Plan B

Further Thoughts on Faith

By: Anne Lamott

Narrated by: Anne Lamott

Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

With the trademark wisdom, humor, and honesty that made Anne Lamott's book on faith, Traveling Mercies, a runaway best seller, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith is a spiritual antidote to anxiety and despair in increasingly fraught times.

The world is a more dangerous place than it was when Lamott's Traveling Mercies was published five years ago. Terrorism and war have become the new normal; environmental devastation looms even closer. And there are personal demands on Lamott's faith as well: turning 50; her mother's Alzheimer's; her son's adolescence; and the passing of friends and time.

Fortunately for those of us who are anxious and scared about the state of the world, whose parents are also aging and dying, whose children are growing harder to recognize as they become teenagers, Plan B offers hope in the midst of despair. It shares with us Lamott's ability to comfort, and to make us laugh despite the grim realities.

Anne Lamott is one of our most beloved writers, and Plan B is a book more necessary now than ever. It will prove to be further evidence that, as The Christian Science Monitor has written, "Everybody loves Anne Lamott."

©2005 Anne Lamott (P)2005 Penguin Audio and Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

“[A] book that is better than brilliant. This is that rare kind of book that is like having a smart, dear, crazy (in the best sense) friend walk next to us in sunlight and in the dark night of the soul.” (Publishers Weekly [starred review])

“Funny, acerbic reflections on faith and family...readers have long awaited Lamott’s second book on spirituality, and it won’t disappoint. Lamott’s trademark humor and irreverence mark practically every page... readers will howl with laughter at Lamott’s inability to do anything with Mom’s ashes other than leave them in her closet. But there’s also the real work Lamott is doing here, the slow hard, slow work of forgiveness, and things can get teary... a wonderful read Lamott’s legions of fans will no doubt lap up.” (Kirkus Reviews)

A voice of startling honesty

She doesn't read so much as TELL the stories in these essays. Her candor is sometimes shocking, sometimes funny. Over and over, she chooses hope over fear, service over surrender and like C. S. Lewis before her, speaks of the spiritual benefit of plain things like taking a walk or having a shower. Her faith is like her politics, integrated into even the most embarrassing parts of her life, and hearing her tell us about it, we learn that we are not alone in our guilt and self-loathing.

This book is worth your time. It speaks of faith with truth and candor. You may not be used to that, but maybe it's time to try it.

good

This is my first Ann Lamont book. i appreciate her outlook on faith. it gives you something to think abbot.

pure Anne

more of the best of Anne Lamott. For better or worse we seem to share the same brain. I always feel validated after reading one of her works. I'd like to have her over for tea.

Like a spiritual friend

If you are tired of being judged read this. Upset by the news? Hit play. Feeling powerless? March on. This was written during and after the Iraq war and is the perfect comfort for anyone who seeks a better vision for this world. I have gotten a spiritual friend with dreads. Thank goodness for the work and performance of this book.

Bad in the Mix

The chapter bookmarks do not correspond to the chapters in the book. This is very disappointing.

Another great listen by Lamotte

Anne Lamotte is funny, quirky, very Christian, and a Democratic feminist! If you think all those can't co-exist in one author, give a listen. This is a rant about the tough times in life -- softened with the repetoire of hope, of replacing fear with faith. It won't appeal to some because it is deeply spiritual, and she's not afraid to say it loud and proud. But for those on the journey, it offers new ways to look at life today in America, and new ways to laugh about it, too.

Loved it!!!

This book never fails to make me laugh.
It's my go to comfort food especially if I'm having trouble getting to sleep.

about time we hear from a liberal Christian

love this book. The author is quirky, plain spoken, open and honest. Who says if you're a Christian you have to be a right wing Bush-lover??

Great content, annoying delivery

I love Anne LaMott and was excited to listen but I found her delivery annoying and unsettling. On the one hand I guess her dryness goes along with her humor, but a more soothing tone would have enhanced my listen and enjoyment of her philosophical navigation. I will read her next book instead of listening unless she changes the narrator.

Honest and Thoughtful

Anne Lamott is a rarity in these times: a Progressive Feminist Christian!
As a writer she is extraordinarily generous, sharing how she moved through very dark times into recovery. She doesn't posture or pretend. She speaks for and inspires people who are deeply distressed by our country's class warfare, people who are struggling to forgive destructive parents, or who are struggling not to be destructive parents themselves, people who are into their 50s, trying to gather up whatever hard won wisdom they hope they've gained. She's a quirky, poetic writer. Plan B is an insightful memoir.