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pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
A quick, light read about the author's musings on writing. Perfect for any aspiring writer. I also enjoyed the final interview about Oates' novel "Blonde" which happens to be my favorite.
toniclark's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it okay — some essays more than others — just not enough to spend time writing a review. I've read quite a lot of her fiction (but not recently) and want to read some of her more recent books. I do think she's pretty amazing. Have heard her speak, too, and she was a lot more personable (and funnier) than I'd have expected.
emilie888's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Lots of great advice, enjoyed the essay format
lookhome's review against another edition
4.0
Insightful, warm and genuine.
The thoughts of a writer that loves to read and one that takes pains to explain why literature matters.
A concise dive into the world of letters and reflection on, predominately American, authors as sources of inspiration.
Made me want to read Dickinson and Hemingway all over again and in greater detail
The thoughts of a writer that loves to read and one that takes pains to explain why literature matters.
A concise dive into the world of letters and reflection on, predominately American, authors as sources of inspiration.
Made me want to read Dickinson and Hemingway all over again and in greater detail
dwcofer's review against another edition
1.0
This book is simply a collection of essays written by Oates in the past, published in various other publications, and assembled for this book. I was under the impression the book was filled with writerly advice and insights, penned by Oates specifically for a single publication. However, the opposite is the case. These essays were haphazardly congregated and placed in the book simply to put out a new book for money.
The book contains no thoughts on the subjects suggested by the chapter headings. I was eagerly anticipating the reading of the chapter called “Reading As A Writer: The Artist As A Craftsman.” I was expecting advice to writers on how and what to read to improve as a writer. There was none. The chapter contained a few examples showing the influence of past writers on subsequent writers. A disappointing chapter, to say the least.
Many of the essays are written in a stream of conscious mode that ramble and make little, if any, sense. For example, please explain to me what is meant by “The sense of subterranean meanings beneath public discourse.” (37) I have no idea what Oates is trying to say. In another essay she says Moby Dick is “arguably the most powerful American novel of the nineteenth century, if not of the twentieth as well.” (95-9) Really? Moby Dick the most powerful novel of the past two centuries? This conclusion astonishes me. I feel certain Oates is well read, but this comment makes me wonder if she daydreams while she reads.
The book is a total waste of time and money. I am only glad it is about 150 so I did not waste more time in the reading.
The book contains no thoughts on the subjects suggested by the chapter headings. I was eagerly anticipating the reading of the chapter called “Reading As A Writer: The Artist As A Craftsman.” I was expecting advice to writers on how and what to read to improve as a writer. There was none. The chapter contained a few examples showing the influence of past writers on subsequent writers. A disappointing chapter, to say the least.
Many of the essays are written in a stream of conscious mode that ramble and make little, if any, sense. For example, please explain to me what is meant by “The sense of subterranean meanings beneath public discourse.” (37) I have no idea what Oates is trying to say. In another essay she says Moby Dick is “arguably the most powerful American novel of the nineteenth century, if not of the twentieth as well.” (95-9) Really? Moby Dick the most powerful novel of the past two centuries? This conclusion astonishes me. I feel certain Oates is well read, but this comment makes me wonder if she daydreams while she reads.
The book is a total waste of time and money. I am only glad it is about 150 so I did not waste more time in the reading.
kcmc59's review against another edition
4.0
A nice collection of essays by one of my favorite writers.
miayukino's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Suicide
Minor: Racial slurs, Ableism, and Sexism
dingbatlikescomics's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Racial slurs
rowena_reads_a_book's review against another edition
3.0
Some of the essays are very informative and helpful to young writers. But there is a strong emphasis on poetry as this is what Joyce Carol Oates is known for.