Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

A wonderful book of advice on life and writing. Lamott's words changed the way I view my writing growth as well as my personal struggles. Thank you for writing this book with such humility and good-humored faith, Lamott! ( )

As good as, if not better than [book:On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft|10569]. I immediately purchased Lamott's second novel. ( )

I have never wanted to be a writer and that has not changed. I read this book for an online book club and I am so glad I did! It was so much more than I expected. First it is laugh out loud funny, second it is filled with life lessons well beyond the writer's life. I read it on audio and the narrator's voice was inviting and soothing. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading and wants a little inspiration on how to accomplish hard tasks...bird by bird. ( )

I read his book about twenty years ago as an inspiration, and as a guide to living well. The book is a guide for those people who want to have a kinder approach to themselves. Lamott addresses the voices we keep in our heads, telling us negative verbiage about our own short comings and mistakes in life. The book is truly appropriate in getting anyone back to, as Elton John would say,"still standing." Bird by Bird makes us each stronger, learning to believe in ourselves even if the outside world tends to let us down.

This year, I re-read the book as an author. It is f the most astute and thorough book about the craft of writing I have read. The questions it answers are related to the everyday commitment of writing, steadily attending to the craft of writing. The book is a must read for anyone, frustrated or not by rejection letters or self-criticism. I recommend it highly!

-Breton W Kaiser Taylor ( )

Anne Lamott is delightful, resonating with with honesty, insight and humor. She is capital "W," Writer. It is her life's work and vocation. Her relationship with writing is complicated and messy, yet devoted - like a on again, off again love affair.

For me, someone who aspires to be a small "w" writer, it was both inspiring. Her main argument is this: that the process of writing itself makes the process worth it - it is a beautiful mix of introspection, pain, repulsion, and hopefully discovery and redemption, in its truest sense.

Few books have I laughed out loud at so much. Did I mention she's a delight? Highly recommended for Writers or aspiring writers and anyone else wanting to learn something about life. ( )