Bird by Bird : Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I've been looking for books that'll help me get out of my creative writing slump. I bought this one because of all the positive reviews. But I found it extremely disappointing. It seems to me that the author is trying too hard to be funny and not hard enough to provide good, solid advice. Her jokes regarding paranoia, appearance, and hypochondria stop being funny after the seventh or eighth time she presents one. The book is written for novices -- writers struggling to be published -- rather than established writers who just need some motivation or inspiration. The only thing of value I got out of the book was the simple tip to carry around index cards for writing notes on the go. I kept reading, hoping to glean something more from her rambling narrative, and found myself put off by her self-centered prose and sad stories of her personal triumphs and tribulations. Is it my imagination, or are most writing books written by second-rate, almost-succeeded authors? And if so, what can we really learn from them? I enjoyed Steven King's "On Writing" so much more.

Rating:
Summary: Inspired me as a writer
Review: I saw "Bird by Bird" in a bookstore, displayed with a selection of "How to be a rich writer" type books. Which is quite ironic, since one of Anne's key points is that very few writers will be rich, and that writing shouldn't be done for monetary success. Writing is from the heart and it's in the process that we find the beauty in our words, not from the dollar signs.

The first half of Bird by Bird is inspiring yet honest. It made me want to write regardless of how she insists that very few of her writing students will be able to sell their work. She talks about the art of writing as being the goal, the final copy is a by-product of our creative process. Writing, especially fiction, is a constantly evolving journey. She quotes E. L. Doctorow in saying "writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as the headlights. But you can make the whole trip that way."

The second half is much more light hearted, although still on track with what writing is really all about. By the end, I was in tears with laughter and a little bit of sadness, and I was fully inspired to say what I had to say on a piece of paper.

One of the really important points that Anne makes in Bird, is the it's OK and it's important to write a bunch of crud before finding the gem that will fit perfectly in the next story. She gives us permission to write horribly as a way to discover our own voice and to figure out who our characters are and what we really want to say.

Her candor is refreshing. She talks about the life of a writer like no other. Her insights into the writer's psyche makes me wonder sometimes if she can see into my mind.

Funny, brave, straightforward, truthful, she has a lot of good things to say and brings to light the real reasons to write, as well as some examples of how to improve our writing without losing our own personal style (no talk about "how" to write, but how to let ourselves write from our heart.)

I recommend this book first before any other writing book, especially for those that are worried that they don't have anything good to say, or that they think that a writing career is only about how much money we make.

Rating:
Summary: out on loan
Review: This is probably my favorite writing book. Somehow, I wound up with two copies, and I'm always lending at least one of them to a friend.

Rating:
Summary: Great discussion of writing in general
Review: Bird by Bird, for me was a great discussion of writing, how to make it a part of your life, and a very realistic outlook on what choosing writing as a carreer will entail.

This book was required reading for a creative writing class that I'm just about to finish. Although, as a class, we did not agree with a lot of Anne's opinions of what works in writing and what doesn't, this book made for good discussion.

I think the the most beneficial aspect of this book is that it gets you thinking about writing. It makes you contemplate what will work for you and what won't. Anne also does a good job of explaining that getting published is not like being an overnight success in Hollywood. She makes it very clear that if you don't like writing in itself, then you're writing for all the wrong reasons and it is doubtful that you will enjoy writing very much.

If you are an aspiring writer, and you have something inside of you that wants to come out, and you think writing is the way to do it, I highly reccomend this book. I will qualify that with the fact that you should take everything in this book with a grain of salt. Anne is only one writer, and some things that she says won't work for you, but a lot of it will. One thing this book will do is to get you seriously thinking about writing and how will it fit in your life.

Rating:
Summary: Typical "Woe-Is-Me, The Misunderstood Writer" Fluff
Review: This book has received rave reviews from many writers. I have often seen it written up as a "must-read." I disagree. While Anne Lamott writes well and is entertaining, there is really no useful information in this book.

Like many writing books, this one basically says, "I don't know what it takes to be a writer. I don't know how writing happens. It just does. And if you want to be a writer, just sit down, start writing, and the muse will eventually come." And, while that is true, it's not anything new and it is certainly not helpful to a new writer.

If you are a writer looking for empathy, you'll probably like this book--especially if you are the stereotypical misunderstood writer who has never really fit in. If you are a writer looking for practical advice about the craft, this book is not the one you're looking for.

I also got bored with the author's apparent lack of self-esteem. It got old fast.

Go to your local library and get this one. It might be good to read once, but it's not one that you'll want to refer to over and over again.

Rating:
Summary: More Than a Starter Book
Review: Three years, two books, and umpteen articles ago, I entered the crazy world of writing. My agent suggested I read Bird by Bird. Her recommendation was a gift.

Ann Lamott shares the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of writing, and she does it with incredible humor. I would not use some of the vocabulary she does, but it works for her. She is obviously a unique individual, and she calls it like she sees it.

After my first book was published, I pulled out Lamott's book and read it again. The second reading was even more enjoyable than the first because I had a frame of reference to build on. One of these days, when I need a treat, I'll read it again.

Rating:
Summary: Step by Step
Review: This book is a great tool. It gives new writers some beginning directions, and provides continued advice for continuing writers. The book is conveniently broken up into five parts to help you find your way back to your level. In addition to the highly credible instruction that is provided the anecdotes and analysis will help motivate you to the next level. This step by step approach is exactly what you need to help you get started. Anne cuts through the mystery of a lot of aspects of writing and lays it all out there for everyone to see.

Rating:
Summary: Caution: Good Read Ahead
Review: Want to write? Read this book.
Want to not write? Read this book.
Enjoy thinking, smiling, laughing? See the pattern?

Did not relish finishing this little book. It was an oasis
of clarity, good humor and widely applicable instructions
for.....well, lots of things. Finishing it was like saying
"Adios" to a friend I knew I'd miss.

Are you breathing? Read this book.

Lee Fredrickson