Hallelujah Anyway Book Summary - Hallelujah Anyway Book explained in key points
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Hallelujah Anyway summary

Anne Lamott

Rediscovering Mercy

4.4 (31 ratings)
17 mins

Brief summary

Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott is a spiritual book that encourages us to embrace mercy, kindness, and forgiveness. It teaches us how to find hope in dark times and how to connect with others on a deeper level.

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    Hallelujah Anyway
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    Mercy comes from unexpected places, and simple truths are not always easy to put into practice.

    Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes it can be joyous, and other times it’s downright scary and unsettling. In times of darkness, we can search for answers and come up empty. But then, out of the blue, we can stumble upon a solution.

    Mercy is often found in odd places. When she is experiencing a difficult time, the author finds comfort in the Bible. Specifically, she finds it with Micah, the Old Testament prophet. In the words of Micah, all God expects from us is to be merciful, just and humble.

    This might sound simple enough in theory, but in practice, it can be tricky

    To be merciful, one must already possess certain qualities, most importantly being humble. Now, you might think that being humble isn’t so difficult, yet everywhere you look you can see that it’s in short supply.

    People everywhere are striving to stand out and be celebrated by their peers with fame and recognition. Let’s face it, humbleness is not a common mode of behavior these days. If someone were to practice it, they’d likely do so in an attempt to be recognized as the best and most humble person around.

    Why is this? Why does being humble and merciful come so unnaturally to us?

    Everyone starts out as a simple, humble being, but then we all experience the trauma of being hurt when we try to approach others with a kind and open heart. This instills in us a fear that people will exploit our vulnerabilities or imperfections. So, instead, we build up defenses and move in the opposite direction to humility.

    In the blinks ahead, we’ll look at how we can move in the right direction.

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    What is Hallelujah Anyway about?

    Hallelujah Anyway (2017) is a reintroduction to the concepts of mercy and kindness. If you’ve ever wondered whether these values have all but disappeared, this provides some much-needed insight into why they’re in short supply and what we can do to bring them back into our lives. Don’t waste another day feeling sad for yourself; get on the path to rediscovering the joy in life.

    Hallelujah Anyway Review

    Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott (2017) explores the importance of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness in a world that often feels harsh and judgmental. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With humility and honesty, Lamott reminds us that mercy is an essential quality we all need to practice, both towards ourselves and others.
    • This book offers profound insights into the human experience, addressing topics like suffering, addiction, and forgiveness with compassion and wisdom.
    • Through relatable anecdotes and personal reflections, Lamott creates a space for vulnerability and growth, reminding us that even in difficult times, there is hope and grace available to us all.

    Best quote from Hallelujah Anyway

    Just to hear the words mercy or merciful can transform the whole day.

    —Anne Lamott
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    Who should read Hallelujah Anyway?

    • People suffering from addiction
    • Writers, poets and other aspiring artists
    • Soul seekers

    About the Author

    Anne Lamott is a California native and a winner of the 1985 Guggenheim Fellowship. Her many bestselling books include works of fiction and nonfiction, and some are considered modern classics, such as Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life and the novel Crooked Little Heart.

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    Hallelujah Anyway FAQs 

    What is the main message of Hallelujah Anyway?

    The main message of Hallelujah Anyway is finding joy and hope in difficult times.

    How long does it take to read Hallelujah Anyway?

    The reading time for Hallelujah Anyway varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Hallelujah Anyway a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Hallelujah Anyway is worth reading as it offers insights on finding gratitude and healing in everyday life.

    Who is the author of Hallelujah Anyway?

    The author of Hallelujah Anyway is Anne Lamott.

    What to read after Hallelujah Anyway?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Hallelujah Anyway, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Age of Empathy by Frans de Waal
    • Crazy Faith by Michael Todd
    • Sacred Marriage by Gary L. Thomas
    • Humility Is The New Smart by Edward D. Hess and Katherine Ludwig
    • How to Live by Judith Valente
    • The War For Kindness by Jamil Zaki
    • Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
    • If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t you Happy? by Raj Raghunathan
    • The Name of God is Mercy by Pope Francis
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear