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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Somehow summary
Anne Lamott
Thoughts on Love
17 mins
Table of Contents
Somehow
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Key idea 1 of 5
Love with the skin on
Sure, love is a feeling. But it’s also an energy that permeates everything, from the graceful dance of a ballerina to our clumsy stumbling through everyday life. You might even say that love is a biological imperative, because when we have a love deficiency, that’s when we humans end up turning on each other.
Even in our darkest moments, though, love can be sensed, waiting to carry us safely through – like when the author’s friend Caroline picked up a wayward frog from a construction site and carried it to safer pastures.
Love is hope, and it offers solace and sanctuary even when we resist its embrace. But make no mistake about it: we can resist love, and even be skeptical when it arrives in a very tangible form.
Lamott believes in love “with the skin on,” as she puts it – love in action, rather than just an abstract idea. This is why she takes part in a community outreach program to give goods to the unhoused population in her community. They give out purple bags filled with goods that people might actually find useful in staying healthy, like soaps, clothes, lotions, dental floss, and so forth.
But when she’s approached unhoused people with this lavender-colored bag of love, it doesn’t always go well. She understands the skepticism. “Beware of hippies bearing gifts” is probably a wise adage to live by.
One guy in particular, he chain-smoked cigarettes while initially refusing to even look in the bag. Once he did, he just grabbed a pair of socks, said “this is all I need,” and got up and left. But another man was more receptive. He appreciated everything in the bag, from the sun-blocking hat to the pH-balanced body lotion.
You can’t control how love will be received. The important thing is to try to be of service – to be a representative of goodness in a society that can often feel devoid of warmth. Love needn’t be grand gestures or lofty ideals. It can be found in the small, everyday moments of connection and care, like a willingness to sit and listen to someone else’s story. Such tokens of love serve as reminders that we are not alone in our struggles.
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What is Somehow about?
Somehow (2024) is a collection of stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, offering poignant insights into the human experience. Filled with candid and witty reflections on love, loss, and faith, it captures the essence of what it means to be human, inviting readers to embrace life's complexities with courage and compassion.
Somehow Review
Somehow by Anne Lamott (2012) takes readers on a journey through life's challenges, offering profound insights along the way. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Explores deep, existential themes in a relatable and compassionate manner, resonating with readers on a personal level.
- Provides raw, honest reflections on love, loss, and resilience, inviting readers to confront and embrace the complexities of human experience.
- With its wit and wisdom, the book delivers moments of humor and enlightenment, ensuring that every page is a captivating exploration of the human spirit.
Who should read Somehow?
- Anyone interested in approaching life with more grace
- People in recovery or dealing with grief
- Readers who like a good memoir
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Somehow FAQs
What is the main message of Somehow?
The main message of Somehow revolves around resilience, hope, and finding meaning in life's challenges.
How long does it take to read Somehow?
The estimated reading time for Somehow varies, but reading the Blinkist summary takes approximately 15 minutes.
Is Somehow a good book? Is it worth reading?
Somehow is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of life with humor and insight, making it a worthwhile choice.
Who is the author of Somehow?
The author of Somehow is Anne Lamott.
What to read after Somehow?
If you're wondering what to read next after Somehow, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Just the Good Stuff by Jim VandeHei
- Liberated Love by Mark Groves & Kylie McBeath
- Love Life by Matthew Hussey
- A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
- The Genius of Empathy by Judith Orloff
- The Hunger Habit by Judson Brewer
- 101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged by H. Norman Wright
- No Nonsense Spirituality by Brittney L. Hartley
- Manifest by Roxie Nafousi
- Understanding Media by Marshall McLuhan