Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son's First Son

Anne Lamott writes a diary of the first year of her grandson Jax's life, after her son Sam, then nineteen, became a father. She describes her mixed feelings of joy and worry, her role as a grandmother, and her relationship with Sam and his girlfriend, Amy. The book is arranged as notes on life with a baby, with reflections on faith, family, forgiveness, and the way a child changes everything.

Lamott writes with humor and honesty about her mistakes. It suits readers who like her earlier works, such as Operating Instructions, and anyone who is a parent or a grandparent trying to learn how to help without interfering.

Inward-looking and contemplative; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?