Somehow

Thoughts on Love

By: Anne Lamott

Narrated by: Anne Lamott

Length: 4 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Anne Lamott is my Oprah.”—Chicago Tribune

From the bestselling author of Dusk, Night, Dawn and Help, Thanks, Wow, a joyful celebration of love

“Love is our only hope,” Anne Lamott writes in this perceptive new book. “It is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the right one, the noble path, the way home to safety, no matter how bleak the future looks.”

In Somehow: Thoughts on Love, Lamott explores the transformative power that love has in our lives: how it surprises us, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths, reminds us of our humanity, and guides us forward. “Love just won't be pinned down,” she says. “It is in our very atmosphere” and lies at the heart of who we are. We are, Lamott says, creatures of love.

In each chapter of Somehow, Lamott refracts all the colors of the spectrum. She explores the unexpected love for a partner later in life. The bruised (and bruising) love for a child who disappoints, even frightens. The sustaining love among a group of sinners, for a community in transition, in the wider world. The lessons she underscores are that love enlightens as it educates, comforts as it energizes, sustains as it surprises.

Somehow is Anne Lamott’s twentieth book, and in it she draws from her own life and experience to delineate the intimate and elemental ways that love buttresses us in the face of despair as it galvanizes us to believe that tomorrow will be better than today. Full of the compassion and humanity that have made Lamott beloved by millions, Somehow is classic Anne Lamott: funny, warm, and wise.

©2024 Anne Lamott (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Lamott speaks to the human in all of us, challenging us to bear her beam of love, and our own.”—The Washington Post

“Whether you are looking for love or letting go of resentments, Lamott’s words will both meet you where you are at and propel you to where you need to go.”—Oprah Daily

“Self-disclosure can be awkward, but Lamott’s voice is so finely tuned and adept at positioning the mirror for readers to see themselves, the books are not about her: They are words for anyone struggling against hope. Somehow: Thoughts on Love is a reminder—for those who need one—that it’s never too late to listen for the proverbial still small voice, the one within us that the world does its best to drown out, that it’s never too late to choose love.”—San Francisco Chronicle

Phenomenal

I will listen to this over and over again. I adore how she makes like and the world approachable.

Amazing read

Love Anne’s wit, heart and honesty. Great read, thoroughly enjoyed. She has a heart that is a mile wide, appreciate that about her.

I always enjoy

I enjoy all Anne Lamott’s books. She is poetic and humorous. I had to laugh when she said “moi”. My brother, sisters and I use to say that in jest when we were young. Such a fun and inspiring listen. And a very refreshing point of view.
I love that she is the narrator. What could be better than hearing from the author herself. Brava!

Her wisdom is embracing, wry, funny, profound.

LaMott’s writing centers on her own stories of childhood, faith and the struggle to remain sober. Very little new in this book, lots of retelling of already well worn material yet it is uplifting and worth the time and expense to listen again.

Poignant, real, funny... relatable.

I wasn't going to read it since I've read most of her other works. Thankful that I purchased it! Inspiring, relatable and new.

Exactly what I needed to hear

It was a wonderful reminder of what it requires to be a "Good Human" and not a perfect one. The authors words soothed my heart and my soul and reminded me that its okay if Love, Family and Faith looks different these days its the work we are willing to put into it.

Beautiful

Reads like a painting. I especially enjoyed her as the reader. Her deadpan presentation had me laughing and crying the whole way through.

Filled with love and hope

This book was very pleasant and easy to listen to and it soothed my soul. I love listening to this author in particular read her words to me. She always helps me think of more things to feel grateful about and so many beautiful things in life to ponder and wonder about.

Your loving authenticity

Thank you for sharing at such deep levels about all things life and love your writing touches my heart.

Loved it!

I so relate to her sincerity, sarcasm, optimism and honesty in her words. I laughed out loud many times! I’ll listen to this many times!