\\"Writing and reading have a profound impact on our lives. They have the power to decrease our sense of isolation, deepen and widen our understanding of life, and nourish our souls. When writers use their prose with such exactness that it makes us nod in agreement or even laugh at ourselves or life, it restores our buoyancy. It's like being given the opportunity to dance or at least clap with the absurdity of life, rather than being constantly squashed by it. It's similar to singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. Although we can't stop the storm, singing can change the hearts and spirits of those on the ship.\\"

There may be some people who don't agree with this, those unfortunate souls who \\"hate\\" to read. But this summary is as good as it gets for those of us who love the written word, who value the lifelong learning opportunities that nonfiction books provide, who can get lost in a good book, relate to a character, event, or conveyed belief, and are sad to say goodbye to those we've come to love.

This was my second time reading Bird by Bird, perhaps twenty years after the first read. I remembered that it inspired me to believe I could write and gave me tips on how to cultivate that belief. I had forgotten many of the specifics in the meantime, but I retained the overall \\"feeling\\" and a few tips. This time around, after twenty years of experiences, it was a hilarious and much more relatable revisit. While it focuses on the task of writing, it offers so many vulnerable, humorous, and \\"human\\" anecdotes that one could apply them equally to most areas of life, areas where doubt becomes a noose and expectations beckon like a slip-and-slide.

Bird by Bird reminds me that the person behind those words is a complex human, filled with equal amounts of angst and courage. Humans with overactive \\"KFKD stations\\" playing in their heads as they struggle with their keyboards, trying to create something that the rest of us can enjoy, learn from, or at least not find repulsive.

\\"A big heart is both a clumsy and delicate thing; it doesn't protect itself and it doesn't hide. It stands out, like a baby's fontanel, where you can see the soul pulse through.\\"

If you do any kind of writing at all, this book is a wonderful blend of advice, reassurance, and caution, seasoned with self-deprecating humor. This is a woman I can identify with. If you are a reader, this book offers an inside look at the hard, hard work that goes into creating those few hours of enjoyment that you cherish so much.

There was a time when I had a voracious appetite for books, devouring them with the firm belief that perhaps I could absorb the art of writing through some kind of osmosis. What truly sets this particular work apart from being just another ordinary writing guide is Anne Lamott's delightfully irreverent humour and her endearing self-deprecation. I found myself thoroughly charmed by lines such as: ‘I worry that Jesus drinks himself to sleep when he hears me talk like this’. However, for the most part, it is actually quite challenging to even quote her, as she embarks on long and hilarious tangents while imparting writing tuition.

This book is expertly targeted at the beginner writer, yet it also contains a few fundamental writing principles that are presented in a unique and engaging way for readers of all levels. It is a truly lovely and funny book that has the wonderful potential to make you approach the entire business of writing with a little less preciousness.

It reminds us that writing doesn't always have to be taken so seriously, and that we can learn and grow while still having a great time.

Overall, it is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in improving their writing skills or simply wants to be entertained by a talented and humorous writer.

One of the absolute best books on writing that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

I am completely in love with it. It has truly had a profound impact on me.

I now have this newfound confidence that I can actually finish a Work in Progress (WIP).

My vision for my writing has been refocused, as if a fog has lifted and I can see clearly where I want to go.

Moreover, my editing process has never felt so clear and straightforward.

I understand now what needs to be done to make my writing shine.

Most importantly, my writing has become for ME first and foremost.

I am no longer writing to please others or conform to some arbitrary standards.

I am writing from my heart, expressing my true thoughts and feelings.

This book has truly been a game-changer for me in my writing journey.

I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who is serious about improving their writing skills.

I have an intense admiration for her. What I truly love is that she has the courage to face the dark aspects of life head-on. She doesn't shy away from all those shitty feelings that we often try to suppress or hide. Her angry rants and even the suicidal episodes that she has experienced, she confronts them all openly.

Moreover, her sense of humor is one of the things that draw me to her. It's not just a simple form of amusement; she is actually hilarious. Her ability to make me laugh in the midst of chaos is truly remarkable.

