Dusk, Night, Dawn: On Revival and Courage

Anne Lamott is a very good writer, an even better storyteller, and open and honest about her life struggles. Now she is happily married, but the challenges continue; there is no happy-ever-after. These are dark times and many of us struggle with keeping the faith alive during a pandemic, political challenges, and uncertainty. In this volume, Lamott reminds us that it is darkest before dawn. She uses her Sunday school class as a device to speak simply about faith. During these lectures which may seem trite, she has the class interrupt with boredom, hunger, and fidgets. None of us want to hear the good news, so she uses the class to anticipate our reluctance to get on the sunny side of life. It is difficult to always be inspiring, but Lamott manages to deliver a hopeful yet realistic message. She has established her credentials as one who has lived through challenges and manages to adjust and even thrive. It is always a good read to pick up one of her books or listen to her interviews and talks.