The problem with this book is that it's a piece of shit.

Let the record show that the only reason I picked up this pathetic excuse for a book is because I needed to read it for class. I'd love to shove this book up the crack of she-who-shan't-be-named's ass, because I cannot believe I've spent nearly a month reading this garbage.

Lamott's voice is terribly detached, to the point where I couldn't relate at all, ever. The book could have been rewritten word for word in third person, and there literally wouldn't have been a difference. Oh, and let's not forget Lamott's all-but-funny attempts to be humorous. She actually tries to come across with this dry sense of humor that's painful.

Sure, I cried. Because then I realized I still had 10 billion more pages to read. Not from laughter, I assure you.

I'm still trying to figure out what people see in this book that makes it a must have for all college professors. Or do professors secretly have a club in which they get together twice a month and vote on what piece of shit book they should assign to their class? That's what must've happened with me - TWICE. What Lamott has said in her book is the same shit you see in every how-to book on writing.

I want my month back. Kthx.

This book has truly been a disappointment. The author's detached voice makes it difficult for the reader to engage with the content. The attempts at humor fall flat, and the overall message seems to be a rehash of what can be found in countless other writing guides. It's frustrating to have wasted so much time on a book that offers so little value. I can only hope that future reading assignments will be more worthwhile and engaging.

I have a vivid memory from a high school camping trip. Seated around a campfire, a teacher posed a question to us all: whether we would prefer to read or write a book. My friend Dan was absolutely adamant and certain that he would much rather write a book than read one. At that time, I could not fathom his perspective at all, for I was deeply in love with reading. I much preferred to lose myself in the pages of a book than even contemplate the idea of writing one. Clearly, I did not envision myself as a writer back then.

However, as time passed, I later discovered that I indeed have an enjoyment for writing. I love the process of crafting sentences, and I find great pleasure in trying this in multiple languages. It amuses me in a unique way, and it has become the one artistic and creative medium that I most cherish working in. There are others I know who possess remarkable skills in painting and drawing. Once they complete a work, it beautifies a room and enhances the overall aesthetics of the surroundings. But unfortunately, I never had the patience to develop much proficiency in any of the visual arts.

Mine was the realm of words. What I might create with these words remained intangible and invisible to all except those who might have a penchant for reading. The beauty of good writing, much like the beauty of a symphony, remains hidden. It vanishes once the echoes of the final chords have dissipated, yet the audience may still linger in the afterglow of the entire experience that has just unfolded. I firmly believe that a good book is like that too. Sentence by sentence, I am charmed by the rhythm and melody of consonants, the quality of vowel tones, and the structure of the thoughts as they gradually unfold in time. And when I have reached the end and closed the cover, I can bask in the sense that I have embarked on a wonderful journey. It is a very private and personal connection that I feel towards a book or an author, something that others may not be able to perceive.

At a certain stage in my life, I felt compelled by an inner impulse or perhaps by a yearning for a creative outlet to explore my own artistry with words. Perhaps I had read an abundance of books and thought deeply about various ideas, to the extent that my soul was on the verge of overflowing with the need to express itself. Maybe I was simply eager to join the ranks of those great authors I admired, by practicing their art in my humble way. Later on, some individuals with whom I have shared my small writing experiments have been touched by my words and have encouraged me to write more. As a result, my wife bought me this book as a Christmas present to inspire my return to the craft and to dedicate some time each day to writing.

This has motivated me to once again attempt some non-academic writing. I am now holding a pen and revisiting some of the old stories that I had once conjured up in my mind. The authoress has a fantastic sense of humour, although she sometimes resorts to using four-letter words and the occasional vulgar image. I have not laughed so heartily or extensively in a long time. But Lamott also provides a sobering insight into the downsides of a professional writer's career. The job often appears to be extremely daunting. The task of writing and rewriting, of revising and restructuring, perhaps having to start over from scratch a year or more into a project, only to face rejection and financial difficulties, makes writing a novel seem like an arduous struggle to reel in a Leviathan. But why shouldn't it be a desperate adventure? The rewards of hunting and catching your own "Moby Dick" would be truly great, even if your book were never published. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

