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Summary: Entertaining, thought provoking, for writers & non-writers
Review: I picked this book up after hearing an audiotape of Anne Lamott talking about creativity and writing. I am not a writer or writter wannabe; I just liked her story telling. In reading "Bird by Bird," I discovered the same entertaining, laugh-out-loud story telling, used to teach her own particular brand of "how to write." It also became clear to me that the principles and techniques she was presenting are universal - they apply not only to writing, but to any pursuit or activity in life. The book is, in fact, a guide to living (intended? unintended? who knows, and who cares...). So whether you're looking for specific techniques for writing (in particular, fiction), looking for an entertaining read, or want to have your thinking provoked, I highly recommend "Bird by Bird." (Incidentally, as a result of reading the book, I was inspired to do some recreational writing...)
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Summary: Utterly funky, fun and fabulously encouraging!
Review: This book cures writer's block and helps you give yourself permission to write daily. You will laugh, cry and feel lost after finishing this read. I've read every book Lamott has written since reading this one and they're all jewels. My favorite was "Rosie". I highly recommend all of her books!
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Summary: ... an inside look at what it means to be a writer.
Review: Critiques can depress writers. If fact, writing can depress us. We wake up some mornings and stare at the screen wondering why we bother with this writing game, we become so bogged down in writing, perfecting, evaluating and revising that we may go ages without laughing, I mean really laughing aloud at our efforts. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott puts the heartache of writing in perspective. Lamott brings to life the miseries and wonders of this craft, why we can't quit and how much of our heart and gut are stitched into our words. I think she's been spying on us. Reading Bird by Bird, we can enjoy a chuckle with our morning orange juice and sit in front of a blank screen with a lighter heart. My greatest compliment to any book is that it made me laugh or made me sigh. I've never said that of a non-fiction book before now. Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird did both.
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Summary: "..full of encouragement-unconditional.."
Review: This book is full of encouragement-unconditional and surprisingly loving-for the aspiring writer. I was so inspired, I hammered out the first chapter of a story I have always wanted to tell. LaMott tells truths most wouldn't be brave enough to even consider. If she hadn't come to Oregon last week..I would be planning a trip to hear from her in person.
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Summary: Get your head out of the clouds & start writing today!
Review: Anne Lamott's book, "Bird by Bird," is a delightful, down-to-earth look at the frustrations and small joys of becoming a writer. From the first page on, Ms. Lamott encourages her readers to to think realistically about their dreams of authorship. With a keen wit and an 'I've been there myself' undertone, Ms. Lamott takes her reader through the steps of beginning and completing a writing project, never losing sight of the fact that becoming an accomplished and published writer is a difficult task at best and even the best efforts can net zero profits. But, Bird by Bird also delves into the depths of the pleasures of writing, be it a short essay of a personal nature, kept for oneself, or complete manuscript accepted for publication. In either case, Ms. Lamott's respect for the writer within is evident. To all letter-writers, diarists, journalists, fiction-writers - enjoy and write, write, write!
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Summary: Make sure you read this book twice
Review: Buy this book and read it twice. The first time, all the way through. The second time, slowly, with highlighter pen in hand. Then, as Henry Miller said, find a place to "plant your ass" and begin writing.
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Summary: Very, very good
Review: This was a fun book. Lamott is extremely generous in her advice, demeanor, humor, and presence. This was more like reading a letter from a good friend than a book on writing. Her honesty and openness is inspiring. Have a typewriter/computer warmed up and ready as you finish the last page.
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Summary: Good encouragement for a would-be author!
Review: Anne Lamott has helped another fledgling writer. Her book has given me the tools to rebuild when that feeling of de-construction comes. I will not be discouraged to the point of giving up--ever again. Ms. Lamott, in her humorous, folksy, very personal approach, allows us to know her and her writing style which, as she claims they SHOULD be, are one and the same. I prefer this book to Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones," but I would recommend the latter for good ideas on writing practice.
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Summary: Tremendously entertaining ,funny and spiritual
Review: A peek into the mind of a writer, a crazy and very funny writer. Understanding the writing process gave me a greater appreciation for all good works. A good book for any student of literature. Operating Instructions, Rosie and Hard laughter all share the same insght and humor.
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Summary: Advice from a self-absorbed neurotic
Review: Anne Lamott's book has some useful advice for writers. Unfortunately, this could be summed up in about 500 words. The rest of the book is supposed to contain profound and insightful advice on life. I suppose whether you like this will all depend on whether you want advice from a self-absorbed neurotic. I would suspect that if you are fairly well adjusted and can deal with life's ups and downs with dignity, you will find the author becoming more and more annoying as you progress through this book.
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