The Shy Bird (Good Habits Book 1)

Not just amusing, but actually funny. I love that she curses. I love that she can be and seems to enjoy being spiteful and sarcastic. I love her and wish I could call her up when I'm feeling miserable. Luckily, I have this book. Aug 20, Jason Koivu rated it really liked it Shelves: Not new-agey, hippie-esque or nearly as self-help guide-like as I feared it would be when I started listening to the audiobook version as read by its author.

However, Lamott is more grounded than that, and her dry delivery provides the perfect vehicle for her Tina Fey Not new-agey, hippie-esque or nearly as self-help guide-like as I feared it would be when I started listening to the audiobook version as read by its author. However, Lamott is more grounded than that, and her dry delivery provides the perfect vehicle for her Tina Fey-styled, kooky sense of humor.

The meat and potatoes of Bird by Bird doesn't really say much that hasn't already been said about writing and how to get it done, but her advice is solid and she adds a nice touch with some highly personal stories.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

So I rate this a strong Much better than expected. View all 5 comments. Aug 14, Bonnie rated it it was amazing Shelves: I recommend this book to everyone, writer or not. It is Anne's most classic, I think. You will laugh and maybe even cry. I pull it off the shelf now and then and read whatever page I land on -- and always find my way back to my own writing. Aug 07, Jillian rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: This was fantastic, and I wrote a million notes. I love the description of throwing rats in a jar and watching them scratch.

This was a tool for the mind to silence distractors in your life that block you from writing. Also having an acre of land with a fence, and if people come in and mess it up-you simply kick them off. I like the idea of creating a book from characters, and letting the plot follow what the characters desire. I liked the idea of moving forward bird by bird, readin This was fantastic, and I wrote a million notes.

I liked the idea of moving forward bird by bird, reading the book will explain what this means , and the informal prose. Other great advice is not just researching subjects you know nothing about, like gardening for example, but calling local nurseries and spending time with gardeners. Would there be leaves? Also using movies for settings-trying to describe the scene, city, landscape with as much detail as possible. Also-you should be able to identify a character by what he or she says. You begin with action that is compelling enough to draw us in, background to know who these people are, what happened before the story began, then you develop these people so you know what they care most about.

The plot-drama, actions, tension-come out of that. Move them along-til it comes together in a climax, after which things are different for the characters in some real way, and then the ending-what is our sense of who these people are now. What are they left with and what does that mean?

I loved the description of rewriting and tucking the octopus in bed. The legs that keep popping out from the bed sheets, and just when you think you have them tucked in, another pops out. I'm also interested in reading E. Forster and John Gardner's advice on plot which Lamott mentions as great reads and thinking about joining a writing group.

And I liked the advice on how to find people for writing groups and to help you edit. How to approach them, and how to laugh at the rejection you might encounter meeting them in a writing class and they perhaps, not wanting to help you: One of the life lesson tips I loved was on page , about not wasting your time on people who doesn't respond to you with kindness and respect, or wasting your time with people who make you hold you breath. Letting images, and ideas, and smells run like water.

Yup-I'm doing all of that, and at least I'm learning I'm not alone: Letters is an amazing idea as well-writing a part of your history-a part of a characters history-in the form of a letter-that the informality might just free you from the tyranny of perfectionism, and even address it to someone. I loved this idea and I can see how several of my favorite articles or essays could have been written using this method-at least as a first draft or to brainstorm. Ok-just adding to this again, I like the idea of carrying an index card and pen in your back pocket when you walk your dogs, and that the idea of writers block is really-being empty-and that you need to write words on anything for however many days until it passes.

That being out with nature-living life like it was your last day and re-filling your imagination can fill back up. But tell your story-or someone else's-free someone from bondage, or risk freeing yourself. I loved the quote by Toni Morrison on p. If there is a door in a castle you've been told not to go through you must. Think about who your writing for-dedicate it to your favorite author as a gift to give back to them for influencing you. I'm also wrote down the name of a book Lamott talks about called Intimations of Mortality that I think I need to read, and remember to suggest to anyone dealing with cancer-it sounds wonderful.

I love the idea of writing a present for someone. The last note I'm going to add that really impacted me was Lamott message not to worry about what people think of you, but to worry about not finishing your writing. View all 4 comments. Dec 06, Nick rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Writers and other crazy people. After so many books about how fun and easy writing can be, it's great to have a book that shows how painful and difficult it really is. Lamott puts a premium on discipline, the discipline of writing every day at a set time and trying hard to get the first draft out, no matter how bad it may be.

