Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott
Hi there, it’s Kristina and I am starting my discussion on Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott. This was a great book to read and I highly recommend it. One reason you might like to read this book is because of the author’s voice. I just love how you can “hear” her in her writing. The book is easy to read, humorous, and sincere giving you a glimpse at what a writer’s world might look and feel like. Having just gone through many of the issues she discusses with the summer institute, I was able to identify with many of the topics she discussed. Lamott shares of her personal experiences as a writer. Her audience is that of classroom writing from the writing teacher’s perspective. You may want to use this in your classes as a read aloud, sharing a book from a published author’s viewpoint. Then, the kids aren’t just relying on what you tell them, hey it’s written in a book, it must be good right? Lamott really walks you through the writing process word by word, or as she says, bird by bird. She offers practical advice about getting involved in a writer’s group and how to seek and find those individuals.
One thing you may not like (personally I rather enjoyed them) are the religious, Catholic undertones. Her spirituality is evident in many parts throughout, but don’t be fooled she uses some foul language too (and I love that also). One example Lamott wrote was, “The best way to get quiet, other than the combination of extensive therapy, Prozac, and a lobotomy, is first to notice that the station is on.” I won’t tell you what the station is, but it involves a bad, bad word.
I think she wants us to realize a few things that are a good reminder from this past summer. First, write daily. Secondly, this is a process, we are never done. Third, if we are writing simply to get published, well then, we are doing it for the wrong reasons.
One of my favorite lines from the book is this, “Watch her carefully right now, because she’s teaching you how to live.” This was about one of life’s great lessons when we least expect them. Remember, when in doubt write about it. This book moved me to tears, literally, with a little bit of sadness in the middle, and with her hilarious tales throughout the entire book. I wonder a few things after reading this book.
Could this book be used as one of the “required” books for this class? If so, what might the writing assignment(s) be? Are there others who have read this book? What are your thoughts on a writer’s group?
Hi Kristina,
I am a big Ann Lamott fan and have read this book and have to recommend Operating Instructions about her pregnancy and first year as a single mother. But back to Bird by Bird– I loved it and learned a lot from it. I found it to be inspiring just like you did. It would be a great one to require for this class, but there are many good ones. I have to say I really think there are two sides to writers’ groups. One side is a source of momentum so that you don’t put writing by the wayside, and certainly we can find inspiration from that as well as resources and feelings and ideas. The other though is that some of the feedback is too positive. I know I’ve found it hard to say anything other than Wow. People are sensitive, and writing is very close to their hearts. A favorite quote I recall (but I forget who to credit it to) said, “The trouble with two writers being friends is that eventually they have to read each other’s work.” I think his point is that an honest criticism can be a bucket of cold water on a project with no intention for it to be from the friend. That said, I do think there is much more to be gained from a good writers’ group than going it alone. Without going and getting a copy of the book, I don’t know what the writing assignments could be that the book would contribute to because it has been a long time since I read it. However, just like Natalie Goldberg’s book, I think Ann Lamott values recording life, and the process of just writing as a way to dust our lenses and see more than we do when we don’t write. It’s not the stories but the thoughtful recording of what happened that changes us, then, maybe, we reach other readers, too. She did a lot of self discovery through her writing, I think everyone can.
Bye for now,
Terry