Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott (1994)

Bird by Bird is Anne Lamott’s book on writing. She covers a wide variety on life and writing including chapters called “Sh**ty First Drafts,” “Jealousy,” and “Writer’s Block.” She begins with a simple example from 30 years ago of her then 10-year-old brother struggling with a report on birds that was due the next day. He didn’t have any idea on how to even begin. Their father came to comfort him and said that he all he needed to do to complete the report was to take it “bird by bird.” It is a simple and touching beginning that summarizes the entire book. This book is inspiring and hopeful to all writers and artists who are struggling to complete their writing goals. I recommend it to anyone who likes to create.