It's possible that Lamott's unapologetic left-leaning politics will irritate some readers. But. But it's so dear and innocent and basically ungrounded in arguments that, ironically, it's just harmless. And a nice corrective to the icky elements of American self-righteousness. Helping the poor and loving peace may not always be the best public policy choice, but it's always the best thing to have in one's heart.

Lamott's religion is so different than mine has been for much of my adult life--it's lived out and experienced in life, in stories, in the joy and sorrow and rage of trying to maintain relationships with the bums God has placed us with, especially oneself. My religion, in comparison, is far more about arguments and propositions and systems. Ridiculous. Though cliched, her writing is the proverbial glass of cool water: refreshing and life-giving.

Nice.