Scan barcode
laureltree13's review
4.0
I've never read anything by Dani Shapiro- nor heard of her- but I felt inclined to pick up Still Writing after having seen it's rave reviews and seen many recommendations span the online writing world. And in part, I'm glad I did.
In 227 pages, this book touches predominately on the darkest parts of her past- the rough relationship between her mother and herself, her son's health scare, the constant fear of her father's untimely death- and intertwines these hardships with the advice she's developed through experiencing the struggles of writing, teaching and living.
There is some really great advice in this book on the emotional aspects of a writer's every day life, through its beginning, middle and end. Things like, jealousy towards others success- let's be honest, we've felt envious of someone's talents and courage at least once in our life- and the fear of not being intelligent enough, which shocked me considering I've thought myself as not smart enough a few good times before.
Because of it, a sentence from the chapter titled 'Dumb' stuck with me:
I know a few writers- intellectual, erudite people- whose work suffers for their brilliance.
It's the simplest of sentences, and yet I felt it like a wave, washing this particular worry from my shoulders. For this reason alone, I really liked this little book; I could look past the choppy chapters, the constant talk of the divide between herself and her mother- and smile at the thought that I'm not alone in my worries, my fears-- and I know felt bonded to a community of artists beyond the worries of my mind.
I would recommend it to anyone feeling doubtful of their talent, worrisome on some hyper-sensitive level. Though, if you're looking for something technical- this isn't the book for you. (Try, The Elements of Style by William Strunk jr. and E.B White.)
In 227 pages, this book touches predominately on the darkest parts of her past- the rough relationship between her mother and herself, her son's health scare, the constant fear of her father's untimely death- and intertwines these hardships with the advice she's developed through experiencing the struggles of writing, teaching and living.
There is some really great advice in this book on the emotional aspects of a writer's every day life, through its beginning, middle and end. Things like, jealousy towards others success- let's be honest, we've felt envious of someone's talents and courage at least once in our life- and the fear of not being intelligent enough, which shocked me considering I've thought myself as not smart enough a few good times before.
Because of it, a sentence from the chapter titled 'Dumb' stuck with me:
I know a few writers- intellectual, erudite people- whose work suffers for their brilliance.
It's the simplest of sentences, and yet I felt it like a wave, washing this particular worry from my shoulders. For this reason alone, I really liked this little book; I could look past the choppy chapters, the constant talk of the divide between herself and her mother- and smile at the thought that I'm not alone in my worries, my fears-- and I know felt bonded to a community of artists beyond the worries of my mind.
I would recommend it to anyone feeling doubtful of their talent, worrisome on some hyper-sensitive level. Though, if you're looking for something technical- this isn't the book for you. (Try, The Elements of Style by William Strunk jr. and E.B White.)
samanthamfiguly's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
philippakmoore's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book I've read of Dani Shapiro's and it won't be the last. This is a beautiful book that will have a place beside Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down The Bones on my inspiration shelf. It's very different to Bones, in that it's less of a practical "let's get you writing" book and more a meditation on the whole business of being a writer, the craft, the mindset, how you interact with the world. I felt like a warm friendly arm was wrapped around me while reading it, as Shapiro reassured me that she's been there too.
Having finally fully completed my first novel last year (after a three year labour) and worked full time as a freelance journalist until recently, the experiences Shapiro shares in Still Writing were so familiar I would sometimes gasp or smile at the recognition. There have been many times over the past few years where I wondered what on earth I was doing (!) and Still Writing was a comforting and inspiring reminder that I'm not alone!
A must read for all writers, particularly those who are still finding their way. But, as Shapiro reflects, finding your way as a writer seems to be a lifelong process.
Thank you Natasha for this beautiful Christmas gift :)
Having finally fully completed my first novel last year (after a three year labour) and worked full time as a freelance journalist until recently, the experiences Shapiro shares in Still Writing were so familiar I would sometimes gasp or smile at the recognition. There have been many times over the past few years where I wondered what on earth I was doing (!) and Still Writing was a comforting and inspiring reminder that I'm not alone!
A must read for all writers, particularly those who are still finding their way. But, as Shapiro reflects, finding your way as a writer seems to be a lifelong process.
Thank you Natasha for this beautiful Christmas gift :)
svincent2210's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
lory_enterenchanted's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
3.0
I've now read all of Dani Shapiro's memoirs. Three of them are like this, structured as mini-essays around a theme: marriage, spirituality, and here, writing. Not an instruction manual, rather vignettes about one writer's life. I found it pleasant to read but left with no particularly striking insights.
The one thing I do pick up from Shapiro is that it's okay to write about the same thing more than once. She covers the same incidents and themes over and over again.
The one thing I do pick up from Shapiro is that it's okay to write about the same thing more than once. She covers the same incidents and themes over and over again.
chaos_lesbrarian's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
ilovestory's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It was wise, supportive, gentle but encouraging, inspiring and beautifully done. Her life and experiences resonated with me and I felt a connection that made me feel seen and mentored and encourages and I made it so I couldn't wait to sit down and write!