So, why am I not striving to become a published author? Perhaps it is because I am pursuing a different kind of "whale" and I simply enjoy playing with writing. There must be a deeper motivation for writing than merely the goal of getting published. Nevertheless, I should make an effort to see some of these stories through to their completion, if only for personal reasons. I am particularly fond of the following words of Ann Lamott: "You are lucky to be one of those people who wishes to build sand castles with words, who is willing to create a place where your imagination can wander. We build this place with the sand of memories; these castles are our memories and inventiveness made tangible. So part of us believes that when the tide starts coming in, we won't really have lost anything, because actually only a symbol of it was there in the sand. Another part of us thinks we'll figure out a way to divert the ocean. This is what separates artists from ordinary people: the belief, deep in our hearts, that if we build our castles well enough, somehow the ocean won't wash them away. I think this is a wonderful kind of person to be." (p. 231)

I can't think of a more excellent way to commence the new year than by delving into a humorous and inspiring book regarding writing.

As I perused the pages, my trusty blue Bic pen was firmly in my grasp, ready to mark the points that truly resonated with me.

It was an incredibly refreshing experience to obtain a distinct perspective on writing, one that was filled with such depth and nuance.

I couldn't help but chuckle at some of the neurotic thoughts the author had as a writer, as I too have had those exact same musings.

It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one who experiences such moments of self-doubt and idiosyncrasy.

Overall, this book was an absolute eye-opener.

It's astonishing the precious gems we can discover on our very own bookshelves if we just take the time to look.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all of my writer friends.

This is a book that you would undoubtedly want to purchase rather than simply borrow.

It's a keeper that will surely provide inspiration and entertainment for years to come.

I don't necessarily have a burning aspiration to write fiction, yet I found myself completely enamored with this book. It not only provides step-by-step guidance on crucial aspects such as dialogue, plot, and characterization, but also features Lamott's signature wry and incisive observations about life, which exists somewhere between the realms of faith and failure.

If you feel an intense compulsion to write, Lamott passionately urges you to just do it. She emphasizes that you don't have the luxury of time to waste by not writing due to the fear of not being good enough. Accept that you will produce "really shitty first drafts" and then build upon that foundation. At its lowest point, writing can be a confidence-crushing torment. However, at its best, it is like a sacred duty, a means to convey a message of hope and contribute to a better world. She is not advocating for polemic or agenda-driven fiction, but rather for voices that stand firm against nihilism.

She characterizes writing as a form of meditation, a way to both understand oneself and transcend the limitations of the self. She warns against the allure of publishing, stating that if one's focus is solely on fame and fortune, it will drive them crazy. Writing must be its own reward, so fulfilling that external factors like reviews or advances become secondary.

Despite the length of the excerpts, this book is truly quotable. I'll conclude with her beautiful summation of the writing life and the literary community. She describes how many of us, whether published or not, believe that the literary life is the most wonderful one possible. It is a life filled with reading, writing, and corresponding. It is spiritually invigorating, intellectually stimulating, and offers a perfect focus for life. It presents challenges, delights, agony, and commitment. We view our work as a vocation, with the potential to be as rich and enlivening as the priesthood. As writers, we will have many experiences over the years that nourish and stimulate our spirits, even if they are quiet and occur deep within us, without the fanfare of thunder or tremulous angels. This book is essential reading for any writer.

Anne Lamott is just some lady to me.

I don't really know much about her. Maybe she's a writer or an artist, but beyond that, she's a mystery.

I've never read her books or seen her work. I'm sure she has her fans and supporters, but I'm not one of them.

Maybe one day I'll give her a chance and check out what she has to offer. But for now, she's just some random lady in my mind.

I'm not saying she's not talented or interesting. It's just that I haven't been exposed to her enough to form an opinion.

There are so many people in the world, and it's impossible to know them all. So for now, Anne Lamott remains a mystery to me.

