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paulmichaelpeters's review against another edition
4.0
This is an excellent collection of stories and guidance from an author I enjoy. There is a creepy darkness in his characters, and he opens up to readers on some of the methods that help in their creation. These, of course, through stories.
If you enjoy the author, I suspect you will like this work too. If you have trouble with his content and truth, you might try something like "Bird by Bird." I enjoy the dark and gritty.
If you enjoy the author, I suspect you will like this work too. If you have trouble with his content and truth, you might try something like "Bird by Bird." I enjoy the dark and gritty.
njdarkish's review against another edition
4.0
I was honestly shocked by how good of a writing-advice book this is. Why am I so surprised, exactly? Because, frankly, I don't typically care much for Chuck Palahniuk. I've read a fair number of his books, but the reason for that is because the first of his books I read, Diary, was fantastic, then I read Fight Club, which was fine, and after that it was just a parade of books that I disliked or openly hated. So after a friend (who also is far from a Palahniuk fan) said this book had some great writing advice, I had to pick it up.
And the writing advice isn't just good, it's phenomenal. The things he shares aren't retreading the well-worn paths we see in books of similar ilk. He understands how to construct a strong story, what to think about when it comes to perspective (especially how to write good first-person prose).
So why not 5 stars? Simply, it's because he holds himself up as a good example too often when, as I mentioned before, I don't like most of his writing, so I vehemently disagreed with him being a good example most of the time. He is also very full of himself, eager to show you how successful he is while being so counter-culture and sticking it to The Man. But even with those flaws, I'd recommend picking this book up to every writer I know.
And the writing advice isn't just good, it's phenomenal. The things he shares aren't retreading the well-worn paths we see in books of similar ilk. He understands how to construct a strong story, what to think about when it comes to perspective (especially how to write good first-person prose).
So why not 5 stars? Simply, it's because he holds himself up as a good example too often when, as I mentioned before, I don't like most of his writing, so I vehemently disagreed with him being a good example most of the time. He is also very full of himself, eager to show you how successful he is while being so counter-culture and sticking it to The Man. But even with those flaws, I'd recommend picking this book up to every writer I know.
zachnachazel's review against another edition
4.0
I am not a writer. I do not want to be a writer. The idea of putting my heart and soul out there for others to read is terrifying.
I admire writers.
This short read from Chuck was wonderfully him. A long time fan of his work I related to parts of his stories of book tours and signings as a participant who has a blow up doll, a stuffed dog, and numerous Chuck signed books.
It also gave me a multitude of ways I can further engage with books I read. I can see myself taking what I learned from this text and enjoying the artistry that is writing better when I sit down and read a book.
I admire writers.
This short read from Chuck was wonderfully him. A long time fan of his work I related to parts of his stories of book tours and signings as a participant who has a blow up doll, a stuffed dog, and numerous Chuck signed books.
It also gave me a multitude of ways I can further engage with books I read. I can see myself taking what I learned from this text and enjoying the artistry that is writing better when I sit down and read a book.
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
3.0
A good read for both of the major things it provided: instruction and perspectives. Instructions in the writing process from a writer who is very much outside the norm of the classic form. And perspectives from his life as a writer. Like I said. A good read.
wimdiesel's review against another edition
5.0
Really wasn't expecting my favorite author from my high school years to resonate with me on such core values now that I'm 30. I took years off from reading him and now I regret not keeping up with his books over the years. I think I felt that I should've outgrown his work given his usual fans. But upon reading this I realized the charms of his work have such well-considered choices and his intentions are always in line with what I want out of an author. On top of that, he provided beautiful stories and wonderful insight on the craft that might just be inspiring me to pick up the pen again. Who knows. But what's important to me right now is that I feel my old love for this dude reignited and I can't remember the last time I read a book in a week. Thanks, Chuck.
alanp's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this read, it was a great blend of writing advice, technical and general, and personal anecdotes. This is what I had hoped "Bird by Bird" would be, perhaps I just relate more to this author than Anne Lamotte. But I found his stories to be far more engaging and there was a lot more writing advice too (the main reason I was interested in picking this one up)
Some of the anecdotes... I'm not sure I believed, but in fairness to the author, he states that they are quite unbelievable. Really enjoyed this one, and it didn't really feel like it was dragging at any point.
Some of the anecdotes... I'm not sure I believed, but in fairness to the author, he states that they are quite unbelievable. Really enjoyed this one, and it didn't really feel like it was dragging at any point.
marycurry's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0