Bird by Bird Review

Recently my critique group decided we would benefit from reading books on writing. Our first selection was Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, subtitled Some Instructions on Writing and Life. The book gets its name from an anecdote about her then ten-year-old brother. He was overwhelmed by a report on birds he had put off. It was due the next day, and he was in tears. Their father counseled him to prepare the report bird by bird, instead of worrying about the entire report.    

Books on Writing

I’m a pragmatist. When I read books on writing, I want step-by-step guides that will improve my writing. I want writing exercises; I want to see examples of bad writing and examples of how to fix it. What I really want is a writer’s manual. I must say, Bird by Bird isn’t that.

As I read the first few chapters, I kept looking for the how-tos, the formulas, and the rules that would ensure success. I was discouraged because there weren’t any. When our group met, everyone else went on and on about how much they were getting out of this book. They cited specific anecdotes that were meaningful, like the one referenced in the title. They expounded on Lamott’s messages of what she calls small assignments, they reveled in her humor. I realized I had to change my perspective.

Expectations

The subtitle is Some Instructions on Writing and Life. This book is no manual. Rather, it is a collection of essays, with embedded wisdom based on Anne Lamott’s experience as a writing instructor.

After listening to my fellow critique partners rave about Bird by Bird, I decided I needed to change my expectations. Instead of reading Bird by Bird as an instruction manual (it did have the word instructions in the subtitle, after all) I approached it as a book on how to live life with a side of  writing philosophy.

Quotable

Bird by Bird is one of the most quotable books on writing I’ve ever read. Here are some of my favorites:

“Good writing is about telling the truth.”

“Perfection is the voice of the oppressor. . . it will keep you cramped and insane your whole life.”

“One line of dialogue that rings true reveals character in a way that pages of description can’t”

“A writer paradoxically seeks the truth and tells lies every step of the way.”

“The writer is creating a dream into which he or she invites the reader . . .”

“Metaphors are a great language tool because they explain the unknown in terms of the known.”

“There are people out there with invaluable information to share with you.”

“I don’t think you have time to waste on someone who does not respond to you with kindness and respect.”

“All of us can sing the same song, and there will still be four billion different renditions.”

“We write to expose the unexposed.”

“Becoming a writer is about becoming conscious.”

Recommendation

Despite my early reluctance, I can honestly say this is an inspiring book. It’s funny and relevant, quirky and insightful. I encourage you to read this book.