective on writing and life. With a distinctive voice that combines honesty and vulnerability, Lamott continues to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide.
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