This is truly one of the best books for this particular genre.

I have a deep affection for going back to it and re-reading those parts that I have highlighted. The reason is that each time I do so, I always manage to understand it in a distinct way or it presents me with a different idea compared to the first or second time I read it.

This remarkable book will forever remain relevant. Depending on the stage you are at in your writing or in your life, there is a wealth of different advice waiting to be absorbed. It's as if it has the ability to adapt and offer new perspectives as you grow and evolve.

Whether you are a novice writer seeking inspiration or an experienced one looking for fresh insights, this book has something valuable to offer. It's a literary gem that continues to shine bright with its timeless wisdom and practical guidance.

# My Strange Reading: "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and is the main obstacle between you and your shitty first draft.” This powerful statement from Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird" really struck a chord with me.

“One of the things that happens when you give yourself permission to start writing is that you start thinking like a writer.” I couldn't agree more. My Aunt Robin recommended this book to me yesterday, and I'm so thankful. How could I have missed it? It's an amazing source of encouragement for someone like me who has just started dabbling in writing.

I absolutely love the short chapters, the practical advice, and the realistic expectations that Lamott sets. It's not just about writing; it applies to anyone taking on something new that they haven't tried before. It's truly wonderful, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for inspiration and guidance in their new endeavors.

SO now I've read this book twice.

After the second read, I've dropped another star from my rating.

I feel that this book is a bit depressing as the author repeatedly highlights the downside of writing and publishing.

As a writer, I do understand what she means to convey. Writing should not be over-glorified, especially to new writers.

But at the same time, I also think that you simply cannot portray only the negative side to someone who is new and eager. It would only demoralize the reader.

I am fully aware that the entire world, for whatever reasons, absolutely adores this book. But if I'm being honest, this book made me feel depressed about writing, just like it did when I first read it.

It made me feel hopeless and gave me the sense of being stuck in an endless pit because according to Anne Lamott, that's what writing is.

And publishing? Well, I would beg to differ with the author's opinions. I would say to new writers that getting your work published is a great joy and one should enjoy it as much as possible!

Maybe for someone who was born in a household of an established writer and had an agent even before writing anything worth reading, writing might feel like a mundane thing and getting it published may seem like a task. But for those writers, including me, who learn the craft on their own and work hard to write something worthwhile, it means a whole lot more than anyone can ever understand.

To be honest, I find it funny how people read this book and even feel'motivated' or 'inspired' to write at all! It made me, an already established full-time writer, feel frustrated. There was no inspiration for me there.

I would definitely not recommend this book to anyone, especially not to young and new writers who are just beginning their writing journey.

I consider myself lucky that I didn't read this book when I was starting my own writing adventure because I'm pretty sure it would have put a damper on it for the worse.

For those who are genuinely interested in reading something that would actually help them in their writing, go for:

- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

- Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Rennie Browne & Dave King

- Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

- The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century by Steven Pinker

These books will teach and motivate you far more than this book ever can. They will not only make you understand the writing process better but also teach you the right ways to write better without feeling bad about your work so far. These books are the best writing books out there and have greatly helped me in my writing journey, so I speak from experience.

My first five-star read of the year!

On the rare occasions when I manage to leave the house and interact with people or engage in activities, I have this urge to tell them that I'm a writer. As if that were my actual day job. Ha! We'd probably starve to death. But it could be an interesting weight-loss tactic. Hmmm...

Nonetheless, let's just say, for the sake of fun and giggles, that I'm a writer. And let's assume that you, perhaps even more so than me because you possess some talent, also consider yourself a writer. Well, then it's time to crawl out of your cave, put down that can of cat food, and go get this book.

I read it imagining Lamott in her office or living room, giving me an introduction to her class. She's far too creative, too funny, and too snarky to simply list off a to-do list. Instead, what I received were a series of hard-earned lessons and valuable advice from a true sage.

Of course, anyone who has read an advice book knows that it can quickly become tiresome. However, that's not the case when the author tells it with neurotic, self-deprecating humor. Lamott shares her pain with such vividness and humility that I found myself repeatedly snapshotting passages (can I get a copyright ruling on that?). Feeling a book is even more important to me than knowing it, and her words seeped through my skin and into my blood. I understood her relationship with motherhood, her father, and her friend. She spoke to me time and time again through the frustrations of being an early author. Yeah, she's been there, gone back, and then been there again, over and over: she's not rich, not overly famous, and has been beaten down by writer's block, jealousy, and "shitty first drafts." Oh, yeah, I've been there too.

