Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott (1995, Paperback)

I bought this after having read a fair amount of Anne Lamott's fiction and non-fiction. I was curious about this book, which she wrote earlier than most of her books I have read. I am not a writer--except in the sense that I write things related to my work, but I read a lot and I liked her reflections about writing. I enjoy Lamott's non-fiction much more than her fiction, and this book confirmed that. She has a quirky, just slightly off-centre way of looking at the world and can very funny. I think her advice about writing would be useful to someone who is trying to write fiction or memoir. She is frank and direct and has helpful ideas, some of which I will be able to adapt to the more prosaic writing that I do.

After many recommendations by writing buddies I decided to buy an Anne Lamott book. I chose Bird by Bird because I am a beginning writer and I was looking for a gentle, insightful and informal writing guide. I first came across Lamott with her essay "Why I Don't Meditate." I loved the razor sharp and twisted wit. Bird by Bird has the same cagey humor. Lamott gives realistic pointers about the writing process. She keeps your interest with self-deprecating personal stories and flashes of humor. A favorite line, "Fortunately, I was still drinking then."
If you are taking a stab at writing for the first time or you are an old pro, this book will encourage and give you an honest look at the nerve jangling and awe inspiring experience that is writing.

I bought this book after one of my English professors recommended it to our class. It really is a laid back, easy to read piece that should be at least given a try and if you are a writer or someone that is thinking about writing, you most likely will get a kick out of this. Lamott does dive into her personal life and draws connections between that and writing. Overall, a good read. I would recommend this book and I do own it. If you are looking for more of a specific writing guide then I would try something else, but it probably won't be personal and it will be much more cut and dry. Also, if you like this book, I would try Singleton's "Pep Talks, Warnings, and Screeds".

This book contains helpful information on writing and life in general. The author has a sense of humor and I think it is very important for its readers. The book kept me interested from the beginning to the end. The author was able to relate her personal experiences to the contents of the chapters. This book was required for my Creative Writing course and it has been really helpful.

I was looking for a writing book, not a techinical book that breaks down how to create a character and so forth, but something that gets you in the chair each day. I had read Operating Instructions and liked Ms. Lamott's style a lot. Short answer: I loved this book. It was funny and direct. If you are a beginner and looking for Writing Fiction 101, this isn't going to get you there. But if you have a feel for what you are doing and now need more "tips" or motivation, or just to know that others are going through the same struggles as you are, this is a lovely book and a great read.