Great little encouraging book! ( )

A quick read, this book made me wonder, once again, why some books are ever written? I supposed the author just wanted to add to the library on guilt under the guise of encouraging people to write. Can't recommend reading, can't recommend buying! ( )

Anna Quindlen invites the reader into her world which she believes should be everyone’s world. Write it down was the mantra I gleaned from this ode to the written word. Her narrative takes us back in history and forward to the future as we consider those who did and did not “write it down”. I found it delightful and accessible as are most of her works. Even if you are not interested in becoming an amateur writer, you might reconsider what you can leave behind for generations to come. ( )

I adore Anna Quindlen but I wasn’t that enthusiastic about reading this book, until I was reading the first page. I had the Kindle edition (and the hardcover edition) and the Overdrive audio edition. Quindlen reads the book. If she hadn’t I wouldn’t have been interested in the audio edition. Given that it was read by the author I loved it. It was almost as good as the few times I got to see her speak in person. It still wouldn’t have worked for me if I hadn’t been also simultaneously reading the words on the page/screen. I think she must have taped this at home during the pandemic. It’s not quite professionally done. There are weird scratchy sounds in-between sections. I actually didn’t love the narration in that she emoted too much as though the reader wouldn’t be able to imagine so for themselves but when I pictured her talking and imagined myself at a talk, then I did enjoy it. I needed the words on the screen/page though!

This is brilliant. I love the mish mash of all that was included about writing. I found all the people’s stories and examples used interesting. I enjoyed the chatty writing style.

When I read about drafts though whatever interest in writing the book inspired went away again. I just don’t enjoy the writing process, especially if I can’t “get it right” without having to edit, redo, etc. I was interested to read that the author feels the same way I do about rewrites and edits: not enthusiastic.

The hardcover edition has blank pages as the end for readers to start writing. I would love to own a hardcover edition of this book. I can see rereading it and I can see giving it as a gift.

4-1/2 stars ( )

https://polymathtobe.blogspot.com/2022/05/book-review-write-for-your-life-by-ann... ( )