Anne Lamott is truly remarkable. She is not only wise beyond measure but also has a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor. When it comes to writing, she approaches it with a unique combination of humor and practicality that is truly refreshing. What I adored about her work is the seamless way she blends life lessons with valuable writing advice. It's no wonder that her book has become a classic.

I found myself wondering why on earth I had waited so long to read it. I initially enjoyed it on audio, but I know that I will have to reread it in my print copy so that I can make notations and fully absorb all of its wisdom.

For a full review, please visit TheBibliophage. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in writing or simply wants to gain some valuable insights into life. It's a must-read that will leave you inspired and enlightened.

The original text seems to be in Persian. Here is the English translation and expansion:

The end..

August 22, 2021
Time: 01:57

This simple statement "The end" holds a certain finality. It could mark the conclusion of a story, an event, or a period in one's life. The date, August 22, 2021, provides a specific context in time. It was a particular day when something came to an end. The time, 01:57, further narrows down the moment. It might have been a late night or an early morning, adding a sense of solitude or mystery to the situation. We can only wonder what led up to this moment of "The end" and what might come next.

Perhaps it was the conclusion of a project that had been months in the making. Or maybe it was the end of a relationship that had run its course. Whatever the case may be, "The end" is a significant moment that often brings with it a mix of emotions. It could be a sense of relief, sadness, or even anticipation for what lies ahead.

As we look back on this date and time, we are reminded that life is full of beginnings and endings. Each one is an opportunity for growth and change. And although "The end" may seem final, it is often just the beginning of something new.

OK, now I get it.

I finally understand why an overwhelming number of people hold a deep affection for Anne Lamott. It all boils down to this book. In it, she展现出一种自嘲的幽默，同时又充满了富有同情心的建议。

However, she still manages to irritate me at times. This is especially the case when she commences her discussions about God – and she makes quite a few mentions of God – as well as her church and her priest friends.

Additionally, she leads an upper-class life. This aspect always sits uneasily with me whenever I pick up on it in a writer's memoir. By "upper-class," I refer to the educated variety. Her father was a Yale-educated, published author who encouraged her to follow in his footsteps. She has friends with whom she can stay for a month in Cambridge at a moment's notice, and so on. Now, I am well aware that one has no control over the circumstances of their birth, whether favorable or unfavorable. It seems rather unfair to hold this against someone. But I can't help feeling envious. That's just the way it is. We are simply from different worlds. Sometimes I wonder what life is like in her world, and I have absolutely no clue how to reach there. Even if I somehow managed to get there, I doubt I would be able to survive.

So, in conclusion, I still don't LOVE Anne Lamott, but I have a better appreciation for her now. And this was indeed a good book, filled with solid and heartfelt advice.

In recent days, I have been engaged in writing a heavy text, and reading "Bird to Bird" was like an essential care that soothed something in my existence. I have nothing to do with the educational aspect of the book because its language is so sweet that it takes away the sense of learning from the reader. This book confronts you with the world, with the flow of life, with reality, and with yourself, and it makes you yearn for truths that you might have escaped for a lifetime.

At one point in the book, Lamott lists her own characteristics, and I constantly felt something in my heart that I wanted to tell her with a childlike feeling: "Will you come and be friends with me?"

She knows where to ascend and where to descend in her narration. When she speaks, your mind is at ease and does not fall into chaos. At the same time, she bestows upon you the most beautiful heights. She tells stories, shares her experiences with her readers. In my opinion, she trusts her readers. She is at ease that the readers of her book understand her intention and do not need additional explanations.

Another charming point about this book is its correct and proper editing and its relatively good translation. So far, I have not heard the name of the translator of this work, "Mehdi Nasrollahzadeh." Even in my opinion, it was quite clear that the translator has little experience, but the much more positive point was that he had made all his efforts! If it were not for the translator's efforts, the satirical tone of the author would not have been so smoothly conveyed, and the good and accurate editing of Bidgol Publishing also contributes to this translation, and as a result, sufficient reasons for enjoying the text of the book are completed.

