Biological Father

Sam’s biological father, whose name Lamott deliberately omits, remains absent from Sam’s life. Upon learning of Lamott’s pregnancy, he urged her to terminate it. When Sam was just a few months old, he filed legal documents, deceitfully claiming he could not possibly be the baby’s father.

Brian

Brian, married to Lamott’s friend, steps up and offers to be Sam’s Big Brother, embracing the role with warmth and generosity.

Dudu

Dudu stands as Sam’s honorary grandmother. Together with her husband Rex, she shared a close bond with Lamott’s parents and has been entwined in Lamott’s life since her own childhood. Dudu frequently visits with Lamott’s mother, and the two elder women, in a friendly rivalry, vie for Sam’s affection.

Anne Lamott

At the age of 35, Lamott, a writer by trade, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Unwedded and with the biological father refusing involvement, she resolutely chooses to embrace motherhood.

Lamott is a tapestry of contradictions: liberal yet devout, irreverent yet tender-hearted, with moods that ebb and flow like the tide. She has authored two novels, with a third seeing publication soon after Sam’s arrival. The demands of single-handedly raising a child, however, sap her creative energies, leaving her to produce only the book reviews that pay her bills and the journal that would later become Operating Instructions.

Her journal unveils the kaleidoscope of emotions typical to new mothers: she feels self-conscious about her weight, finds her son astonishingly beautiful and precocious, battles frustration, second-guesses her decision to have him, and yearns for solitude. Yet, the first year of Sam’s life is also marked by profound challenges, not least of which is her best friend Pammy’s grave cancer diagnosis, leaving Lamott to navigate the intersection of joy and sorrow.

Sam Lamott

Sam, Lamott’s cherished son, grows swiftly through his inaugural year, hitting all the delightful baby milestones: crawling, walking, laughing, smiling, and reaching for the world around him. His presence radiates joy among Lamott’s circle of family and friends.

Steve Lamott

Steve, Anne Lamott’s brother, witnesses Sam’s birth and remains a steadfast part of his life. He is, however, firm in his resolve to not let Lamott cast him in the role of a father figure.

John Manning

As the closest friend of Sam’s absentee father, Manning stands by Lamott’s decision to keep the baby, offering unwavering friendship to both mother and son. It was his encouragement that led her to jot down daily musings and reflections throughout Sam’s first year.

Megan

Megan, once a student in Lamott’s writing class, becomes Sam’s twenty-year-old babysitter. In offering her time, she proves to be a godsend, gifting Lamott with precious hours of respite.

Mom

Living nearby, Lamott’s mother is a frequent visitor in Sam’s life. Every Thursday afternoon she assumes babysitting duties, granting Lamott a cherished window of freedom.

Pammy Murray

Pammy has been Lamott’s confidante since childhood, sharing a bond so tight that she stands as one of Sam’s godmothers. Present at his birth, she visits nearly daily during his first year. Although Pammy and her husband long for children, an adoption plan is inspired by Sam. Yet tragically, Pammy’s life is cut short by cancer before Sam turns one, passing in November 1992.

Peg

Peg, another of Sam’s godmothers, is a dear friend from Lamott’s past when both battled addictions. Now in recovery, Peg aids Lamott with everyday chores, be it laundry or delivering meals.

Bill Rankin

Bill, a priest and trusted friend, serves as Lamott’s confidant whenever doubts about her faith arise, providing solace and understanding.

Rex

Rex, acting as Sam’s surrogate grandfather, was once the best friend to Lamott’s parents, living a mere half-mile from her childhood home.

Rita

Rita, Lamott’s therapist, remains just a phone call away, offering guidance whenever Lamott feels the need for support.