Customer Reviews

Breathing In, Breathing Out: Keeping a Writer's Notebook

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
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The only thing I didn't like about this book was the price. A writer's notebook, or what I refer to as a writer's journal, is where ideas are born. The author shows you how to capture those ideas, fertilize them, and grow them into real live pieces worth publishing. An excellent book that includes excerpts from several writer's journals, including the author's.

Fletcher leads the reader through the value of keeping a writer's notebook in his easy read Breathing In, Breathing Out. He offers valuable insights, experiences and ideas as to how to begin, keep, and find inspiration for a writer's notebook. Although this book does not lay out practical applications for the classroom, it does speak easily to those who like to write.

Fletcher's book not only inspires the reader to write but gives the writer permission to use a writer's notebook in any way that will facilitate the flow of ideas for that particular writer. He provides guidelines without stifling creativity. I think this book is a must read for writers, students of writing, and teachers of writing. He explains the notebook in such a way that the reader almost covets such a book in which to record meaningful thoughts, ideas, events, lists, etc. Providing examples from his own notebook as well as other authors', he shows that the notebook isn't always neat and beautiful, that it is sometimes a safe place to fail at writing, and that it incubates thoughts and ideas for possible later evaluation and expansion. I, honestly, cannot say enough good things about this book!

I am self confessed 'Ralphoholic' having purchased so many Ralph Fletcher publications however, I reserve a special place on my study shelves for this slim volume of powerful words. Ralph speaks to his reading audience with words of encouragement and inspiration. He outlines the value of keeping a writer's notebook. For those of us who teach writing, pertinent messages are shared regarding the use of a writer's notebook to try out ideas beyond the glare of harsh judgment. Ralph encourages all writers to explore the outer limits of their writing potential by starting up a notebook. Wherever you are on the writing developmental continuum, this book speaks elequently to the writer within. In my work with teachers and students I have oft times quoted Ralphisms from this book. Excellent!

In Breathing In, Breathing Out, Ralph Fletcher empowers the reader with the concept of a writer's notebook. Through realistic and exposing examples, Fletcher shows not only the workings of his own writer's notebook but also those of other authors, published and non-published alike. Written in a logical order of digestible chapters, Fletcher guides his reader through what may be uncharted territory, ultimately succeeding at sharing his suggestions of nonconformity for writing. As a teacher, Fletcher's book has assisted me in not only rethinking my own writer's notebook but how I use writing notebooks in my classes as well. Though a good read, the limitations of Breathing In, Breathing Out are limited to classroom use, though with some hands-on application work it easily could be adapted for any classroom.

i already keep several writing journals in various locations. They all come in handy at inconvient times, driving, showering sleeping and hiking, but gratly needed in case my brain is poor at recall. Much is common sense as writers should already be noticing the world aroud them and all that detail has to offer. our writing group has selected this book to help jog our memories for the basic simple reminders that are important and those which are not. A great read for a beginning writer. Take notes along the way, don't be afraid to underline and make notes on the edge of the pages as you read. Enjoy the exercises.

Breathing In, Breathing Out was an exceptional book. For those who love to write, and who are interested in keeping a notebook of their writing, it would be wise for them to skim through it. Author Ralph Fletcher has many good things to say about writing in general. Fletcher has a very different style of writing. As the book progresses, I found it more and more enjoyable. Although I would not say that this book is a "lively page-turner that you can't possibly put down", it is not all that bad. If I were to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 7.