This message may not be news to most, but along with the added info that neurosis and writing go hand in hand, Lamott is not here to inform, she's here to encourage. She's a real teacher, someone who isn' After so many books about how fun and easy writing can be, it's great to have a book that shows how painful and difficult it really is.

She's a real teacher, someone who isn't just trying to show you how to get to where you're going, but also to help you restart if you've missed a step. She's also very funny and a good writer to boot so the book was an absolute pleasure to read. Pick it up when you're feeling down about writing. Feb 26, Douglas rated it it was amazing. I read this to try to understand and learn the craft of writing. What do I have to add? Who am I to swagger into the Sistine Chapel readied with pa I read this to try to understand and learn the craft of writing.

Who am I to swagger into the Sistine Chapel readied with paint? She tells you to do it. Despite your assumptions or the assurances you may expect, none of it will matter in the end. In order to write, you have to write and practice writing. Ok, that seems easy enough. This is actually reassuring to me. For these ideas alone, this book has been very helpful and encouraged me to take the leap. Towards the end, I was wondering how I could summarize the main theme of this almost emancipating guidebook, but then Lamott does it for me in the last chapter: He or she will recognize his or her life and truth in what you say, in the pictures you have painted, and this decreases the terrible sense of isolation that we have all had too much of.

Try to write in a directly emotional way, instead of being too subtle or oblique. Be afraid of wasting any more time obsessing about how you look and how people see you. Be afraid of not getting your writing done. If something inside you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the center of your work. Write straight into the emotional center of things. Write toward your vulnerability. Worry about being unavailable; worry about being absent or fraudulent.

Tell the truth as you understand it. And it is a revolutionary act — truth is always subversive. View all 8 comments. Jun 11, Amanda rated it really liked it Shelves: A surprisingly hysterical book about writing and, as the title implies, life. The hype surrounding Lamott's book is definitely well-earned and I can't wait to read more of her work.

Much of her advice on writing is practical and no-nonsense as she addresses the difficulties of writing and getting published. If I had one complaint it would be that I wasn't as inspired to write by the end of the book as I was to be Anne's see? I'm already calling her by her first name as if I know her friend. I A surprisingly hysterical book about writing and, as the title implies, life.

I definitely appreciated her twisted and unusual sense of humor. I often laughed out loud, not something I was expecting during chapters about libel, editing, publishing, and the other mundane parts of the writer's world. Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder. Apr 05, Perry rated it it was amazing Shelves: You've probably read in other books some version of the optimism, pointers and warnings that are covered here.

Yet, you've probably not read one as practical or as well-written as this. Anne Lamott's book is a virtuosic "Best of" LP, for writers and other creative artists, from which one may choose among many tracks of anecdotes, experience and hope. It's something you can pull out from time to time to put you on the right track, get you Swell Songs Sung So Well This little book sings so sweetly.

It's something you can pull out from time to time to put you on the right track, get you unstuck and, in all cases, on to conjuring magic from your imagination onto the blank screen or sheet of paper sitting in front of you. I highly recommend this book. Aug 24, Thomas rated it it was amazing Recommended to Thomas by: Bird by Bird is my new bible. Not just for writing, but for life - it is my favorite work of nonfiction so far.

Stephen King's On Writing impressed me, but Anne Lamott's book had me tearing up and laughing at the same time. Her self-deprecating sense of humor and her harsh yet realistic approach to writing won me over. If I could, I would throw this book at every student at my college studying English or Creative Writing. Lamott tackles topics ranging from the neurotic mentality of writing to th Bird by Bird is my new bible. Lamott tackles topics ranging from the neurotic mentality of writing to the woes and joys of publishing; I would recommend Bird by Bird to literally everyone, especially to those who possess even a remote interest in the writing life.

Here are a couple of passages that portray her voice and wisdom, the first pertaining to books and the second concerning perfectionism: What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave.

They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft.

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they're doing it. You will not regret it.

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Oct 26, John Woodington rated it did not like it Shelves: I didn't enjoy this book, simply because it didn't inspire me to write. I got the strong impression that Ms. Lamott has horrible self-esteem issues, and her overusage of self-deprecating humor really wore on me after the first chapter or two. She didn't give the reader the inspiration to go out and achieve the greatest thing possible in their writing lives, but instead said basically "it's okay to suck, and you shouldn't worry about never getting better.

