A review by kirkles
Letters to a Young Writer: Some Practical and Philosophical Advice by Colum McCann

4.0

Wow. This almost got five stars. I found myself bookmarking a lot of McCann's quotes (both his own and other authors') at first somewhat despite myself, but being drawn in more and more to the power and impact of McCann's language. The last chapter won me over, but you have to read it last after getting through the rest of the book in order to get the full effect, in my opinion. I also saw him speak a week or two ago at the Boston Public Library and very much enjoyed it. I had actually never read anything of his until this, and found Letters to a Young Writer to be full of wisdom and relevance for young writers today, and especially in today's world. I would say that it has relevance to all writers of all genders and ethnicities and races, even if McCann does mention to 'not be a dick.' Does that phrase apply to every single writer, or is it singling out men?