Bird by Bird Book Review: An Honest, Humorous Guide to the Writer's Life

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is not your typical writing guide. It’s just some instructions on writing and life. It’s a blend of memoir and advice, offering readers a glimpse into the emotional and creative journey of a writer.

The book feels like an honest, humorous guide to the writer's life. Anne Lamott's anecdotes and lessons are both relatable and inspiring, making it a must-read for anyone who’s ever tried to put words on a page.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️❤️🤍

"An honest, humorous guide to the writer's life."

Check Bird by Bird on Goodreads

What the Book is About?

At its core, Bird by Bird is about embracing the process of writing. Lamott shares intimate stories about her own struggles as a writer, her relationships, and how she navigated through self-doubt, rejection, and success. The title itself comes from advice her father once gave her brother when he was overwhelmed with a school report on birds: "Just take it bird by bird."

The book isn’t a technical manual for crafting perfect prose. Instead, it’s a deep dive into the mindset of a writer, encouraging patience, persistence and humour. Bird by Bird provides the mental framework to push forward.

What Works?

Lamott’s humor and vulnerability make this book truly stand out. She doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of writing—she tells it as it is. This honesty is refreshing, especially for writers who might feel stuck or discouraged. She reminds you that writing is tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Although Lamott mostly focuses on fiction writing, the insights she shares can be valuable for anyone who writes. The book is much like On Writing by Stephen King.

What Falls Short?

While Bird by Bird is full of inspiring stories and advice, it’s more about the emotional side of writing rather than practical techniques. Writers looking for step-by-step guidance on structure, dialogue, or editing might not find that here. Lamott’s advice is more philosophical, so it works better as motivation rather than a concrete “how-to” guide.

Who Should Read It?

Fiction writers, especially those starting out, will benefit the most from Bird by Bird. The book will also resonate with anyone feeling discouraged about their writing journey. If you're looking for a book that provides a writer’s perspective on navigating life, emotions and the creative process, this one’s for you.

Final Thoughts

Bird by Bird is a delightful and insightful read for anyone wanting to peek inside the life of a writer. Anne Lamott’s down-to-earth approach, mixed with her humour and life lessons, makes it a book worth returning to whenever you need a little writing motivation. If you're looking for a book to help you cultivate the writer's mindset, Bird by Bird is a valuable one.

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