Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

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Summary: Either a Fan of Lamott - or Not
Review: If you love Lamott, you'll love this book. It's that simple. She gives a few practical tips, perhaps not as technical as some might like...but Bird by Bird is classic Lamott, which is enough for me.

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Summary: Instructions for therapists and writers
Review: I found this to be one of those books that touched my heart, mind and soul. As a therapist who writes about trauma, I have always found that literature adds to my understanding of people in a way that enhances my more traditional methods of learning. When I recently presented a scientific talk at a conference on trauma, I read an excerpt from this book that summed up for me the task of the therapist (though she was talking about writing). The audience loved it and many came to ask me about the book. This is a book I will treasure always.

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Summary: Outstanding advice for writing... and living
Review: Thank you, Anne Lamott! (I thought I was the only one; what a relief to know I've got such excellent company!) This is one of the best books I've ever read, and I plan to buy copies for everyone I care about. The bit (on page 23 in the paperback) about how she hopes doesn't get hit by a car before she writes the second draft is so accurate I got dizzy. It's shocking to see the comments that I hear in _my_ mind written on someone _else's_ page. And then to watch her debunk those fallacies with such humor and confidence! When/If I grow up, I want to be just like you, Anne.

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Summary: Still flies after all this time.
Review: I had to reread Anne Lamott's book to see what all the controversy was about. My theory is that those who dislike it wanted more instruction on "writing" and less on "life," or at least on life so different from their own. So they wanted a different book. The book I read and reread was the one I wanted. I already knew "how to" write; I was just having a dry spell--procrastinating and getting depressed. I wrote earlier about reading two books, Bird by Bird and Undoing Depression, on the advice of a therapist. Something clicked and I don't intend to overanalyze. If it works for me, I'll continue to use it.

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Summary: Well...
Review: Despite the vulgarity, I managed to stick with this book until she got around to mocking the reader about "the myth of publication." Hmmm--nice that myth came true for her. Just read that her next novel is getting a 1.2 million advance. I can't imagine that her students are really less talented. Buy Julia Cameron's books instead.

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Summary: You'd think she was Hitler
Review: It's really strange to see the degree of emnity some people have for Lamott. Her style of writing is unique, but for some reason it seems to hit some very raw nerves out there in literature land. As a writer, I found this book helpful, but more importantly hilarious and engaging, as opposed to dull how-to's that often serve as instructional material these days. Lamott is so willing to open herself to this sort of criticism with the level of honesty she exhibits, I hope she has a thick skin, I suspect she does. This book is a great read and reminds burgeoning writers not to take themselves too seriously, and that advice alone could salvage many efforts that would have otherwise fallen by the wayside. Anne has guts and I certain take my hat off to her. Lamott is an original and these days that is harder and harder to find.

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Summary: Strange but fascinating
Review: As the reviews below indicate, people have vastly different approaches to writing. My approach is nothing like Anne Lamott's -- in fact, from what I read in BIRD BY BIRD and some of her other books, she and I live in radically different worlds. However, the naked honesty and raw wit she brings to her writing are worthwhile and refreshing. Is this the greatest book ever on writing? Maybe not -- but it is a refreshing new approach to the subject, one that is intensely personal rather than analytical or academic. As a writer, I found this book very worthwhile -- but can fully understand how others were either confounded or even annoyed with it. This is not an instructional "how to" book. If you are willing to sit down with a quirky and sometimes bizarre personality and see if she can add to your perspective on writing, give this book a shot. I cannot say that BIRD BY BIRD changed my life, but it has made me re-evaluate my approach to writing - with very positive results.

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Summary: It made me laugh out loud!
Review: As an English teacher and avid writer, I feared the worst and expected that the book would be a dry, step by step explanation of the writing process. To my surprise, it turned out to be entertaining and amusing. You don't have to be a writer or an English teacher to appreciate Lamott's humor.

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Summary: Bird by Bird Fitting Title
Review: The title's perfect for this book: Bird By Bird offers a bird size portion of writing instruction. What it does provide is a hefty serving of hope for any writer with nothing to say, little talent, and a lot of pages to fill. What's sad is the author's total lack of respect for emerging writers. She cares little about teaching, and instead uses her bully pulpit to justify a very troubled life. Anyone can sympathize with a sad past, but does leading such a life qualify one to advise others? I think not. If you want to learn to write buy any other book. If you want to support those who need helpp with addictions, donate to a worthy charity.

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Summary: Funny, Occasionally Obnoxious, but Never Dull
Review: I think she could have written the actual writing advice in half this book, but at least she did the rest (partial autobiography) in an entertaining way. The first section and the last chapter were the best, but the other parts...were...what...? She urges the reader to write about one's childhood, but what if the aspiring writer doesn't want to begin at this point? Lamott lost me once she started describing character and plot...maybe, I'm just not that smart but she spoke in concepts and I just didn't click with her style. Found Julia Cameron more useful.