I'm of two minds about this book.

On one hand, as an autobiography, it has its merits, especially in the latter half. Lamott is adept at sharing her life experiences in a genuine and touching manner. When she recounts anecdotes, she is often quite engaging.

However, the problem lies in the fact that this isn't truly an autobiography. It doesn't even occupy that strange in-between space that many science writings do, where stories of discovery are intertwined with life stories. This is primarily a book about writing, and unfortunately, it falls short in this regard.

I should add a caveat here. I'm certain that this could be a useful writing book if you're more like Lamott. For example, if you're interested in writing semi-autobiographical fiction or 'literary fiction' (which I'm not), or if you're privileged and comfortable enough to use certain phrases and make certain assumptions. But for me, as a person with diagnosed mental illness, a queer person, and a white person conscious of race, her casual treatment of these issues made for an uncomfortable read.

What's worse is that once you look past all the casual ableism, racism, and heterosexism, the writing advice itself isn't that great. The first 95 pages are essentially just different ways of saying 'keep writing no matter what', supported by anecdotes. Most of it will be old news to anyone who's been writing for a while and has read other writing books. Some of the information is outdated, and much of it is just banal.

I was also struck by Lamott's derisive attitude towards her former workshop students. Her descriptions of them as'mewling and puking' and her general dismissal of their attitudes towards writing were uncomfortable to read.

In the end, the good in this book is far outweighed by the bad. You'll get as much out of reading the anecdote on the back as you will from the full 200+ pages. If you're looking for actual writing advice, I suggest looking elsewhere, such as [this podcast](http://www.writingexcuses.com/).

Anne Lamott has truly made me feel that everything will be okay!

This isn't just an instructional guide on the craft of writing; it's more of an extended pep talk about living life creatively. The book may not directly guide you on creating stellar characters or merging sub-plots with the main plot-line. However, it will assist you in approaching your writing endeavors with a more sound mind and a better understanding of what the creative process entails. It is profound, filled with anecdotes, and full of wry observations about life existing between faith and failure. Perfectionism is regarded as the root of all evil, and credit is given to "the shitty first draft."

Her conversational, witty, and engaging tone has enabled me to believe in myself while also presenting the hard facts of life as a writer. She doesn't sugar-coat or dress things up, but she does offer hope and urges every aspiring writer to claim their own voice and strive for the stories within them.

This is a must-read for both amateur and professional writers, as well as anyone interested in creative living. It provides valuable insights and inspiration that can enhance the writing journey and enrich one's overall approach to life.

What a remarkable thing it is that from these small, flat, and rigid squares of paper, world after world unfolds. These worlds have the power to sing to you, to comfort and quiet you, or to excite you. As I delved into Anne Lamott's renowned writing advice, which is intertwined with personal anecdotes and honest admissions of bouts of mean-spirited jealousy, I came to understand why so many people are drawn to this book. I've been engaged with two other very different books simultaneously, along with reading news and reviews of both classics and new releases. However, this one truly stands out on its own.

Published thirty years ago in 1994, I believe the advice it offers remains relevant, aside from the lack of mention of modern writing apps and virtual groups and meetings. The fundamental principles, though, have endured. It all begins with sitting down and writing.
This book is often promoted as a guide for writers and those with aspirations of becoming writers. But as an avid reader like myself, I've found great enjoyment in understanding the joys and challenges that come with the commitment to putting word after word on the page. Lamott, who teaches writing, has compiled the basis of much of this book from her efforts to guide her students.
She suggests starting with something short, perhaps a memory from childhood. The problem, she admits, is that when faced with this task, her mind tends to wander, rummaging through all sorts of reminiscences and getting distracted by thoughts of makeup, shopping lists, her agent, and more. To combat this, she keeps a small one-inch picture frame on her desk as a reminder.
E. L. Doctorow's words, "writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way," serve as excellent advice about writing or life. You don't need to have a clear vision of your destination or everything that lies ahead. Just being able to see two or three feet in front of you is enough.
The personal anecdote about her older brother being tasked with writing a report on birds and her father's advice of "bird by bird" not only explains the title of the book but also emphasizes the importance of taking things one step at a time. Old sayings like "the longest journey begins with a single step" or "just start" have endured for a reason. So, if you have the urge to write, don't hesitate. Just take that first step.
Lamott also frequently touches on the fact that many of the students in her writing course come with the desire to find an agent and get published. However, she cautions that publication won't necessarily change your life or solve all your problems. It won't make you more confident, beautiful, or necessarily richer.
When it comes to sharing your work with others, she recommends starting with a few trusted first readers such as a spouse, parent, friend, or a fellow writer in a group. While writers' groups can be incredibly helpful and supportive, jealousy can sometimes rear its head. Her vivid and often humorous descriptions of dealing with negative feedback, like suggesting getting rid of someone who is overly critical, add a unique flavor to her writing.
In conclusion, while I may not be ready to embark on the journey of writing just yet, I'll continue to be an enthusiastic reader and strive to be more charitable in my reviews. After all, I have no desire to have any flamethrowers aimed my way.

