Scan barcode
murphyc1's review against another edition
5.0
Captivating, funny, earnest, and enlightening. Ursula K. Le Guin was a unique writer and deservedly beloved. I'll likely read it again someday, after I've read several more of her novels.
sakeriver's review against another edition
I’d already listened to all three of the Between the Covers episodes that formed the basis of this book, but not only was it a real pleasure to revisit those conversations in written form, but the book adds some nice additional dimensions. The book as object is beautiful, feeling simultaneously contemporary and classic. And I enjoyed the introductions Naimon added to introduce each section, which provided context and deepened the experience. I also thought it was a great touch that excerpts were added from many of the works they discussed.
chamomiledaydreams's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a quick and engaging read with many insights into writing fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Although the purpose of these interviews isn't to be used strictly as an educational tool, I can't help but think that they teach a lot of practical writing skills, by encouraging readers to become more aware of the power of language and how it can be wielded. It also led me down an enjoyable rabbit hole of researching various books, authors, and speeches referenced offhandedly in the dialogues.
tlindhorst's review against another edition
5.0
The final book of Ursula K LeGuin. A transcription of 3 interviews with David Naimon on fiction, poetry & nonfiction. Includes excerpts from LeGuin’s writings in each area. A lovely conversation to listen in on & a good complement to her nonfiction writing on writing.
labyrinth_witch's review against another edition
5.0
Published posthumously, this is a final peak into Ursula K Le Guin’s thoughts on writing, her work, and her career. Structured as a set of three interviews with David Naimon, you truly get the feel for two writers exploring the world of their craft with great care and attention.
Reading this small tomb encouraged me to think more attentively to my own writing, recalling my mind back to early days in high school when I was first being taught to write. I remembered things about myself that I had forgotten- such as knowing how to diagram a sentence. I may be the last generation to have been taught such a vital skill, and I credit it to my ability (and love of) rearranging the elements of a sentence to achieve an effect. But she discussed other things- cadence, rhythm, structure, genre writing. David Naimon serves as a wonderful facilitator, you can tell how much he admires her and has read so much of her world. Interspersed are excerpts from her essays and lectures to really quicken their discussion.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to know their craft more.
Reading this small tomb encouraged me to think more attentively to my own writing, recalling my mind back to early days in high school when I was first being taught to write. I remembered things about myself that I had forgotten- such as knowing how to diagram a sentence. I may be the last generation to have been taught such a vital skill, and I credit it to my ability (and love of) rearranging the elements of a sentence to achieve an effect. But she discussed other things- cadence, rhythm, structure, genre writing. David Naimon serves as a wonderful facilitator, you can tell how much he admires her and has read so much of her world. Interspersed are excerpts from her essays and lectures to really quicken their discussion.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to know their craft more.
annie1318's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0