A review by cassiakarin
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

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)