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Summary: Hilarious and so true!
Review: Anne Lamott is a master story teller. She pulls you into her struggle as a writer and her stories of teaching ethusiastic young writers by encouraging, "shitty first drafts." Her wit and humor put you at ease while telling it straight about writing and life. I would recommend this book even if you aren't interested in writing. Thank you Anne!
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Summary: Funny and Informative
Review: In three words: Really, delightful, work. Anne Lamott is a worker. I once imagined that I could sit down and just write a book in six months or less. HA! Oh well, stranger things have happened! Anne Lamott describes how to make a book happen, and she makes it fun. Her prose is whimsical. She's unique and inspiring. I can't say that the work is so inspiring as is her personal story. She reminds the writer that if we lose our muse, it's time to make a commitment and sit down and write anway. In case you read this, Anne---"retail therapy" is something I can relate to.
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Summary: Why the vulgarity?
Review: Anne Lamott captures all the truths of a writer's life with personal examples and good advice. I have only one question: why the vulgarity? For a writer who has succeeded at her craft and is confident enough to tell others how to accomplish what she has achieved, she ought to be able to use less repulsive words. She may have the "take me as I am" mentality, but she lost my respect when she described her own first drafts (and others) as "s......y." Use a thesaurus next time.
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Summary: Necessary for any writing career...
Review: I first heard about this book from members of my writers group, and I now agree that this is an essential book for any writer. Lamott is funny, irreverent and reassuring for any writer -- beginning or experienced, amateur or professional. During a particularly dark time in my own writing, I found myself laughing and crying at the same time with recognition. It helps to know your problems are universal to all writers. It helps that someone can see the humor when you can't. I go back to this book again and again whenever I need a reminder, and I buy copies for all of my writing friends.
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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.
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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.
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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: 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...!
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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.
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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.
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