Anne Lamott: A World Built on Words
To truly know Anne Lamott is to understand that words are not merely tools, but the very fabric of her world. She believes writing possesses a unique power – the ability to unlock our deepest truths and find meaning amidst the chaos of modern life. As she recently shared with Sunday Paper editor Meghan Rabbitt, “You write to learn who you are and what you make of it all.” This power isn’t limited to the act of creation; for Lamott, reading is equally transformative.
Opening a book, she explains, is akin to stepping through a portal into a new realm. It’s a gift, a chance for immersion, and a source of profound connection. Below, she shares three books that have consistently resonated with her, books she’s not only turned to herself but also gifted to others over the years.
Anne Lamott’s Recommended Reads
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Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
“It’s so lovely. It’s brilliant. And it makes you so happy to spend 250 pages with these people—the most human, dear people who are really trying to do their best.”
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The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
“I think it’s a perfect novel. Reading Kingsolver makes me feel like I can never write again because she is so, so much better than I will ever be. And it just fills me with gratitude and relief that she’s out there producing book after book of such brilliance and insight and truth.”
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Devotions by Mary Oliver
“To sit down and read one poem by Mary Oliver can change your whole day. Because it’s going to give you the gift and reminder of wonder to go outside and see it all through your own eyes.”
These selections highlight Lamott’s appreciation for authors who delve into the complexities of the human experience with honesty and grace. They offer not just entertainment, but a pathway to deeper self-understanding and a renewed sense of wonder.
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By Meghan Rabbitt & The Sunday Paper Team
