Sunday, March 16, 2008

TSS Week 6

I had a fantastic experience this week - I got to see Anne Lamott. I randomly decided to read her book, Grace (Eventually), last week, having no idea that she would be in town to talk about it. (I wasn't aware that it was her most recent work.) When I saw the flier for the event, I was completely surprised (and jazzed).

This is the first time I have seen her and she was great - a very funny and compelling speaker, just like her writing. She took questions from the audience, and I had the opportunity to ask her something I have always wondered while reading her work, which is what kind of criticism she receives from mainstream conservative Christians and how she deals with it. She spoke of extreme hostility with previous book releases that seems to have died down now. It seems she is just comfortable with herself, even her uncertainties, and that is enough for her. I think she is a brave, special woman.


Here are some Grace (Eventually) quotes that I found meaningful:
"Being human can be so dispiriting. It is a real stretch for me a lot of the time."

"...it really is easier to experience spiritual connection when your life is in the process of coming apart. When things break up and fences fall over, desperation and powerlessness slink in, which turns out to be good: humility and sweetness often arrive in your garden not long after."

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to admit to not even having heard of this writer. Why is she so controversial?

April said...

She is a Christian writer but she is quite liberal - pro-choice, pro-euthanasia, very anti-Bush, etc. She has also written that she believes that there is grace for nonbelievers.

Some very hardcore Christians have told her that she is going to hell.

Anonymous said...

Thanks. If that's the case then I'm going there with her.

beastmomma said...

I am so jealous that you got to see her!! Her other books: Bird by Bird and The Blue Show are fabulous. I have not read Grace (Eventually), but I did enjoy Traveling Mercies.

bethany (dreadlock girl) said...

I own, but haven't read two of her books. I have heard wonderful things about Traveling Mercies, but haven't heard of Grace (eventually). I need to get out more!

Megan said...

What an AMAZING experience you are going to remember for the rest of your life. I do admit I am a bit jealous. I received Bird by Bird many years ago as gift and I loved it but have never finished it. Seems to go that way with me a lot, especially with writing books. I would love to read some of her stuff. I don't think I have ever seen one of her books in any of the local thrift stores but I will be paying more attention from now on.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and your pictures with us.

Andi said...

How exciting! I've only read one of her books...Bird by Bird...writing advice. Glad you had a good time!

Andi said...

How exciting! I've only read one of her books...Bird by Bird...writing advice. Glad you had a good time!

Wendy said...

I love Annie Lamott's work. I wouldn't necessarily call her work Christian fiction (although I know her last two books were faith based)...she is just an amazing, thoughtful writer who creates characters that are very easy to relate to. Her book Rosie is one of my favorites...and of course her book on writing: Bird by Bird!

You are so lucky to have heard her speak.