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kaypeas's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
thechanelmuse's review against another edition
2.0
I've heard great things about this book over the years. After reading Bird by Bird I'm wondering if they read a different book because this was just...okay to say the least. What resonates for others won't necessarily resonate for you, right? That's the case here. I know more about the happenings in Anne Lamott's life than "instructions on writing" as the title suggests.
squidopedia's review against another edition
5.0
This book was honestly amazing. She made me laugh and feel more than most books I read nowadays. She has such a way with words, and is a great teacher. I'm so inspired to write after reading this!!
mimela78's review against another edition
Book about writing that I found uninteresting. MMD oick
cassiakarin's review against another edition
4.0
I wish I could remember how I was introduced to this book, because now that I have read it I have heard at least a half dozen very respectable writers reference it as a “must read” for writers. It had me laughing out loud continually, groaning with agreement, pacing with anticipation, and sighing regularly with the moody arrogance that writers instinctively carry followed by the pain of disappointment or regret from failure or placid praise. The themes of disappointment and improper pride are the strongest threads of this book. Lamott speaks against both, or rather, gives her advise in dealing with both. This thread can get old toward the end. There is a sense that Lamott is slightly embittered and her inner experiences have made her rather edgy, but I found that if I could take her advise and look past these shortcomings by seeing her as a person not a product of accomplishment, then I could do well and continue to learn. I highly recommend the book. *Caution: it is heavy with foul language.
Recommended by: Diana Glyer (The Habit Podcast S2 #20)
Recommended by: Diana Glyer (The Habit Podcast S2 #20)
emma_astrida's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.75
gadicohen93's review against another edition
5.0
EDIT:
Just finished this book and revising from two to five stars. A book to re-read and savor that is full to the brim with wisdom.
From 2012:
I couldn’t finish this book. I got to the 2/3 point and realized that I didn't need to be taking endless advice from this woman. Explanation of rating:
1 star - She's funny. I like her humor.
2 star - She gave good advice. I learned to write shitty first drafts and then read them over a month later and edit the shit out of them.
3-5 stars - This was boring. I do not want someone to lecture me for an entire book. The writing had no life.
Just finished this book and revising from two to five stars. A book to re-read and savor that is full to the brim with wisdom.
From 2012:
I couldn’t finish this book. I got to the 2/3 point and realized that I didn't need to be taking endless advice from this woman. Explanation of rating:
1 star - She's funny. I like her humor.
2 star - She gave good advice. I learned to write shitty first drafts and then read them over a month later and edit the shit out of them.
3-5 stars - This was boring. I do not want someone to lecture me for an entire book. The writing had no life.