Reviews tagging 'Suicidal thoughts'

Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

4 reviews

courtenaywrites's review against another edition

challenging informative inspiring medium-paced

3.75

While there were some questionable points, Lamott’s ‘Bird by Bird’ shows the neurotic side of a writer. I have had moments where I have buried my head in the covers because of yet another rejection. 

While none of the advice is particularly groundbreaking, I found the personal anecdotes refreshing—finding that they add to the overall narrative. This book is likely more beneficial to people who are new to writing/publishing. 

Overall, this was an entertaining read. I empathise with Lamottt on the struggles of being a writer. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

maiakobabe's review against another edition

informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.0

I've been hearing about this book for years as a writing guide, but it is almost equally a memoir or collection of anecdotes about the writing life. Parts of it worked for me and other parts didn't. The author has a very different type of brain than I have, and the chapters on working through the anxiety, neurosis, and depression she suffered from when trying to write didn't really speak to me at all. I also did not enjoy the handful of flippant jokes about killing yourself when the writing isn't going well. However. There are also some genuinely really moving pieces about writing books as gifts to loved ones, especially loved ones who are soon to leave us. I thought a lot of the advice in the middle about focusing on details, on recording memories, on research, and on character development was really solid, and I want to keep some of it in mind when I start developing my next book. There was also a set of lines in the introduction, about how writers are able to participate in public life while also working from home and without leaving the house which hit the nail on the head of why I entered this career! 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Suicidal thoughts

hgbush's review against another edition

emotional funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Chronic illness, Child death, Alcoholism, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Addiction

Minor: Child abuse

jessversteeg's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

LOVED IT.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction and Drug abuse

Moderate: Abortion and Suicidal thoughts