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Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them
 

Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them

by Francine Prose

Long before there were creative-writing workshops and degrees, how did aspiring writers learn to write? By reading the work of their predecessors and contemporaries, says Francine Prose.

In Reading Like a Writer, Prose invites you to sit by her side and take a guided tour of the tools and the tricks of the masters. She reads the work of the very best writers—Dostoyevsky,... (read more)

Top tags: writing,  non-fiction,  books about books,  creative writing,  reading (all tags)

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Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

Katie W
  • Rated 4 stars

“Beautiful and insightful ode to reading and writing.”

Katie W’s full review »
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Didn’t Like It

Ellie
  • Rated 2 stars

“Only read part..I didn't really like this very much.”

Ellie’s full review »
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Community:
  • Rated 3.820225 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.75 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • Deb B

    deb b said:

    “I'm almost through with this book. I have to admit, I've always read close, word for word. I just like the way words sound together when they are written well. It is a bit technical, but worth the time.”

    posted Wednesday, July 16 2008
  • jschexnayder

    jschexnayder said:

    “Prose suggests a return to reading word-by-word, paying attention to the way the best writers use language. I like her idea of learning by osmosis--close reading as a way of remembering which authors a writer should turn to for getting unstuck. I'm only as far as the "Sentences" chapter. Looking forward to the rest. She's humbled me into realizing how much I haven't read.”

    posted Saturday, December 29 2007
  • storydancer

    storydancer said:

    “As a writer, I found it useful. It celebrates the artistry of writing and provides a behind-the-scenes look at what makes great writing great. ”

    posted Sunday, May 6 2007
  • jennynoel

    jennynoel said:

    “I'm currently reading this book. So far I like it and I think it will help my writing, A lot of it is stuff I used to know but hadn't thought about in a while. I tend to separate my reading and writing experiences to much. This book is helping me to slow down and allow my reading experiences inform my writing ones. ”

    posted Thursday, April 5 2007
  • BackwardsRain

    backwardsrain said:

    “I've only read a little bit of this book, but a good book to help with your writing is The First Five Pages.”

    posted Thursday, April 5 2007
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