I also appreciate her use of curse words. It adds a certain authenticity and rawness to her character. And the fact that she can be spiteful and sarcastic, and seems to enjoy being so, makes her all the more interesting.

I love her deeply and often find myself wishing that I could pick up the phone and call her whenever I'm feeling miserable. Unfortunately, that's not possible. But luckily for me, I have this book that allows me to connect with her on a different level. Through her words, I can feel her presence and find some solace in my own difficult times.

This book has become a source of comfort and inspiration for me, and I'm grateful to have it. It's like having a piece of her with me always.

This article is a must-read for any writer. It contains valuable insights and tips that can help enhance one's writing skills.

Recently, it was translated into Arabic, which is great news for Arabic-speaking writers. Now, they can also benefit from the wisdom and knowledge shared in this article.

The translation process is not an easy one, but it is well worth it. It allows for a wider audience to access and appreciate the content.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, this article has something to offer. It covers various aspects of writing, such as grammar, style, and structure.

So, if you are looking to improve your writing, be sure to check out this article. It could be the key to taking your writing to the next level.

For more than two months, the bird has been with my winged companion. It is much better and more comfortable than what I expected.

For most people who have a passion for writing, it is a good choice as the first source.

The attractiveness of the book for me lies in the fact that each lesson, while helping to take a step, albeit a short one, on the path of writing; simultaneously, it is generalizable to life and daily routine. Because writing and life have a close relationship. Life is a source for writing, and writing may also be a source for life.

Moreover, the experience of having this bird by my side has added a new dimension to my perception of both writing and life. It has taught me patience and observation, qualities that are essential for a writer. Just as I have to patiently wait for the right moment to pen down my thoughts, I also need to observe the little details in life to find inspiration. The bird's chirping and its flights have become a part of my daily routine, and I often find myself reflecting on these simple joys while writing. This connection between the bird, writing, and life has made my journey as a writer even more fulfilling and meaningful.

This book is not for everyone.

If you aspire to be a writer merely because you envision it will bring you wealth and fame; if your priority lies more in getting published rather than in actually honing your skills to become a proficient writer; if you naively believe that getting published will be the panacea that resolves all your problems and transforms your life into a state of perfection; if you assert that you have no insecurities regarding your writing and consequently have no desire to explore how to deal with such insecurities, then this book is most definitely not for you. (Although, if you truly hold the belief that you have no insecurities, I must commend you on the enormity of your self-delusion.)

On the other hand, if you have a passion for reading excellent writing, yearn to produce good writing yourself, and could benefit from a few practical tips to help you complete your work and avoid succumbing to despair during the process, then this is the absolute best book that you could possibly read. Do not hesitate any longer; go and obtain a copy for yourself.

I hope I can write a review for it later.

In a word: I fell in love with it.

I truly have a great anticipation of being able to pen down a detailed review for it in the future. The experience or the thing that I am referring to has left such a profound impact on me that I am eager to share my thoughts and feelings about it with others. It's like a beautiful story that unfolds before my eyes, captivating my heart and soul.

And in just a single phrase, "I fell in love with it," I can sum up the intensity of my emotions. It's not just a simple like or preference, but a deep and genuine affection that has taken root within me.

Whether it's a book, a movie, a place, or a person, this feeling of love is something that I cherish and will remember for a long time. I look forward to the opportunity to express my love and admiration through my review, and perhaps inspire others to discover the same magic that I have found.

I really have a tendency to shy away from any instructional or assistive books. This is because I have a pathological aversion to being told what to do. Even though for years, many people have been telling me that this particular book is terrific and helpful, I was not at all interested in their advice.

Moreover, during a strange period of time, I went through a phase where I read a bunch of Salon.com articles almost every day. Anne Lamott seemed to always have essays there, but I had a rather lukewarm or even less favorable opinion of them. She also gave me the impression of being a bit too churchy, which is yet another thing I tend to avoid like the plague.

