Reviews

The Art of Revision: The Last Word by Peter Ho Davies

lizziemcherring's review

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5.0

read this for school and have to give a presentation on it. The last chapter almost made me cry. Davies is such a good writer; this book had some really good writing advice in it. Made me want to pick up his novels or short story collections maybe.

ladybrewsalot's review

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informative inspiring medium-paced

4.25

ismildlypoetic's review

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inspiring reflective fast-paced

3.0

3 stars = I liked it!

The first few chapters of this book were assigned as part of an in-class workshop, and I decided to read the rest! As with all help books, I'm taking some part and leaving others. But at least the beginning chapters helped "revision" seem less terrifying and possibly something fun?

So I guess I recommend it if you're a writer who hates "editing"

torchlab's review

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5.0

This is one of the best craft books I’ve ever read (and I have read too many). Fundamentally changed how I think about & approach revision. If you’re scared to revise your work or don’t know how to go about it, read this and let Peter Ho Davies give you the answers. Also the story he revisits several times here about his dad is really sweet and moving.

e_cobbe's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced
More theoretical than prescriptive.

kjboldon's review

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5.0

This is an extraordinary book that belongs on the permanent writer shelf for me. Davies' lovely prose, emotional wisdom, and excellent writing examples make for a superb craft guide, while the story he spins from beginning to end of an event with his father from his youth, is a lovely miniature memoir. All the added examples from geek culture (Battlestar Galactica!) as revision are just the sprinkles on top.

creiland17's review

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emotional funny informative medium-paced

4.75

mikescalise's review

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challenging informative medium-paced

5.0

m_figg's review

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funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0