4★

Lamoot writes gently and gracefully about writing and life.

She blends her personal journey and experiences with all the details specific to the act of writing.

Her words seem to flow effortlessly, as if she is sharing her deepest thoughts and feelings with the reader.

One can sense the passion and dedication she has for writing, which is truly inspiring.

Whether it's about the joys and challenges of putting pen to paper or the profound impact that writing can have on one's life, Lamoot's insights are both thought-provoking and engaging.

Her writing style is unique, and it draws the reader in, making them want to explore more of her world.

Overall, Lamoot's work is a beautiful testament to the power of words and the importance of following one's creative instincts.

I said that I don't understand Americans?? Well, I just said it! (It had no connection, I just wanted to say it)

The writer's charm is published with a special design! He doesn't want :D

If I didn't read the book's appearance, my preference would be to come to such books as a vocal and background noise while working!

I'm not sure about its application either because it's mostly written with the aim of helping storytellers, and I have no interest in storytelling (now it seems I have the ability!). I read it in case its solution might settle in the corner of my mind and sometimes help me with my crappy reviews.

By the way, what kind of translations are these??! Goldfish?! Coffee table?!

What the heck!!!

**Original Article**: The importance of recycling cannot be emphasized enough. It helps to conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and protect the environment. By recycling, we can make a significant contribution to a sustainable future.

**Expanded Article**:

The importance of recycling truly cannot be emphasized enough. It plays a crucial role in multiple aspects. Firstly, it helps to conserve our precious natural resources. Many materials that we use in our daily lives, such as paper, plastic, and metal, can be recycled and reused. By doing so, we reduce the need to extract and process new raw materials, which in turn saves energy and reduces pollution.

Secondly, recycling is an effective way to reduce waste. Instead of sending large amounts of garbage to landfills or incinerators, we can separate recyclable materials and send them to recycling facilities. This not only reduces the volume of waste that needs to be disposed of but also helps to minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Finally, recycling is essential for protecting the environment. By reducing waste and conserving natural resources, we are taking a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future. It is our responsibility to take care of the planet we live on and ensure that it is preserved for future generations. Therefore, we should all make an effort to recycle as much as possible and encourage others to do the same.

**"Bird by Bird" - A Thought-Provoking Piece on Writing**

The article "Bird by Bird" delves deep into the world of writing. It starts with the author's internal struggle of asking "Why do we write?" This question haunts them as they flip through the pages of books, feeling lost like an orphan. Then, they discover this remarkable book called "Bird by Bird" which seems to arrive at the perfect time. It's as if it answers all their questions and makes them realize that perhaps the absence of the question is what should be.

The book emphasizes that writing is a journey. It doesn't happen overnight. Talent and skill develop over time, with layer upon layer of practice. Just like a bird's flight of a thousand miles starts with a single step, a writer's literary future begins with a single word.

Anne Lamott, the author of "Bird by Bird," runs successful writing workshops in California and has a great reputation in the writing world. She tells us that it's not important to be published or be called a writer. We should write because our minds can't handle the chaos that tears us apart. We write because we will later realize that it was worth the effort. She also reminds us that writers often start writing out of fear - fear of failure, criticism, and more. But the main goal should be to be "the unique and valuable person" who interacts with the world in their own special way and expresses themselves on paper without fear or imitation.

Personally, I believe that there is no such thing as teaching writing in a traditional sense. Reading the works of experienced writers and learning from their techniques is crucial, and that's what I found in this book. It also contains many inspiring quotes that really stuck with me, such as "Writing may sometimes be a hopeless endeavor, but it is one of our deepest needs, the right to be seen, to be heard... to belong."

