Rosie [Paperback]

Anne Lamott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1989

In Anne Lamott’s wise and witty novel, the growing pains of motherhood are portrayed with rare humor and honesty. If Elizabeth Ferguson had her way, she’d spend her days savoring good books, cooking great meals, and waiting for the love of her life to walk in the door. But it’s not a man she’s waiting for, it’s her daughter, Rosie—her wild-haired, smart-mouthed, and wise-beyond-her-years alter ego. With Rosie around, the days aren’t quite so long, but Elizabeth can’t keep the realities of the world at bay, and try as she might, she can’t shield Rosie from its dangers or mysteries. As Rosie grows older and more curious, Elizabeth must find a way to nurture her extraordinary daughter—even if it means growing up herself.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Rosie is a masterpiece, Anne Lamott is a novelist of genius. (Los Angeles Times) A fine novel. (The New Yorker) A strong, funny, and memorably original novel. (Alice Adams) Anne Lamott is an original; a bright, resh voice. (San Francisco Chronicle) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Anne Lamott is the author of the bestsellers Traveling Mercies, Operating Instructions, Bird by Bird, as well as six novels including Crooked Little Heart which is the sequel to Rosie. Her column in Salon magazine was voted the Best of the Web by Newsweek. She is a past recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 289 pages
• Publisher: North Point Press (May 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865473900
• ISBN-13: 978-0865473904
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,887,048 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Anne Lamott is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Grace (Eventually), Plan B, Traveling Mercies, and Operating Instructions, as well as seven novels, including Rosie and Crooked Little Heart. She is a past recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great one from Anne Lamott!, August 10, 2003

By 

CoffeeGurl - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Rosie (Paperback)

I can hardly believe what some of the reviewers have said of this wonderful book. Where is my elephant gun? Pay absolutely no attention to anyone who claims this isn't up to Lamott's par. Rosie is not just a brilliant read, it is a superlative re-read. She's created another riveting tale of family woes and the love that keeps them in order. However, this novel has a unique coming-of-age brand of its own. The telling of a mother's struggles with alcoholism is poignant and enthralling. I am so relieved I can now lend out my dog-eared second-hand copy and purchase a new one for my shelves. Fans of Lamott rejoice! Now all we need is a new effort from this brilliant author.

45 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ROSIE was riveting, August 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rosie (Paperback)

feh to the armchair psychiatrists...ROSIE was just as absorbing and real as any of Lamott's work. It seems as though people bring a bulging satchel of unrelated subtext to these reviews...so I will stick to the book at hand. Lamott's characters as always are people you feel live next door, and that you would not run if you saw coming. Rae for example is almost exactly like my late stepmother; I would give anything to meet her and let her sly humor into my life....which is what I did when I read ROSIE. I guess I've read it two or there times, and each time I revel in its treasures.....the unlikely and gritty love story, the alcoholic dilemmas which Lamott faces square on, not sparing us the ghastly details. it made me want to drink less and like myself more, ROSIE. some books are equally well written but make one want to cataopult oneself from a tall building. Lamott's work is life-affirming, funny, and tangibly human. Thank you, Annie. The only thing sloppy about this book is the praise I feel: for that I do apologize. You deserve a more dignified fan, instead I jump up and down, waving chocolate.

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An enigmatic and captivating book, September 9, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Palo ALto , California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rosie (Paperback)

Fabulous read- a truly wonderful book. Here we find Elizabeth, attempting to be the best mother she can be -while under the influence, and Rosie, a character not to be reckoned with. A sprite she is at all her five years!Rosie reconstructs the family she's longed for, and in doing so cures her mother of alcoholism. Good Job! Quirky, personal, and poignant all describe the work of Anne Lamott. Read this-you won't be dissappoined.