Nov 11, Nikki rated it really liked it Shelves: Bird By Bird is less a book about writing techniques and more a writer speaking to other writers and telling them that it's okay. All their neuroses and hang ups and setbacks. Just take it word by word bird by bird.

I don't think I learned much from it, but just having someone say it's okay to me for two hundred and thirty-seven pages was good. There is some good advice in there about how to start writing a scene you don't know about, how to let your characters develop, h Bird By Bird is less a book about writing techniques and more a writer speaking to other writers and telling them that it's okay.

There is some good advice in there about how to start writing a scene you don't know about, how to let your characters develop, how to deal with criticism, how to pull ideas out of the melting pot that is memory. There's a piece of advice that I just love and might have to try some day: Anne Lamott writes understandingly, in a way that will make you smile wryly and -- in places -- probably make you want to cry.

It may not teach you anything beyond it's okay , and you might find that even that you know, but her writing is lovely and worth reading anyway. I've never read any of her novels, but I definitely recommend reading this. Dec 15, Brian Foley rated it did not like it. I eventually sold them all for swill. Jul 25, Rebecca rated it really liked it Shelves: Along with step-by-step advice on dialogue, plot, characterization, etc. At its worst, writing is confidence-crushing torment. At its best, writing is like a sacred duty to convey a message of hope and contribute to a better world. To be a good writer, you not only have to write a great deal but you have to care.

You do not have to have a complicated moral philosophy. But a writer always tries, I think, to be a part of the solution, to understand a little about life and pass this on. She characterizes writing as a form of meditation: Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. Even if you never publish a word, you have something important to pour yourself into.

There are a lot of us, some published, some not, who think the literary life is the loveliest one possible, this life of reading and writing and corresponding. We think this life is nearly ideal. It is spiritually invigorating It is intellectually quickening. Loved the writing style, the characters and the paranormal world. I was intrigued with Vahl and Jazz, and loved how they worked so well together, complementing each other.

I want to know more about them - their pasts, their secrets and what will happen next. I'll definitely be reading the next book in this series. Once Bitten, Twice Shy is one of those fast-paced urban fantasy novels that grabs you from the start and brings you on a wild ride full of action, fights and intrigue. This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog un Conventional Bookviews. Vayl has huge potential and I think he really likes her, could possibly even love her.

I'll have to read more and find out ;. Oct 28, Amyiw rated it it was amazing Shelves: She feels that she has to make up for her past so she fights the good fight and doesn't question herself in angsty details. She has snark continually playing in her mind if not outright in her responses. I would love to see this as an audiobook and the way a good narrator could bring alive the supporting characters. Yaz-mee-na as Vayl calls her, Vayl would have a way cool accent, at least he does in my head. Still figuring out when she is talking to herself or talking outloud would be difficult. So Jaz and her 6 month together partner are on an assignment and things start to go wrong.

It seems they are being attacked and set up and it must be someone higher up. Well, while this whole UF plot goes on, we learn about Jaz through her actions, reactions, conversations and thoughts, this is the true show me, don't tell me, learning the characters. This is both character driven and plot driven which I believe is the best of both worlds though I am a character driven reader myself. If I had any complaints, it would be with the plot. They are small and truly did not take much away from my enjoyment of the book and characters. Vayl's wife just didn't make sense to me, why was she even part of the book?

She could have been in another just as easily. It made no sense to save her for Vayl. She was evil from the start to the finish and in the end Jaz takes her out anyway but only after the bitch infects her and almost kills her. I liked how it turned out in the end but during the read, it was just a little over the top and too much. Luckily it was one scene and short and the ending was pretty good. This has humor, some great characters, and a pretty good plot all mix into one.

One of my favorite starts to a series this year. Amazing as I've had the first 4 books on my shelf for years! Definitely will be reading on. Bump up for the great start. Apr 01, Jennifer rated it liked it. Originally posted at The Book Nympho Jaz is a tough heroine with a smart mouth. Got to love those kick-ass chicks with attitude. She is a totally believable character with her family problems with her stubborn dad, little sister, and twin brother. And since this book is about a tough heroine that works for the C. There was a good mix of humor with action and I liked the side characters and hope they continue to show up in.

Jaz is a tough heroine with a smart mouth. There was a good mix of humor with action and I liked the side characters and hope they continue to show up in future books. The relationship that Jaz and Vayl have starts out as a great working partnership and then by the end of the book it turns into something more. But there is not much romance in this opening book of the series which makes me wonder if we will get more in the following books.

