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So very dissappointing I had been hoarding this book against a bad day and when that day came -- a day on which I was depressed and discouraged about the sheer meanness of people -- Plan B only made it worse. Her continued diatribes against Bush and the right wing (an undefined term) showed a bitterness of spirit and a willingness to demean that astonished me. Had she attacked the left wing with the same venom I would have had the same reaction. Stylistically, I found the cussing distracting and was continuously reminded of a comment by a high school English teacher that only those with a limited vocabulary resort to swearing. I would defend to the death her right to express her opinions by whatever vehicle in whatever forum she likes. But I view this book as further evidence that while religion may be useful tool in politics, politics is always bad for religion. The message that we are cherished by Christ in all of wretched humanness regardless of where we are in our lives got totally lost. Having said all that there were many essays I liked -- particularly the church of 80% sincerity and the ham story. People who are deathly serious about everything all the time like so many religious folks just aren't that attractive to the rest of the world! So good for Ms. Lamott for "taking it light" -- draw in the crowds first and THEN show them how amazing it is to be a Christian. I sobbed through Travelling Mercies -- my copy is so underlined and starred and waterlogged that I wouldn't dare let another soul look at it for what it might reveal about me! Ms. LaMott's spirit is remarkable, and I know we will see better things in the future.