The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir

by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich
The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 2608
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
publishersweekly.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
mixed 3.00

The reviewer found 'The War of Art' underwhelming due to high expectations and familiarity with similar concepts from Julia Cameron's works. However, they appreciated the book's message on overcoming resistance and found it resonated with them in later weeks. The reviewer admired the author's tenacity and found some passages particularly insightful.

The reviewer had high hopes for 'The War of Art,' expecting it to significantly impact their creative pursuits. However, they found the book underwhelming because they had encountered similar ideas in Julia Cameron's works. Despite this, they appreciated the author's message about overcoming resistance and found it resonated with them in the weeks following their reading. The reviewer admired the author's tenacity in sticking to his message and found some passages particularly insightful. They also noted that the book's concepts helped them understand their own struggles with procrastination and self-dramatization.

Quick quotes

    Creating soap opera in our lives is a symptom of Resistance. Why put in years of work designing a new software interface when you can get just as much attention by bringing home a boyfriend with a prison record?

    Procrastination is the most common manifestation of Resistance because it’s the easiest to rationalize. We don’t tell ourselves, “I’m never going to write my symphony.” Instead we say, “I am going to write my symphony; I’m just going to start tomorrow.

    The amateur plays for fun. The professional plays for keeps.

barnesandnoble.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer found 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield to be a powerful and motivational book, particularly useful for overcoming internal resistance to creativity. They appreciated its practical advice but also offered a more flexible approach to discipline, emphasizing the importance of self-care and sustainability in writing.

The reviewer recently reread 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield and found it to be a powerhouse of motivational gems. The book introduces the concept of 'resistance' as the primary obstacle to creativity, which the reviewer found to be an internal struggle rather than an external one. They appreciated Pressfield's advice on overcoming resistance through discipline and commitment, but also offered a more flexible approach, emphasizing the importance of self-care and sustainability in writing. The reviewer found the book to be a valuable resource for authors, particularly those who struggle with self-doubt and fear of criticism. They also appreciated Pressfield's reminder that we are more than our work and that our self-worth should not be dictated by the response of others to our work.

Quick quotes

    The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.

    The professional knows that fear can never be overcome.

    We may take pride in our work, we may stay late and come in on weekends, but we recognize that we are not our job descriptions.

bookmarks.reviews · Unknown · 2025-10-21
empowering 4.50

The reviewer found 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield to be a highly empowering and direct book on overcoming creative blocks. They appreciated Pressfield's clear voice and the practical strategies he offers, though they noted that some readers, particularly atheists or those with an external locus of control, might struggle with the spiritual undertones.

The reviewer initially approached 'The War of Art' with curiosity, knowing it addressed creative blocks and the fears associated with artistic practice. They found the book to be a refreshing and engaging read, with Pressfield's direct and authoritative voice resonating deeply. The book is structured into four parts, each focusing on different aspects of overcoming resistance to creativity. The reviewer appreciated the practical advice and the way Pressfield personifies common obstacles, making them feel like tangible enemies to be conquered. However, they noted that the book's spiritual undertones might not resonate with everyone, particularly those who are atheists or who believe in an external locus of control. Despite this, the reviewer finished the book feeling empowered and ready to make positive changes in their artistic practice. They highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their creative process.

Quick quotes

    The War of Art posits that everyone dreams of the idealized person they can be, who runs those marathons, or who cooks wonderful meals, or who finally learns how to sing.

    I love how he has a clear, direct voice; it enhances his authority and thus reinforces his message.

    I finished the book feeling completely empowered and ready to make some attitude and behavioral changes to better my artist practice.

readingmattersblog.com · Unknown · 2018-02-05
thought-provoking 4.50

The reviewer finds 'The Fact of a Body' by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of memory, trauma, and justice. They appreciate the author's personal connection to the case and the nuanced examination of moral complexity.

The reviewer is deeply moved by 'The Fact of a Body' and its examination of memory, trauma, and the legal system. They highlight the author's personal journey and her connection to the case of Ricky Langley, which she prosecuted as a law clerk. The book's exploration of moral ambiguity and the nature of truth is particularly compelling. The reviewer also praises the author's writing style, which is both poetic and precise. They note that the book challenges readers to confront difficult questions about justice and forgiveness. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a profound and necessary read.

Quick quotes

    I would come to believe that what was true for me was true for everyone.

    I wanted to know what it was like to kill someone.

    It is not the facts that matter, but the story.

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