Cover of Bird by Bird

Writing and language · Memoir

Bird by Bird

4.1 out of 5, from 286 ratings from Hardcover readers

Anne Lamott shares advice from her years of teaching and writing, from short assignments and shitty first drafts to dealing with doubt and jealousy, using stories about her family and friends.

Facts last checked 2026-10-17

First published
1994
Pace
Medium
Length
Short
Pages
220
Format
Standalone

Read this if you want honest, funny encouragement for starting and finishing writing.

Skip this if you want technical guidance on plot, structure or publishing.

The feel

Content warnings

None noted yet.

Quick answers about Bird by Bird

What is Bird by Bird about?
Anne Lamott shares advice from her years of teaching and writing, from short assignments and shitty first drafts to dealing with doubt and jealousy, using stories about her family and friends.
Who should read Bird by Bird?
Read it if you want honest, funny encouragement for starting and finishing writing. Skip it if you want technical guidance on plot, structure or publishing.
How long and how fast is Bird by Bird?
It is a medium-paced, short read of about 220 pages, first published in 1994.
Does Bird by Bird have content warnings?
We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
Can I borrow Bird by Bird for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Bird by Bird; the borrow button above searches it for you.

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