They have good chemistry and could really heat up in the future. I enjoyed the plot and characters but felt like Rardin used too many pop culture references that I just didn't get. But with any book series there are growing pains and hopefully the writing will work itself out in the following installments.

I highly recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy books that feature a strong female lead. Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost. First off there is so much action and stuff going on in this I am not ever sure were to begin. Jazz or Jasmine Parks is a bad ass assassin, who works for an even more bad ass vampire named Vayl.

Jazz has been working for him for a while she given to him to be his assistant at his request.

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Jazz has some hidden secretes that affects her daily routine. She suffers from periodic black-outs. If that is not bad enough, the current job they are on has proved to be more challenging than expected. Jazz a First off there is so much action and stuff going on in this I am not ever sure were to begin. Jazz and Vayl were set to take out a big dirty player named Assin but what they found instead was a plot to infect millions so they die and they can weed out the unworthy. I enjoyed this book it was nonstop action. Vayl is very charismatic he radiates power.

I can tell that vayl cares for jazz they have a strong sexual tension that most drives you crazy just wanting them to get together ready. I liked that there is not one boring spot in this book it keeps you engaged the entire book and then leaves you wanting more without a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Beginning Readers

I don't understand why it took me so long to read this book. I got about half way and put it down and then kept picking up other books. It's not a bad book, hence the 4 stars, but maybe I was expecting more after reading too much hype. Along the way we meet Cassandra, a psychic and Bergmann the paranoid electronics wizz, together with Cole a PI. They all join our merry little band of assassins and have their roles to play. Along the way we have Jaz leaving her body and astral travelling, which comes in handy for surveillance and totally freaks out Vayl.

Will certainly be continuing reading the series. Apr 27, Courtney rated it it was ok Shelves: This book revolves around Jaz, a woman tortured by a horrible past who's currently working for the CIA as an assassin. She's partnered with the CIA's best agent, a vampire named Vayl. The book has some good elements, but the execution could have used some work. The world is barely described, and though the author mentions other supernatural creepies, she really only delves into the vampiric ones.

Likewise, the characters are flat and rushed. The plot is also rushed, jumping in leaps and bounds at This book revolves around Jaz, a woman tortured by a horrible past who's currently working for the CIA as an assassin. The plot is also rushed, jumping in leaps and bounds at places.

The inevitable romance is at least tasteful, but again, it comes out of nowhere. All in all, the book is good for a quick skim and not much more. There are a few questions left at the end that might merit jumping to the next book in the series, but if it's as rushed and nondescript as this one, it'd be better to pass. May 15, Robin rated it it was ok. Basic story line - Jaz Parks is a gov. She is paired up with a year old vampire by the name of Vayl. They are after a immortal named Assan who is about to set loose a deadly virus.

I was excited to finally get this book albiet in Kindle edition, but after reading it, I wonder what all the fuss was about. I didn't find the characters all that interesting. I tired easily of Jaz talking or thinking comments to herself. I didn't really feel Vayl was given any real characteristics that sto Basic story line - Jaz Parks is a gov. I didn't really feel Vayl was given any real characteristics that stood out.

The story was pretty basic, nothing really new there. All in all this book just didn't do anything for me. It was tiresome to just read it. When I finally finished I felt so much more could have been done to make this a bettter read. Jun 18, Yodamom rated it liked it.

The action was first rate, I got tired of the "my poor past routine". I really wanted her to connect with her vamp more, ah well lack of romance. Perhaps that lowered it a star for me. This book really called for a little love, she and he have been so wounded. I thought the distraction from the human, Cole was a wasted write in, I could not find a reason for him to be there. I really wanted to dive more into the past of these characters, perhaps she will lead us their in future books?

The way s The action was first rate, I got tired of the "my poor past routine". The way she was brought back, was fascinating, top rate! Feb 22, The Flooze rated it it was ok Shelves: Characters were okay, but were underdeveloped, as was the story as a whole. Very light on the romantic element-expression of emotional rather than physical intimacy.

A couple of chuckles here and there. Oct 02, Anne rated it really liked it Shelves: I hadn't heard much about the Jaz Parks series, so I guess I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. There were also enough James Bond-like gadgets to made me clap my hands and squeal! Nov 14, Witchmetal rated it really liked it. I really enjoyed the first 80 percent of this book. I love Jaz so it's like to continue with the series. Once Bitten, Twice Shy was a really fun and interesting read.

