Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

by Anne Lamott
Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life cover
Good Books rating 4.44
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 88
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9781925307443
  • Publisher: Scribe Publications
  • Published: 2015-10-30
  • Formats: 33
  • Reviews: 4

‘Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”’ Here, for the first time, is a local edition of the bible of writing guides — a wry, honest, down-to-earth book that has never stopped selling since it was first published in the United States in the 1990s. In Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott, a bestelling novelist and memoirist, distils what she’s learned over years of trial and error. Beautifully written, wise, and immensely helpful, this is the book for serious writers and writers-to-be.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
insightful 4.50

The reviewer found Anne Lamott's 'Bird by Bird' to be a refreshing and insightful guide to writing and life. They appreciated her humorous and practical advice, which helped them overcome their own writing anxieties and blocks. The book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to start or improve their writing journey.

The reviewer shares their personal struggle with writing and how Anne Lamott's 'Bird by Bird' provided them with much-needed guidance and encouragement. They highlight Lamott's unique blend of humor and practical advice, which makes the book both entertaining and informative. The reviewer found the book particularly helpful in addressing their fears and self-doubt, making it a valuable resource for aspiring writers. They also mention that the book is best read at the right time in one's writing journey to fully appreciate its insights.

Quick quotes

    There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.

    One writer I know tells me that he sits down every morning and says to himself nicely, “It’s not like you don’t have a choice, because you do — you can either type or kill yourself.

    I have not always felt much like writing. My writer’s block, if that is what it was, and not merely the tardy development of some creative muscles, occupied a large portion of my youth.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
inspiring 4.25

The reviewer found 'Bird by Bird' to be a helpful and practical guide for writers, emphasizing the importance of a steady mindset and embracing the process of writing. They appreciated the book's humor, practical advice, and encouragement, finding it impactful and inspiring.

The reviewer found 'Bird by Bird' to be a valuable resource for writers, particularly for those struggling with the creative process. They highlighted the book's practical advice and humorous tone, which made it both informative and enjoyable. The reviewer appreciated Anne Lamott's honest and encouraging approach, which helped them feel less alone in their writing journey. The book's emphasis on the 'bad first draft' and the necessity of perseverance resonated deeply, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    One of the most honest and encouraging books on writing I’ve read. Anne Lamott reminds us that the “bad first draft” is not only normal, but necessary.

    I absolutely loved this book. I feel like there were several tactics the author mentions that will stay in my head rent free as a way to see the world vs just applicable to writing, so it felt very impactful for me!

    This is by far the best writing book I've ever come across. It is honest, witty, human and carries some gems for practical writing.

thebluegarret.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
insightful 4.50

The reviewer initially approached 'Bird by Bird' with skepticism but found Anne Lamott's advice on writing to be insightful and relatable. Lamott's candid and humorous approach demystifies the writing process, offering practical tips and personal anecdotes that resonate with both novice and experienced writers.

The reviewer initially approached 'Bird by Bird' with skepticism, questioning the usefulness of a how-to book for writers. However, they quickly found Anne Lamott's advice to be both insightful and relatable. Lamott's candid and humorous approach demystifies the writing process, offering practical tips and personal anecdotes that resonate with both novice and experienced writers. She emphasizes the importance of commitment and dedication, acknowledging the challenges and mental struggles that come with writing. The reviewer appreciates Lamott's honest portrayal of the writing life, which includes the highs and lows, and finds her advice to be a valuable guide for anyone serious about writing. The book is praised for its ability to make the writing process less intimidating and more accessible.

Quick quotes

    Anne Lamott's advice on writing is both practical and relatable, offering a candid look at the challenges and rewards of the craft.

    She emphasizes the importance of commitment and dedication, acknowledging the mental struggles that come with writing.

    The book is praised for its ability to make the writing process less intimidating and more accessible.

reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
brilliant 4.50

Anne Lamott's 'Bird by Bird' is a timeless guide for writers, offering sage advice and humor. The reviewer appreciates its honesty about the writing process and its relevance despite changes in technology and publishing.

Anne Lamott's 'Bird by Bird' has been a celebrated book for writers for decades, and the reviewer finally read it cover to cover. They appreciate Lamott's honest and humorous approach to writing, which remains relevant despite the significant changes in technology and publishing since its initial publication in 1994. The book is not just a writing guide but also a treatise on life, emphasizing the importance of community and the solitary nature of writing. The reviewer finds Lamott's advice timeless and universal, making the book a valuable resource for both fiction and nonfiction writers. They also highlight Lamott's storytelling and self-deprecating humor, which make the book engaging and relatable.

Quick quotes

    Lamott’s sage, funny, and not-mincing-words style will never go out of fashion.

    Writing is about hypnotizing yourself into believing in yourself, getting some work done, then unhypnotizing yourself and going over the material coldly.

    Becoming a writer is about becoming conscious. When you’re conscious and writing from a place of insight and simplicity and real caring about the truth, you have he ability to throw the lights on for the reader.

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