True to my word, I am starting to dig into my stack of reading material. As of right now I have shaved off about 2 inches based on today’s book and another one I finished a few days ago (future post). After some validation with a ruler and some highly technical math it doesn’t bode well for getting through all of the material by the end of the year. It is too early to give up and my vacations generally provide a lot of reading catch up time so the game is still on. The first book this year is titled “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life” and was written by Anne Lamott. This was an interesting pick for me primarily because I am not really a writer in the true sense of the word. A Photography blogger mentioned it as one of his favorite books and I noticed a few other book recommendation sites I follow had it on their top ten as well. All those recommendations mentioned it was beyond a basic writing book and more of an interesting outlook on life. Now the latter part of that is right up my alley and a few tidbits on writing just might help out on this blog. Let me give my recommendation on this particular novel…. BUY IT AND READ IT. I went into it with minimal expectations, however, I soon found myself captivated by Anne’s ability to paint a picture with words, provide imagery to a feeling and cause me to literally laugh out loud through her dark wit and straight forward delivery. Anne has been through some tough moments in her life that she has been able to internalize and reflect on those experiences in manner that everyone can relate to.
The vehicle of the book is a writing seminar that she puts on for eager writers looking to be successful in the field. During this seminar she conveys her writing wisdom learned over the years while creating and publishing her works. Although I am not a subject matter expert, she seems to give a lot of good advice on how to drive through writer’s block, providing characters with real emotions, learning how to establish a relationships to the reader and advice on keeping their expectations of success in check. Actually, this concept of expectations was a big theme in her book whether it was intended or not. When the last page was turned, I put the book down thinking two things; how hard professional writing must be and how glad I was I picked a different career. I wonder how her students felt after getting a dose of reality like this. There is a since of sincerity and openness from the author that helps lend credibility to her outlook on life. It is evident that faith plays a an important part in her life, however, she doesn’t hammer you with it our try to influence your perspective on this front. So, yes, it is a book geared to writers, but there is plenty non-writers can take away from reading Anne’s excellent work. Even now I am seeing the impacts of her writing suggestions on my blogging efforts and probably more noticeable is the writer’s eye that I’ve been applying to the written works of others I read or listen to… are the character’s believable, can the author create the vision and feeling of being part of the story etc.? With that benefit, her viewpoints on life put the cherry on top of a sweet read.
Hit the jump to see some of my recollections from this!
Life Intrigued 