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cindyreads2024's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent storytelling by one of the very best nonfiction writers. Highly recommend to anyone serious about being a writer or a teacher of writing.
marthagal's review against another edition
2.0
WRITING PLACES is a memoir of a writer, of Bill Zinsser's experiences as a journalist, freelance writer, and teacher. I think writers are super cool and secretly want to be one, which is why I picked this.
I feel terrible saying this, since Zinsser seems like a very nice older gentlemen, but I found the first part of this book to be pretty unreadable. It sort of like reading a Dominick Dunne social column in that it was full of names that I didn't know, little anecdotes that I didn't really see the significance of. The book picks up a little bit when he gets to Yale and writes ON WRITING WELL, but I just didn't see a lot of insight or thoughtfulness about his life here.
I wouldn't recommend it.
I feel terrible saying this, since Zinsser seems like a very nice older gentlemen, but I found the first part of this book to be pretty unreadable. It sort of like reading a Dominick Dunne social column in that it was full of names that I didn't know, little anecdotes that I didn't really see the significance of. The book picks up a little bit when he gets to Yale and writes ON WRITING WELL, but I just didn't see a lot of insight or thoughtfulness about his life here.
I wouldn't recommend it.
suyogketkar's review against another edition
5.0
The book is a must-have for someone who wants to know the principles behind good memoir writing. It isn't an autobiography, it is a well-structured account of how the author progressed in his life, learning at every milestone. Writing Places, for that reason, is as much about writing as about places.
shortthoughts's review against another edition
4.0
Zinsser wrote about a lifetime of writing, a lifetime of jobs, and a lifetime of places where those were joined. It was informative and enjoyable to read some of the background for his book "On Writing Well." He was a product of a different era. I chuckled thinking about his comment on not trusting a business man who wasn't wearing a coat and tie. He updated his book throughout life and strengthened it in many ways. His primary aim of clarifying writing through decluttered language is timeless.
autumnscribe's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
memlhd's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable autobiography of William Zinsser told from the perspective of the places where he has written. It slows and becomes less interesting in the middle, but the beginning and the end are quite enjoyable.
teaandbooklover's review against another edition
3.0
Just ok. Solid three stars.
I made the mistake of reading this at the same time I found his On Writing Well. Back and forth I go, and this one doesn't hold up as well as OWW.
It was hit and miss with me. Some of it was interesting but many times I had to mentally bring myself back to the book and rereading passages I found I wasn't really reading.
If you're only going to read one, read On Writing Well. I absolutely am loving that book and highlighting so much. This book seemed too technical to me.
I made the mistake of reading this at the same time I found his On Writing Well. Back and forth I go, and this one doesn't hold up as well as OWW.
It was hit and miss with me. Some of it was interesting but many times I had to mentally bring myself back to the book and rereading passages I found I wasn't really reading.
If you're only going to read one, read On Writing Well. I absolutely am loving that book and highlighting so much. This book seemed too technical to me.
ralovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Would recommend: Yes
Reading Writing Places made me want to get out there and write! Right now! Just thinking about it gives me a thrill.
Reading Writing Places made me want to get out there and write! Right now! Just thinking about it gives me a thrill.
book_beat's review against another edition
4.0
I used to be a newspaper reporter, and my editor recommended reading William Zinsser’s “On Writing Well.” I fell in love with his style, his perspective, and his cadence. Truthfully, he reads a lot like my old editor, and it feels like I’m catching up with my good friend when I read Zinsser’s work.
I listened to Zinsser narrate his nonfiction book, “Writing Places,” where he describes the different places he wrote and the types of jobs he had. He explains the birth of his most famous book, the death of the newspaper, and life in NYC. I found the read fascinating, but then again, I feel like I know Zinsser. If you haven’t read his work before, he considers himself a student of E. B. White, and I have found the two to be very similar.
I listened to Zinsser narrate his nonfiction book, “Writing Places,” where he describes the different places he wrote and the types of jobs he had. He explains the birth of his most famous book, the death of the newspaper, and life in NYC. I found the read fascinating, but then again, I feel like I know Zinsser. If you haven’t read his work before, he considers himself a student of E. B. White, and I have found the two to be very similar.
inkstainedlife's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it so much that I immediately took out paper and pen to write Mr. Zinsser a thank-you note.