Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a classic. It contains tons of advice and funny stories, and what else could you want from a book about writing? Like the best books, this one offers so many snippets of truth that I felt like I was highlighting every other line. There were even moments I found myself crying–like when she compared writing to having children–and those were the times when I knew I had chosen the right path. This book is my go-to read when I need a pick-me-up or when I’m stuck in a rut.
However, if you are looking for tips on craft Bird by Bird probably won’t satisfy your need. Lamott offers more in the way of inspiration, so you’d be better off checking out On Writing by Stephen King or The Art of Fiction by John Gardner. If you’ve gotten past the mechanics and just need to start writing, Bird by Bird is the book to get you going.