Mini Book Review: Bird by Bird

Author: Anne Lamott

A funny, quirky book that’s part memoir, part writing guide, with a strong focus on fiction and novel-writing craft. I understand why this book is so beloved. It’s warm, sharp, strange in the best way, and beautifully voiced. I especially loved the introduction. That said, I went in expecting a broader book about writing and creativity, and was surprised by how much of it centered on writing novels. As a published novelist currently trying to spread my wings beyond fiction, I wasn’t especially looking for advice like “plot grows out of character” or reminders that dialect-heavy dialogue can be tiring to read. Useful, certainly, just very specific to a lane I’m actively trying to step outside of, and I wish it would have said fiction or novels anywhere in the description. So I may simply have read this at the wrong time. I liked it, even admired it, though I don’t think it will become a favorite. Recommended for beginning novelists and readers who love distinctive, well-developed voices.