Book Reviews

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions

on Writing and Life (Pantheon)--$27.95 hardcover-- 270 pages By Anne Lamott This is not an ordinary instructional book. It offers information not only on writing, but on being a writer. Lamott uses her humour and brutal honesty to tackle subjects such as writ- er’s block, the frustrations of publication, and jealousy of other writers’ accomplishments. She draws from her personal experiences to provide detailed examples covering almost everything that any student of storytelling could want to know (as well as many things no one wants to hear but should care about anyway). Lamott’s sarcastic humour colours cach section of the book with a friendly sense of hilarity. The prose is witty and conversational, a joy to read and acchore to put down. Bird by Bird is a must-read for anyone fascinated by writing, whether a rank amateur or a seasoned professional. -- Mike Beagan

8 Simple Passion (Random House) By Annie Ernaux Ifyou have ever sat by the phone waiting for a guy (or girl) to phone back, this book is for you. Simple Passion is a story about just that. The main character is having an affair with a married man, and by reading through her ‘Diary’? you become tied to her and the emo- tions she feels as she tries to decide what to do. Although I have never had an affair, I could relate to all the emotions she was dealing with; the book not only gives you insight into the Novelist, but into yourself as well. It’s the best book I’ve read all year. -- Kathy Giesbrecht

we

Deep Thoughts: a book of post-

cards

(Andrews & McMeel)

By Jack Handey

Saturday Night Live fans will be familiar with these profound little bits of wisdom. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Jack Handey, his musings run a bit toward the bizarre: “‘If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava, Iet “em go, because, man, they’re gone.”’

This book takes 30 such quips, superim- posed on lovely nature photo backgrounds, and turns them into postcards you can rip out and mail to your friends (or hoard them for your- self).

I love this book. My only complaint, and thisisa little one, is that the cards are a wee bit difficult to rip out. A really sharp knife might be a good side investment. Our editor laughed until he hurt himself... what more proof do you need?

-- Aldera Chisholm

I hope if dogs ever take over the world,

and they choose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some Chihuahuas with some good ideas.

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