As for the humor... well, it's been a while since I had to stop reading and collapse on the couch laughing. There's a passage about the kind of person who constantly drops their accomplishments into every conversation, and I laughed for five minutes straight. My wife started to get worried. There were many more such moments, again fueled by her willingness to poke fun at herself and her crazy feelings. Yeah, there's nothing like insecurity to make someone laugh. That kind of approach, when done right, earns a great deal of respect from me.

Yes, I cherish this book. It reminds the writer to persevere, write a little each day, and not be afraid. And not to set your expectations too high, because chances are Jimmy Fallon won't be interviewing you. But if telling a story, if sharing feelings through the written word, makes you happy, keep doing it, a little at a time. Bird by bird, buddy.

Thanks to author and friend Jacquelyn Stolos for the recommendation!

This book truly had a profound impact on me. It served as the catalyst that got me highly motivated to embark on a career as a fiction writer.

I vividly remember the moment when I first read it. The captivating stories and the masterful way in which they were told inspired me to take a leap of faith and pursue my passion.

I started writing my own fictional pieces, pouring my heart and soul into every word. And now, looking back, I can't believe how far I've come.

I am living my dream, doing what I love most. This book will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was the starting point of my journey as a fiction writer.

It taught me that with determination and hard work, anything is possible. I am forever grateful for the inspiration it provided.

I had a very inspirational reread of a book that I remembered loving many years ago. This time, instead of reading it in print, I listened to it in audio. Susan Bennett did an outstanding job with the narration. Her performance was so good that I truly believed I was listening to Anne Lamott herself. I have a deep appreciation for Lamott's authenticity. Her personal anecdotes add a touch of warmth and relatability to the book. Her humor is both charming and engaging, making the reading experience even more enjoyable. And her advice is practical and valuable.

I simply like her as a person. Lamott pours so much of herself into this book that I feel as if she is a dear friend whom I could meet for a cup of coffee and start chatting with. I can easily imagine that she has this same effect on many of her readers. Although I'm not a writer, it was fascinating to hear what she had to say to writers. The beauty of her advice and philosophy is that they can be applied to various aspects of life.

I first read this book when I was overwhelmed with working on my doctoral dissertation. Lamott's father's advice to his overwhelmed grandson to work on his project one bird at a time, or "bird by bird," was extremely calming and useful for me during that challenging time. I've never forgotten that anecdote or the advice it蕴含的智慧. However, my only somewhat negative thought, which isn't a reflection on the book itself, is that some of the advice felt a bit old. Perhaps it's because I'm now about 25 - 30 years older, and my "maturity" might account for this perception. :))

I have heard an enormous amount of hype regarding this book in recent times. So much so that I had made the assumption that it was a recent publication. During my pre-Father's Day visit, I happened to mention it to my mother. To my great surprise, she then pulled out a copy from behind a dusty stack of books. In my family, we have a tendency to layer books.

My mother's system of categorizing books is completely unknown to me. Therefore, I am unable to explain why this particular book was placed next to Rebecca West's The New Meaning of Treason. When I asked her, my mother simply described both volumes as "interesting". It makes me wonder what exactly it is about these two books that she finds so captivating. Maybe there are hidden themes or messages that only she can perceive. I am now more intrigued than ever to read this book and discover its secrets for myself.

I'm certain that the advice presented in this book might prove useful for some individuals. However, I simply couldn't overlook the utilization of a casual joke that trivializes the genocide of Native Americans and mocks autistic children.

It is truly disheartening to encounter such insensitivity within the pages of a book that is supposed to offer valuable insights. I have no interest whatsoever in learning the art of writing from an author who has not advanced beyond relying on humor and metaphors that are based on ignorance and bigotry.

Such actions not only show a lack of respect for the experiences and struggles of others but also reflect poorly on the author's character and values. In a world where empathy and understanding are crucial, it is essential that we hold authors accountable for the content they produce and ensure that it does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or cause further harm to marginalized communities.

Anne Lamott's voice in her writing is truly unique.

It's as if she's sitting right beside you, a dear friend sharing a story.

She has this wonderful ability to be both funny and serious, all while being extremely helpful.

This particular work is just lovely. It delves into her writing process and how she imparts her knowledge to her students.

What makes it even more engaging is that it reads like a captivating story.

If you're seeking inspiration to kickstart your own writing practice, I wholeheartedly recommend this.

But it's not just for writers. It's a great read in general.

It's filled with anecdotes and profound thoughts on life, all told with a charming combination of heart and wit.

You'll find yourself laughing, reflecting, and perhaps even learning something new about yourself and the world around you.

Give it a chance, and you won't be disappointed.

This was truly fantastic, and I found myself jotting down a million notes.

