Rating: Summary: Got Me Past Writer's Block to Publication Review: When writing my first book, I hit an all too familiar wall which was a lifetime of writer's block that had paralyzed me many times before. A friend recommended I read Bird By Bird. I did, and through reading Ann's words, with all her wisdom and practical advice, a door to my inner voice opened up and the book flowed. Not only did I complete the book (on deadline!) and get it published, but people tell me the book reads like a novel, with the sound of my voice warm, clear and engaging throughout. This is the greatest reward ---a non-fiction book that came from my soul and that people can connect with. (ORGANIZING FROM THE INSIDE OUT, 1998) Thank you, Ann LaMott, and thank you Bird by Bird. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with writing.
Rating: Summary: a wonderful book for everyone Review: After reading the book, I thought of the author as someone I would love to know. She spoke to my heart. I am not a writer, but I wanted to rush out and buy index cards, thinking "I can do this!" I laughed, I cried, I recommend!
Rating: Summary: An unparalled guide for writing... and life. Review: I had the great honor to hear Anne Lamont speak at my college's Writer's Convention, and she is truely a woman of modern-day wisdom. I walked away from that evening with such admiration for her brave telling of a painful life, and for helping me to be able to tell my own stories.Bird by Bird is like a Writer's Bible to me--anytime I am stuck I read a chapter from it. I have a 1 inch frame on my desk like she suggests--it really helps. This book is genius, and if I were to teach a writing class, this would be my text.
Rating: Summary: all the boring text without the bore Review: My composition class in college used this book as a textbook and it worked wonders for all of us. The simple language and clear, as well as humorous descriptions help you loosen up enough that writing just begins to spew out of your pen rather than it being forced out. Through the chapters, we uncover that Lamott is a real person with problems and joys just like us and not some faceless writer we can't relate to and therefore learn nothing from. Incredible ethos and a simple read. I recomend it to anyone looking to enhance their writing, no matter what skill level they are at.
Rating: Summary: Makes you wanna grab a pencil!! Review: One of THE best books I've read on writing. For Anne to convey such wisdom while still holding you captive is almost unimaginable!. I always knew that I have something within me to say...She has truly motivated me to get committed and just 'do it!'
Rating: Summary: A must have book for all writers Review: I cannot say enough about this fantastic book by Anne Lamott. Bird by Bird is a must for all aspiring writers. It is inspirational, enjoyable and funny. I couldn't put it down--as if it were a novel. It inspired me to be more diligent on my own writing and to enjoy it more. This is the kind of book that will never leave you.
Rating: Summary: Yeeha! Review: I highly recommend this book to anyone involved in the creative world. I refer to it often in my teaching as well as for a kick in the pants when I can't seem to drag myself into my studio. Anne Lamott is a realitstic, witty, compassionate and passionate human being and writer. Hazzah hazzah!
Rating: Summary: What a joy to read. . . Review: Lamott sticks words on the pages like gum -- you wanna just chew on 'em! I felt like I was in the same room with the author, we were having a chat over coffee or something. I believe I learned more about writing from this little ditty than any creative writing class. The book teaches in a friendly way, a way that slips into your mind and enables you to see writing (and life) as a joy, a privilege, a triumph, and an obligation to share. I adore this writer's style.
Rating: Summary: Touching, funny, and right on target. Review: I quickly became a fan of Lamott's after hearing her speak at a writer's conference last year and realizing I wasn't the only neurotic writer in the room. We all have how-to books and market guides in our home office libraries, but we need more books like this that speak on the spiritual level. I'd also suggest Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones" and Lorna Tedder's "Reclaiming the Magic" for equally nice uplifts.
Rating: Summary: Save your money, go out to lunch instead. Review: I have to say that from the start of the introduction I was disappointed. I was put off by her descriptions of her father's habits. Trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, I continued reading. With each passing chapter, I grew more and more disappointed and disgusted. To say that this book is repetitive is an understatement. All the tips given can be explained in a total of 300 words. Each chapter has a tip to use for "better" writing that is then followed by pages of stories of her sad life. These stories have nothing to do with the point of the book. The part of the book that made the author lose all credibility with me was when she told a story about her using cocaine. Needless to say, the book has been returned. There is no way I would buy it and let the profits support her lifesytle.
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