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geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
'Letters to a Young Writer: Some Practical and Philosophical Advice' by Colum McCann is a book for writers, but that doesn't mean that non-writers won't get something out of it.
The book is a series of essays, including the title one. The author states in the intro something he told a class once: "I can teach you nothing. Now that you know this, go learn," but there is a wisdom in these pages to go forth and fiercely write. The reader is encouraged to face critics, not be afraid of a blank page, and to know their characters intimately, even if those details don't make it on the page.
I have read a couple books by the author and this book tells me he is serious and passionate about what he does. There is still quite a bit of humor woven in these pages. I also liked the quotes that begin each essay.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
The book is a series of essays, including the title one. The author states in the intro something he told a class once: "I can teach you nothing. Now that you know this, go learn," but there is a wisdom in these pages to go forth and fiercely write. The reader is encouraged to face critics, not be afraid of a blank page, and to know their characters intimately, even if those details don't make it on the page.
I have read a couple books by the author and this book tells me he is serious and passionate about what he does. There is still quite a bit of humor woven in these pages. I also liked the quotes that begin each essay.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
cloudedbyte's review against another edition
5.0
If I could give this book six stars I would. I love reading, but I am not a writer. Yet the book was extremely enjoyable. I will be back to read it again, to inhale the wisdom and ideas on where to look for more good reading.
cruggington's review against another edition
3.0
As a writer, I take what I can get when it comes to advice about writing. However, because "advice for ____" books tend to come across a little preachy and obnoxious, I don't typically reach for them. This book only ended up in my hands because it was a gift from a friend.
I'm glad I gave McCann a chance though. This book feels like you're getting advice from your old-enough-to-know-more-than-you, but-still-not-that-old uncle. Each essay is written as if a specific question was asked with a specific answer given in return. It's refreshing to read advice from a book that provides context for all its metaphors and analogies.
I'm glad I gave McCann a chance though. This book feels like you're getting advice from your old-enough-to-know-more-than-you, but-still-not-that-old uncle. Each essay is written as if a specific question was asked with a specific answer given in return. It's refreshing to read advice from a book that provides context for all its metaphors and analogies.
blueberryhotel's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
thesarahkay's review against another edition
4.0
A nice listen, and inspiring enough to get me to want to get back to writing. I direct approachable and relatable tips for every part of the process from creative block, to finding an agent, to surviving a book tour. I really appreciated that McCann shared his wisdom with such poetry and prose. To me, that set it apart from other writing books that are more brass tacks, but less artful. I’d easily read this one again, and I’ll probably bring bits of it to my writing group.
piedwarbler's review against another edition
5.0
Essential reading for anyone who wants to write, I’d say. Comforting, inspiring, reassuring.