Vayl is a vampire and they are working together to try and stop a terrorist threat. They think the assignment will be easy until they almost get killed by people they dont know. They also find that someone has poisoned Vayls blood supply so he ends up feeding on Jaz. This brings her powers even stronger, not always the best thing when it can make you vomit from the smell. We Once Bitten, Twice Shy was a really fun and interesting read. We find out Vayl was married when his wife tries to kill Jaz.

Well thats enough spoilers lol The characters are very well written and likeable. I love the connection between both Vayl and Jaz. She is a badass who had a soft side for her sister and Vayl. I think secretly she is in love with him. Her father wasnt much of a dad but she still does what she can to ensure he is taken care off too.

Vayl seems like a very considerate vampire, he doesnt feed off victims but uses willing donors. Mar 02, Heather Withington rated it really liked it. I have been looking for this series for while, and I am pleased to say that in the end it did not disappoint. The first third of the book was a bit of a slog, and the plot moved at a really slow pace. However, once the book gets going it is a good read. I thoroughly enjoyed Jaz and Vayl's relationship and how it developed through the book.

I also liked the Q lookalike and think that he will bring a nice quirky element to the series. It is a setting up book, and I have no doubt that if the rest of I have been looking for this series for while, and I am pleased to say that in the end it did not disappoint. I did feel some parts were a bit slow and the pacing could be a bit more smooth but otherwise it is a nice read that I will be continuing Jun 06, Vanessa rated it did not like it Shelves: From a mistake in the summary on the back to the stupidness of the main character. Jaz spills all her secrets to a stranger she has just met, because he is pretty and likes her.

She has anger issues and is the most powerful being in this book. And given that this book is about vampires and unleashing a goddess that is saying something. The only good thing was probably that it was pretty short. Though I'm not going to continue with this series. I was born in Evansville, Indiana on April 28, Mom tells me almost every year what crappy weather it was that day.

Early readers explore where owls live, what they eat, and their life cycle, while learning new vocabulary words. Did you know that owls do not build their own nests? Kindergarten — 1 Publisher: Burrowing owls are small owls that live in tunnels in the ground. They are commonly found in the desert. Did you know that peregrine falcons are the fastest animals on the planet? They can reach speeds of over mph when diving.

They are found throughout the world, except at temperature extremes hot tropics and coldest polar regions. Learn more about these incredibly fascinating birds with informational titles in the Birds of Prey series for beginning readers. Brilliant Birds Read Me!: Part of the Extreme Animals series , this book looks at unusual birds, such as regal eagles, helicopter hummingbirds, noisy Kakapos, and cunning crows.

Illustrated with big, bright color photographs and with plenty of high-interest facts in the sidebars, it is likely a child will want to pick this title up again and again. Can You Find These Birds? This guide to birds for the beginner reader features a controlled vocabulary and short sentences, but still manages to pack in a lot of information about birds. Check out the preview at the Enslow website.

Animal Body Coverings by Holly Beaumont is new title that explains how owls and other birds use their feathers to keep warm and to fly, among other things. Along the way, he spots a sea star. Before he can reach it, however, a seagull picks it up and flies away. Find out what he discovers as he chases the gull along the beach. On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Bob Marstall follows the same boy and his dog as they visit a serene pond that is filled with birds, frogs, turtles and other creatures.

Their arrival causes quite a stir. What better way to learn about woodpeckers then via Sayre staccato-burst prose? Six pages of back matter richly supplement the verb-laden text. Henry Holt and Co. May 12, ISBN The Wolf-Birds by Willow Dawson. Why are ravens called wolf-birds? Dawson reveals there is a complex relationship between ravens and gray wolves, particularly in areas with cold, harsh winters. Overall, The Wolf-Birds is perfect for young readers interested in science and nature, particularly animals. It is also likely to appeal to those readers who think they prefer fiction.

It is one of those versatile books to pull it out for units on birds, winter, animal behavior, and even art. Longer review at Wrapped in Foil. Head over to the poetry section to find this beautiful picture book. Each poem is sure to inspire readers to want to find out more about the fascinating birds inside. What is there to learn about bird feathers? It turns out there is a wealth of information. You might already be familiar with how feathers help birds fly or how they keep water birds dry, but Melissa Stewart has found at least 16 different ways birds use their feathers. To make it easy for children to relate to and remember, she compares the uses to common human-made objects with similar purposes, like sunscreen and jewelry.