For instance, I was captivated by the description of throwing rats in a jar and observing them scratch. It served as a powerful tool for the mind to silence the distractions in our lives that hinder our writing. Additionally, the concept of having an acre of land with a fence, and simply kicking off those who come in and mess it up, really struck a chord with me.

I also adored the idea of creating a book from characters and allowing the plot to unfold based on their desires.

The concept of moving forward bird by bird, which becomes clear upon reading the book, along with the informal prose, was very appealing.

Other excellent advice included not just researching subjects we know nothing about, like gardening, but actually calling local nurseries and spending time with gardeners. Asking questions such as "what would the fruit be doing? Would there be leaves?" can provide valuable insights.

Calling friends with antique furniture and having them describe a lamp to you, or taking articulate friends to a restaurant and jotting down the funny things they say and the descriptions they give, can also be great sources of inspiration.

Using movies for settings and attempting to describe the scene, city, or landscape in as much detail as possible is another wonderful tip.

When it comes to characters, we should listen to people talking in the world around us, play with what we hear, edit it in our minds' eye, and envision how it would look on a page.

It's essential that each character has a unique voice, appearance, background, and mannerisms. The simple question of whether we could identify a character by their dialogue alone really made me think.

The ABDCE structure for Action, Background, Development, Climax, and Ending was also very helpful. Starting with a compelling action to draw the reader in, providing background information to understand the characters, developing them to know what they care about most, and then building the plot with drama, action, and tension until it reaches a climax and finally an ending that leaves the reader with a sense of who the characters are now.

The description of rewriting and tucking the octopus in bed, with its legs constantly popping out, was both humorous and relatable.

I'm also interested in reading E.M. Forster and John Gardner's advice on plot, which Lamott mentions as great reads, and thinking about joining a writing group.

The advice on having someone read your first drafts and how to find people for writing groups and to help with editing was also very valuable.

One of the life lessons I loved was on page 170, about not wasting time on people who don't respond with kindness and respect or who make you hold your breath.

I also chuckled at the beginning writer things, like writing about oneself and trying to include everything in the first book or short story.

Letters as a form of writing, to capture a part of our history or a character's history, can be a liberating and creative idea.

Carrying an index card and pen in your back pocket when walking the dogs, and the idea that writer's block is often just a state of being empty and can be overcome by writing 300 words on anything for a certain number of days, was also very practical.

Being out in nature, living life to the fullest, and refilling our imagination can also be a great source of inspiration.

Finally, the quote by Toni Morrison that "The function of freedom is to free someone else" really resonated with me, as did Lamott's message not to worry about what others think of us but to focus on finishing our writing.

I guess there was a time in my life when I had this perception that writing for a living would be an extremely cool thing to do. However, deep down, I knew it wasn't a very likely scenario for me, and I was quite realistic about that fact.

So, when I picked up this book, I did so with just a slight tinge of curiosity regarding the advice that would be given. But to my surprise, I came out of it having gained much more than I had expected.

I discovered a new author, at least new to me. She is someone I truly hope to explore further, especially her novels. She is an amazing storyteller, with a great sense of humor. The parts where she emphasized to wannabe writers the significance of character development and dialogue, and how to show rather than tell, really made me think. It actually allowed me to envision how I could apply those points to my future reading, especially when it comes to the books that I am going to review.

That, I firmly believe, was the most relevant aspect for me. After all, I'm not going to be writing any novels myself, but I sure as heck will be reading a whole lot of them.

Bird By Bird is not so much a book focused solely on writing techniques. Instead, it is like a writer having a heart-to-heart conversation with other writers, reassuring them that everything is okay. All their neurotic behaviors, emotional hangups, and setbacks are perfectly normal. It's okay. Just take it one word at a time, just like a bird building its nest one twig at a time (bird by bird).

Personally, I don't think I gained a vast amount of specific knowledge from it. However, having someone repeat the phrase "it's okay" to me over the course of two hundred and thirty-seven pages was truly comforting. There are indeed some valuable nuggets of advice within its pages. It offers guidance on how to begin writing a scene when you're at a loss, how to allow your characters to develop organically, how to handle criticism constructively, and how to extract ideas from the complex melting pot that is our memory.

There is one particular piece of advice that I absolutely adore and might attempt one day: write a book for your favorite author. I'm not sure yet what I would write for Susan Cooper, Ursula Le Guin, or Guy Gavriel Kay, but I know deep down that I have a strong desire to give it a try.

Anne Lamott writes with such understanding and empathy that her words will make you smile with a touch of irony and, in some places, might even bring a tear to your eye. It may not impart much more than the simple message of "it's okay," and you might already be aware of that on some level. Nevertheless, her writing is so beautiful and engaging that it is well worth reading. I have never delved into any of her novels, but I wholeheartedly recommend reading this particular work.