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I read this book not because I have any aspirations of being a writer, but rather to get a glimpse inside a writer’s mind. And what a fascinating and funny mind it turned out to be! I’d highly recommend this book, if for no other reason than Lamott has a great sense of humor. The book is based on the writing classes she teaches, and it’s like listening to her talk. But rather than blather on about the book itself, I’m just going to offer up a selection of quotes, things that struck me as I was reading.
“…good writing is about telling the truth.” -p.1
This is perhaps my favorite excerpt, because it is so true:
“Because for some of us, books are as important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean, they show us how to live and die. They are full of all the things you don’t get in real life – wonderful, lyrical language, for instance, right of the bat. And quality of attention: we may notice amazing details during the course of a day but we rarely let ourselves stop and really pay attention. An author makes you notice, makes you pay attention, and this is a great gift.” -p.15
And this just cracks me up:
“Novels ought to have hope; at least, American novels ought to have hope. French novels son’t need to.” -p. 51
On reliable narrators:
“We do not wish to be crudely manipulated. Of course, we enter into a world of fiction to be manipulated, but in a pleasurable way. We want to be massaged by a masseur, not whapped by a carpet beater.” -p. 52
On the relationship between plot and characters:
“Plot grows out of character. If you focus on who the people in your story are, if you sit and write about two people you know and are getting to know better day by day, something is bound to happen.” -p. 54
This reminds me of why I couldn’t finish Pride and Prejudice:
“In the old days, before movies, let’s say before Hemingway, the dialogue in novels was much more studied, ornate. Characters talked in ways we can’t really imagine people talking. With Hemingway, things began to terse up. Good dialogue became sharp and lean. Now, in the right hands, dialogue can leave you breathless.” -p. 65
A quote from Rabbi Hillel that I particularly like:
“I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing.”
Me paraphrasing Lamott paraphrasing Ram Dass, a spiritual teacher. This reminds me so much of the whole popularity contest/debate that occasionally pops up in blogging. I think it’s excellent advice for anything:
Most of us are raised to be somebodies and what a no-win that is to buy into, because while you may turn out to be much more somebody than somebody else, a lot of other people are going to be a lot more somebody than you. And you can drive yourself crazy.
And some final thoughts on both writing and reading:
“Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life and they feed the soul.” -p. 237
I hope these excerpts illustrate why I love this book so much. I think it’s equally suited for both writers and avid readers, especially if you like books that aren’t too formal or stuffy, and that don’t take themselves too seriously.
ah, hands to heart, swoon…
I loved this book, too. and my dear, Jill, YOU are a somebody.
Care´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday 09/28/09
We’re all somebodies!
softdrink´s last blog ..Bird by Bird
Great quotes (especially that second one … that’s my favorite too). This one is on my bookshelf at home, but alas, unread. I signed up to do NaNoWriMo this year (what am I thinking??!!) so maybe, just maybe, I should try and get to this before or during November.
Melissa (Betty and Boo Chronicles)´s last blog ..Halloween Deja-Vu (or, Return of the Corn on the Cob Costume Snatcher)
Oh yes…I’d definitely recommend before NaNoWriMo! And good luck with that!!
softdrink´s last blog ..Bird by Bird
I really love this book, too. It makes me wish I had the discipline to write. I really need to re-read this at some point. You picked some really great quotes.
I’ve been fighting bronchitis and strep for a week now. When I finally get back to blogging, I will be including my write up of Lolita (and visiting yours). I promise and swear.
Literate Housewife´s last blog ..Please Help Find Makenzie
I wish I had the imagination!
Hope you’re feeling better soon!
softdrink´s last blog ..Bird by Bird
I love how you included all those excerpts. And I really love the cover of this book. So pretty!
