I've read a lot of books about writing and the writing process and BIRD BY BIRD is one of the best. It's full of useful and practical information about writing, but much of the advice in the book is applicable to any area of life. Lamott provides words of wisdom not just about writing, but about life itself. There are some people who will criticize the book because though it is a book about writing, it doesn't really offer any direct and straight-forward advice about how to get published, find an editor, getting your writing discovered by an agent so you can actually get published, or making money from your writing. If you're looking for that type of writing book, you should look elsewhere. Instead, BIRD BY BIRD is a book meant to encourage and challenge writers as they attempt to use the tools given them and turn their lives into Art. The book is written in a very warm and humorous style that constantly reminded me how much I enjoyed reading Lamott's nonfiction. A great book for any serious writer.

This is about the best book I can think of to give to someone who wants to try his or her hand at creative writing. Beginners often don't know how to begin, and can waste a lot of time making mistakes (such as being perfectionistic!) that can be easily avoided by heeding Lamott's humorous yet profound advice. This is not a "nuts and bolts" book but rather a personal approach to teaching the art of creative writing by a novelist who is herself highly accomplished. Though it is saturated with Lamott's California/new agey/progressive Christian/breathe deeply/marin county persona, that doesn't have to pose an obstacle; even if you are, say, a farmer in Iowa, you will still be able to harvest the solid advice that Lamott offers here.

I know of no other book among Lamott's generation that is comparable: Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down the Bones" is also useful, but she lacks Lamott's quirky brilliance, and, besides, her book on writing is the only piece of writing she is known for. (It must be said, though, that her main interest was in writing poetry, and how many poets become well known?) Annie Dillard's "The Writing Life" is much more abstract, and recommended for more experienced writers of both fiction and nonfiction. Lamott really has the niche covered, and provides an enjoyable reading experience, even as she shares with you her secrets.

Of course, if you want to glean wisdom from writing mentors of past generations, you won't want to miss E.M. Forester ("Aspects of the Novel") and John Gardner, both of whom Lamott respectfully acknowledges in this work.

Anne Lamott is amazing! Her metaphor for writing and for life may be a little irreverent at times, but she tells it like it is. The unexpected moments of humor delight us while opening us to her keen insights on life. A manual on writing, a daily meditation, and a joyful read, Bird by Bird reaches us on many levels.

While I find Anne's writing humorous, I didn't find much in the way of lessons in this book. Reading it was fun, but I am not keeping it in my writer's library.

Most of the time, How To Write books are either reeeeally touchy feely, or completely technical. I get annoyed about books like that because writing is a combination of both. So I wasn't convinced I'd much care for this book, which leans toward the touchy feely. I was NOT expecting to find touchy-feely with a hint of tough love.

I enjoyed it very much. Lamott manages to inspire without fist-pumping theatrics or lies about the publishing business. Instead, she offers humorous, straight-forward, sometimes tough-love advice aimed at helping you get over yourself and get on to your writing. If you're in a rut, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It helped me immensely.