Anne Lamott is a novelist and non fiction writer. Her non fiction books are mostly autobiographies and cover themes like alcoholism, single motherhood, depression and Christianity. Lamott’s first book was written in 1980 and she has continued writing popular books up to 2010. She is the author of seven novels and five non fiction books, many of which have been best sellers.
In Grace (Eventually), each chapter consists of a story, all unique and different. One was about skiing, another about teaching Sunday school, helping at a special-ed dance class. In the chapter, Ski Patrol, Lamott describes a vulnerable and painful fall of a chairlift. She was in need for a helping hand and eventually a “short, plump woman… with acne and chapped cheeks and small brown eyes” (1) comes to assist. The woman warmed her gloves, gave her food and water and comforted her until she was ready to ski back down the mountain. Lamott used this experience as a kind of metaphor for “journey” with God and faith. She was troubled, someone helped her, she picked herself back up and continued on.
Grace (Eventually) begins with a prelude in which she describes her life at 21. She had dropped out of college, was heavily using drugs and being cheated on by the guy she loved. She spent her time getting wasted and reading books, both of which, she enjoyed equally. After reaching her lowest point , she started praying everyday and stopped drinking and she’s been sober for 20 years when the first chapter begins. This plays a large part in the inspiration for this book.
The purpose of the book is to explain to others what she believes about her faith and religion. However, each story Lamott tells has its own purpose. For example, in the chapter entitled, “The Wailing Wall” Lamott is teaching a Sunday school class. She tells her young students about the wailing wall, where people place their thoughts, worries and prayers on sheets of paper as a way of letting go. Though she was the teacher of the lesson, Lamott leaned a few things about patience. She had to let go of the worry that these young kids might not understand her message. The purpose was that not everything will be easy, but you can’t obsess over it. It’s better to leave worries behind you. When it comes to books on religion, the purpose is often interpretive and relative. The audience will take away what best relates to them.
Grace (Eventually) was written for middle aged women. Many jokes and stories have to do with raising kids, losing weight and going through menopause. Things that a 16 year old certainly has trouble relating to.
Lamott uses similes and sarcasm. Examples of similes: “I felt like Icarus, near death in the snow, with melting skis instead of wings” and “I felt like a weed, like one of those orange flowers that have sprung up lately…”and “I can hardly describe how I felt when it was over: like a manatee alone in an aquarium”
Referring to an apple fritter from Safeway, Lamott writes sarcastically: “I had not been attacked by random lust for just any old sugar-and petroleum product” Another example of sarcasm: “Sometimes I think Jesus watches my neurotic struggles, and shakes his head and grips his forehead and starts tossing back mojitos”.
Similes and sarcasm create a humorous tone which balances with her deep analysis on faith.
The author did accomplish her purpose. Though I have trouble relating to her, the stories are entertaining and I can see how they are significant. I am not a deeply religious person, so I do have trouble with cheesy metaphors about “the journey called life” however, Lamott is funny, so this is different than many other religious books.
No comments:
Post a Comment