Stephanie´s last blog ..Banned Books Week: Children’s Literature
I love the cover, too…but then, I’m a sucker for a good cover.
softdrink´s last blog ..Bird by Bird
What a nice review this is, and a great reminder to reread this book. I enjoy Lamott’s writing and remember liking this book a lot; thanks for the inspiring quotes. It’s funny how they all seem new, it’s been so long since I read this!
Melanie´s last blog ..Reckless Appetites by Jacqueline Deval
Thanks…I was really surprised by how funny the book was.
softdrink´s last blog ..Bird by Bird
I got started on this book a few years ago, thought “wow my MIL would like this” (she is an aspiring writer), and sent it to her for her birthday before I finished it.
Then I bought myself another copy for myself, and it’s been sitting in my TBR pile ever since. I need to pull it out and actually read it!
Love Hemingway, by the way.
Valerie´s last blog ..Reading Sherman Alexie
But did your MIL ever read it??
softdrink´s last blog ..Bird by Bird
Really nice approach to this book. I have it in the house somewhere; I wonder if I ever actually read it.
Beth F´s last blog ..Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
Thanks…the book was full of post-it notes by the time I finished. I could have gone on forever with the quotes.
I agree. While it’s a great book for writers, it’s a fun read for a reader, too!
Word Lily´s last blog ..The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
She had some great info about plot and character and the progression of a story that was really helpful as a reader…I skipped all those quotes.
I absolutely love this book! One day I’ll get around to reading it again (I hope!), so it remains in my permanent collection. Glad you loved it too!
Florinda´s last blog ..The goal of avoiding blogging burnout (belated Geekery and BBAW leftovers)
Oh, this sounds perfect for book geeks!
Kathy´s last blog ..Literary Road Trip and Review: The Lonely Shadow
But, you are a writer. Didn’t you know?
Ali (worducopia)´s last blog ..C.O.R.A. Diversity Roll Call: Blogs
I really loved this book, too! I approached it more as a guid to life instead of writing. Love Lamott’s humour. This was my first foray into her works.
claire´s last blog ..The Bluest Eye
Actually that made me laugh too!!!!! Maybe I didn’t get the right meaning but anyway i liked it – “Novels ought to have hope; at least, American novels ought to have hope. French novels son’t need to.” -p. 51
oh! And that 2nd one is perfect. I never really thought about it this way. By the way I like them all.
This is a great way to review this book. If I find it here, I will definitely give it a try!
Best writing book ever! Thanks for all the great quotes.
Nominated you for a blog award today. Check out my page for more info. Yeah!
Andi´s last blog ..The Best Thing About Moving
I’m not an aspiring writer either, but I DO love getting a glimpse into the minds of writers. So this sounds like something I’d love.
Nymeth´s last blog ..The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson
I haven’t read this one yet, but I will have to pick it up one of these days. I love Anne Lamott! I really enjoyed Traveling Mercies and Grace (Eventually). She seems to be one of those writers that can easily transcend divisions, like writing a book on writing that non-writers can enjoy and books on faith that skeptics and believers alike can appreciate.
Dreamybee´s last blog ..What I’m Reading Now-The Sparrow
I love this book! It is one of the three writing books I’ve kept and hung on to and reread every few years. I think Anne Lamott’s non-fiction books are great … but i didn’t really care for her fiction books. Not sure what that says!
Jenners´s last blog ..My Favorite Reads: Nelson DeMille Books Featuring John Corey
This is one of my favorite, favorite books. I pick it up when I’m struggling with writing and it always manages to make me feel a little better. Anne Lamotte is lovely. Thanks for pointing to the Rabbi Hillel quote — that one is awesome.
Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness)´s last blog ..Interview via Critical Mass: What are the roles of book blogs?
I love Annie Lamott! “Operating Instructions” is probably my favorite but I’ve enjoyed all the ones I’ve read. I just recently watched a documentary about her….same title as the book, “Bird by Bird.” She is hilarious in person too!
Great review – now I need to read this one.
Annie´s last blog ..Sunday Small Bites: Goat Cheese