Summary

In the chapter entitled “Wow,” Lamott says that this gasp of amazement can be brought forth by things particularly beautiful or devastating or by a sudden insight of receiving of grace. She gives several opinions of where the word “wow” came from. Some believe its origin is Scottish, while others think it is a contraction of the words “I vow.” Wows can come in all sizes. Small wows come from fresh sheets. She says that uppercase wows include watching fireworks and seeing puppies being born. Lamott says that in her opinion, spring is the main reason for “Wow” although autumn is not bad. She likes spring best because it represents the resurrection. Art also inspires wows from Lamott.

Lamott tells the reader that the word “wow” has a reverberation that seems to soften the spirit. She wishes she could understand the power of that...