It is a truly great book.

It functions as a valuable guideline and a detailed plan for new writers, providing them with essential insights and practical advice.

Moreover, it is highly inspiring, capable of kindling the creative spark within the hearts of readers.

Among all the chapters, the "last class" chapter stands out in particular.

It is a beautifully written and deeply moving chapter that leaves a lasting impression.

From this great book, one can learn a great deal about writing and life.

It is a must-read for anyone who has a passion for writing or is interested in exploring the world of literature.

Overall, this book is a gem that deserves to be cherished and recommended to others.

“Bird by Bird” is an outstanding book that delves into the world of writing and what it truly means to be a writer. It emphasizes the significance of observing the world around us, feeling deeply, and effectively communicating our unique stories to the readers. It's about forging those precious connections by sharing a part of ourselves.

Lamott offers valuable instruction on various aspects of writing. She guides us on how to take that first step and start writing, how to overcome the dreaded writer’s block that often plagues us. Additionally, she stresses the importance of finding the right people to read our work and provide us with honest and constructive feedback. She openly shares her own feelings, thoughts, and the numerous struggles she has faced throughout her writing career, whether it's the anticipation of being published, the disappointment of not being published, or the anxious waiting for feedback and reviews.

This book has had a profound impact on me. I firmly believe that it is a must-read for all writers, as it offers practical advice and inspiration. Moreover, I think it's a book that everyone should read because it goes beyond just writing and delves into the essence of life. It helps us make sense of our own struggles, learn from our mistakes, and pursue our passions with unwavering determination. In doing so, it frees our soul and allows us to truly embrace the beauty and complexity of life.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, whether you are a writer or not. In my opinion, it is Anne's most classic work.

As you read it, you will find yourself laughing out loud at times and perhaps even shedding a tear or two.

I often take this book off the shelf randomly and start reading from whatever page I happen to land on. And every single time, I manage to find my way back to my own writing.

It has this magical quality that inspires and rejuvenates me. It's like a source of endless inspiration and motivation.

No matter what your interests or background may be, I am confident that you will find something valuable and enjoyable in this book. So go ahead and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

I'm rather ambivalent about this one.

On one hand, Lamott truly manages to strike, quite frequently, at the core of those fears regarding writing. The fear that it will be awful, that I'm the worst, that I should give up before even beginning. She gives you a good kick in the butt - and not gently - and makes you feel that perhaps this writing thing is not only achievable but worthwhile.

On the other hand, I'm not sure how much I liked the author. When you have to spend several hundred pages in someone's mind, it can be difficult to get through if you don't have a liking for them.

It was somewhere between her remarks about the Special Olympics as if she was astonished that these "poor, broken people" could actually bother to try - and then so selflessly realized that wow, they may not be good at things but at least they are attempting, right? So, somewhere between that horribly awkward perception of anyone "other" than herself and her use of "mental illness" as a cute little term to describe pretty much any negative emotion... yeah, I completely lost interest in her. Which is a pity because the writing itself was, in fact, really excellent, inspiring, and in many ways helpful and useful and so on.

Thirty years ago, my older brother, who was ten at the time, was struggling to complete a report on birds. He had three months to write it, but it was due the next day. We were at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table, close to tears, surrounded by binder paper, pencils, and unopened books on birds. The task ahead seemed overwhelming to him. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around his shoulder, and said, "Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird."

This simple advice has stayed with me ever since. It's a reminder that no matter how big or daunting a task may seem, we can break it down into smaller, more manageable steps and tackle it one at a time.

My father was a writer, and he had his own way of approaching his work. He could take ordinary events from daily life and turn them into something extraordinary. He had a unique ability to capture the essence of a moment and bring it to life on the page.

I, too, have always been drawn to writing. I love the power of words to create worlds, to tell stories, and to connect with others. But like my brother, I often find myself feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. That's when I remember my father's advice and take it bird by bird.

Whether it's writing a book, a blog post, or even just an email, I try to focus on one small step at a time. I start with an idea, and then I break it down into paragraphs, sentences, and words. I don't worry about getting it perfect the first time around. I know that I can always go back and revise later.

So the next time you're faced with a big task, don't be afraid. Just take it bird by bird, and before you know it, you'll have completed it.