There were many moments when some parts of the book, in my view as a reader, were like a meteorite passing through the heart of a summer night sky, and of course, the experience of reading "Bird to Bird" becomes like the experience of a cold summer night with a meteor shower in the heart of the desert.

I will conclude my enthusiasm and taste for "Bird to Bird" with a sentence from the memorable final paragraph:

" + Why does our writing matter at all?
- Because of the spirit, because of the soul, because of the heart. Writing and reading reduce our sense of isolation and detachment. Writing and reading give depth to our sense of life, expand it in all aspects: they nourish the spirit."

Rather than a traditional step-by-step guide to the craft of writing, Anne Lamott has penned a unique survival guide. It's not just for the aspiring writer hoping to get published, but also for the average person trying to cope with the many soul-crushing crises that are an inherent part of our existence. These include the pain, jealousy, and fear that block our path to progress and blind us to the simple joys of life. Yes, it may sound a bit grim, but don't worry. Faith, love, and grace are also present, along with plenty of comedic relief along the way!

Lamott doesn't treat the troubles specific to writing and those of life as separate entities. Instead, she shows how they are analogous to one another. In doing so, much of her advice takes on a clear and unambiguous profundity that you might not find in many other books on writing.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Anne herself. At first, after just a few minutes, I thought she was being a bit slow and drawling, and it elicited images of an ancient and decrepit woman. But after about 30 minutes, I realized how wrong I was. Her manner and tone grow on you, and it lends the work a friendly intimacy, as if she's saying, "I'm here to help you."

The book is filled with hilarious and profound quotes. For example, on getting someone to read your drafts, she says, "Imagine that you are getting ready for a party and there is a person at your house who can check you out and assure you that you look wonderful or, conversely, that you actually do look a little tiny, tiny, tiny bit heavier than usual in this one particular dress or suit or that red makes you look just a bit like you have sarcoptic mange."

On finding your own voice, she advises, "Write as if your parents are dead." And on avoiding lawsuits for defamation, she says, "The best advice I can give you is to give him a teenie little penis so he will be less likely to come forth."

Overall, this is a book well worth your time. And against all odds, I would suggest listening to it rather than reading it. Ciao for now!

5 ⭐

I vividly recall reading this particular book during my school days. However, the exact time when I delved into its pages seems to have eluded my memory. It's quite strange how certain details fade away with the passage of time. Despite not being able to pinpoint the specific moment, the impact that the book had on me still lingers. The characters and their stories must have left an indelible mark. Maybe it was a thrilling adventure that took me to far-off lands, or a heartwarming tale that tugged at my emotions. Whatever it was, I know that this book was an important part of my school experience. It's a pity that I can't remember exactly when I read it, but I'm sure that the memories associated with it will always remain.

I have a profound aversion to Anne Lammott and every single one of her inane statements regarding writing. This book was an absolute torment to read, and I am completely at a loss as to how my English teacher could have ever assigned it. This woman, with her verbose and convoluted language, appears to have no comprehension whatsoever about the true essence of writing.

To further illustrate just how dreadful this book was, I'll even引用 a passage from her own work:

"One thing I haven't told you about my famous short story 'Arnold' is that besides sending it off every few months to my father's agent, I also send it off to an important magazine editor. He sent it back with the following note: 'You have made the mistake of thinking that everything that has happened to you is interesting.'"

I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. Lammott seems to be under the delusion that every feeling of frustration she experiences during the writing process is somehow enlightening, surreal, and makes her a far more genuine writer than everyone else. This, in turn, led her to pen this book, expecting a deluge of praise. I'm almost relieved that she achieved fame because otherwise, she might have been long gone, having succumbed to all those so-called "writer" activities that she so eagerly engaged in (such as drinking, self-deprecation, drugs, depression, self-loathing, vanity, jealousy, and so on). Drinking and self-deprecation do not a writer make. Instead, they simply make her seem like a silly and overly dedicated poseur.

BLAH.