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.
Rating:
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...)
Rating:
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!
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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!
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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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