However, to my surprise, this book is as delightful as its reputation suggests. It is not only funny but also practical and useful. What's more, she beautifully practices what she preaches on every single page. I absolutely loved her message of sharing all your weird, awful, and painful stories. Because if you felt it and tell it authentically, there will surely be someone else who has had the same experience. There are so many good messages in this book, and it's not as saccharine as I had expected. Even when she addresses topics like jealousy, failure, setbacks, and generally feeling crappy, she does it in a reassuring way that is very realistic and not overly optimistic.

And you know what? As much as I was like "ugh, yes, I KNOW you're supposed to write a little bit every day. My god, I AM after all the owner of a Creative Writing BA that took me five years to obtain." But still, that seemed insurmountable. And when I did put something down, it seemed so bad that I couldn't bear to look at it again. I thought, "Try again next year! Or don't. Ever. That's also fine." But she repeats that message so often that I finally thought, "ok fine, let's try it her way instead." And can you guess who was right?

I did flinch a little every time she mentioned praying over a problem or talking about something at church, but that's just my own issue. I'm sure she would tell me to write about why these feelings exist. I get it now, Anne. And to be honest, those moments weren't even as bad as I had anticipated. She makes everything so amusing and upbeat, and somehow gives the impression that everything will be okay.

So, this book truly contains worthwhile lessons on writing and life. Although I also cried at times and felt desperate, sad, and scared, I also felt hopeful. It showed me more clearly where to go. And I've even started writing. In short, even after more than 25 years, this book is still wonderful and helpful. I only wish I had read it sooner. But perhaps you read it when you need it the most.

I'm truly glad that I finally managed to read this in print. Previously, I had only listened to the abridged audio version a couple of times.

Anne Lamott is an outstanding cheerleader for those who aspire to be writers. I was rather surprised at just how entertaining she can be. She possesses a remarkable gift for dryly delivering overstatements that had me not only sniggering but also laughing out loud on numerous occasions.

Her words seem to have a magical quality that draws you in and makes you feel as if she is right there with you, sharing her thoughts and experiences in the most engaging way. It's as if she is able to take the often-daunting task of writing and turn it into something that is not only accessible but also highly enjoyable.

Reading her work in print has given me a whole new perspective on her writing style and has allowed me to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of her ideas. I can't wait to explore more of her books and see what other gems of wisdom and entertainment she has in store for her readers.

Okay.
Nearly the first half of the book is clearly about the notebook, which was both good and ordinary. The second half of the book is more of general advice such as what we should do with jealousy towards others who write, or how to print and such things.
Overall, I liked the personal stories and memories that it presented among the teachings more. And actually, I am against the idea that writing can be taught, just as I think the author of this book is against it. There are some techniques that can be taught for starting work, but later everyone has to find their own way and method to deal with those techniques and reach a path for starting to write and finishing it.
The translation was also good and standard, although it had some flaws that of course did not make the meaning of the text unclear and could be understood; for example, in one place it said "so-and-so was on LSD", which means "so-and-so had taken LSD" and for example, we don't say in Persian "I am on opium now" and such things.
Who knows.
Maybe we should also say.
فَبِه المُراد

Ann Lamott's "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" presents itself as a compilation of engaging anecdotes related to writing.

The book is highly accessible, and several of its suggestions hold significant value. In particular, the advice that gave rise to the book's title is quite inspiring.

However, I did experience a certain weariness as Lamott repeatedly complained about her students' eagerness to get published. Nevertheless, I do comprehend her viewpoints. What was more perturbing for me, though, was her counsel to students who wished to write about individuals from their own lives. To prevent the real person from emerging and laying claim to being the described character, Lamott instructs students to make the character unappealing by adding details such as "throw in a tiny penis" and "make him an atheist." This advice is presented in a manner that seems intended to be humorous. I am aware that Lamott frequently writes about her faith, but this does not strike me as the appropriate place to criticize those who do not share her beliefs. Perhaps it's just my perception, but it feels rather disconcerting. Fortunately, such interjections are mostly absent from the first two-thirds of the book, and as a result, I still found many parts of "Bird by Bird" to be useful.

Overall, while the book has its flaws, it also offers valuable insights and practical tips for aspiring writers.