Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Inspiration
Review: Lamott's "Bird by Bird" is a true inspiration. Part autobiography, part writing how-to, part pep-talk for would-be writers, Lamott let's the reader see inside her own writing process to better understand how to become a better writer. This book gives the aspiring writer a great deal of confidence to start their own projects. A gem. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: "chaise longues" is spelled correctly.
Review: Tracy, "chaise longues" is spelled right. Look it up. Maybe this book isn't as bad as you think.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensible and Practical Advice
Review: With so many failing writers out there trying to cash-in on the how-to market, I assumed that Bird by Bird was another superfluous rendition of the same old junk published in Writer's Digest.I misjudged this book. Not only is Lamott's offering candid and witty making it a pleasure to read, but her perspective on managing the difficulties all writers endure was fresh and insightful. This is a book that, if you do write, you will readily relate to. Lamott does not purport to cure these inevitable maladies. What she does do is demonstrate a humorous philosophy for minimizing the negative effects these problems can have on, not only our writing life, but, our life in general. In comparison to the many other books professing answers to the myriad difficulties of writing, this humble and modest work stands alone. Bird by Bird is neither a how-to or why-to manual, but rather a rare glimpse into the mind of a writer dealing with the pains and pleasures of being a writer.
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Summary: Laughs and Lifelines!
Review: This is not a how-to book. This is not a New Age manual for freeing your creativity in ethereal ways. This is Anne Lamott, for heaven's sake...and that means it's funny! As in, laugh- till-you-can't-read-the-words-through-the-tears-in-your-eyes funny. (Some call this therapy, and I'm inclined to agree.) Though aimed at writers, this book is full of sage advice and razor-edged honesty for the average joe. If you're a writer--and I claim to be one--it's more than a few anecdotes and good advice; it's a lifeline in the thrashing seas of rough-draftdom, a foothold on the sands of jealousy and vain ambition. Anne makes it clear that writing must be pursued for something other than mere publication. (Though, to be honest, I know she's just trying to let the majority of us down easy.) Writing is about letting go, growing, facing truths, and holding on. I'm hooked on Lamott. She slaps me in the face with her startling revelations, nudges me in the ribs with her unpredictable humor, and prods my frozen little writer's hands back into action with warm compassion. This book won't solve the mechanical aspects of my writing, or lead me on the path of structural excellence, but it will spark my creativity, free my characters to be true to themselves, and, ultimately, shake me from my doldrums back into the writing mode. In a society addicted to mindless facts and information, "Bird by Bird" reminds us--writers or otherwise--that it's all about heart. Heart and mind and soul dancing together, even if they step all over each other's feet.
Rating:
Summary: You don't have to be a writer to LOVE this book!
Review: I love to read books by writers who love language, have a gift for imagery, and have a fearless, irreverent, come-at-things-sideways wit, and Anne Lamott is my new hero! This book easily and instantly became one of my all-time favorites, and my mom's as well. She was reluctant to lend it even to me! - a sure sign of devotion, from an avid reader who always seems to have read everything good long before I've even heard of it. So this is really a rave review from both of us. We share a love for books that make us laugh out loud till tears run down our cheeks, and books that touch us deeply by capturing those subtle (and not-so-subtle) emotional nuances of life's journey. We ESPECIALLY love books that do both. This is a masterpiece of that type of literature. Now if I can just get it back from the person I lent it to...!
Rating:
Summary: Laughing out loud
Review: I can't remember ever laughing so much when I read a book. This book is a MUST read for all authors or would-be authors out there. I nearly soiled my bed, I laughed so hard and so much. Anne Lamott has a unique writing style that jumps off the page and smacks the reader in the face. I guess that the reason I found it so entertaining was the fact that I could relate (REALLY RELATE) to everything she was saying about being an author. It is tough, being a writer. The distractions (both external and --- most hilariously--- internal) are difficult to deal with. Anne Lamott takes those problems and puts them in a very appropriate context for the authors out there. I have it on my desk in a place of reverence. It is my writing bible now. Thank you, Anne.
Rating:
Summary: Bird by Bird
Review: Anne Lamott makes her guide to writing, Bird by Bird, personal, effective, and endearing by sharing embarrassing stories--everything from her three and a half year old son's cussing habits to her own struggles with writing to her debilitating bout of jealousy after the tremendous success of a writer friend. From her unabashed openness, the audience comes away with a good sense of Lamott's personality, and her humor makes it easier for the reader to accept her advice. Lamott does an excellent job of keeping the writing style conversational, which reinforces the book's personal quality. The writing is eloquent but simple, insightful but interesting. "Me, I'm a nice Christian girl, and while I wish I could quote something kicky and inspirational that Jesus had to say about writing, the truth is that when students ask me for the best practical advice I know, I always pick up a piece of paper and pantomime scribbling away" (37). From the first line of Bird by Bird the reader can tell that Lamott's voice is consistent; she is a caring coach, comic, and expert who offers sage and useful guidance. Her wit and wisdom capture the reader's interest; her practical counsel and experience build the reader's ability and boost his motivation.
Rating:
Summary: Better than "Writing Down the Bones"
Review: Straightforward and humorous inspiration. Lamott is honest and isn't afraid to be a little ugly. If you read it once you'll likely read it again. However, this isn't a "How to Write" book. If you're looking for writing instruction, there are better choices. If you want to know that you aren't alone in your quirky writing life, pick this book up.
Rating:
Summary: Thank you, Anne Lamott
Review: Over the years, I've tried to read nearly a dozen "how-to" books on writing. Bird by Bird was the first one which really spoke to me. I've read it three times. Whenever I get stuck, I can pick it up and find something valuable in it. She reminds us that we are all human; that all of our stories matter; that being published isn't the Holy Grail; that every writer starts with crummy first drafts. if you love to write, love to read, love to laugh, buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: This book is a gift.
Review: I completely loved this book and I don't think I can say enough about it. For me, as an aspiring writer, she seemed to say so many things that I think I've been needing to hear for a really long time - this book resonated with me. I have pages of quotes from her book written down in my journal, and I consider them a treasure. It's amazing how she manages to intertwine her thoughts on writing with her thoughts on life - it's amazing how she reveals their intrinsic connection. I think the one thing that I appreciate most about this book is her honesty and her dedication to truth - I feel like she has written a very 'complete' book in the purest sense of the word - she has genuinely told us everything about writing she knows. I have complete faith in her optimism, her brightness, her joy. The life inside of her reverberates through her words. A great thing about this book is that it reads easily, but at the same time, you can't finish it in one sitting just because she offers so much to absorb and reflect upon - you can't take it all in one breath. In short, this book has given me sustenance, and I will remember it, especially in times of writing draughts. If you can discover the worth of this book, I know you will be grateful. I have not met Ms. Lamott, but I think she must be a very beautiful person, because her words and thoughts have truly touched me.
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