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66 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
One "Baldwin Millimenter" at a Time, April 24, 2006
Deep down, all writers aspire to be what Mary Pipher calls "Change Writers". Mary Pipher gets to the heart, the root of why we write. Whether we are 'liberal' or 'conservative', republican or democrat, athiest or 'fundamentalist', we write because we understand that we can influence people with our words.
This is not a book on "How to Write". This is not even a book of inspiration for curing "Writer's Block". This is a book that brings to light the things which the heart of every writer knows, yet often forgets.
Pipher separates her book into three sections, "What We Alone Can Say", "The Writing Process" and "Calls to Action". I found "What We Alone Can Say" and "Calls to Action" to be the most insightful and original. I was actually debating whether I liked the book while reading the center section. But, Pipher pulled through. The irony is that she includes a Mickey Spillane quote that says, "Nobody reads a book to get to the middle." I wonder if Pipher struggled with the center section herself.
If you want a book on how to write, or a book for inspiration, pick up Write Down the Bones. Pipher also recommends this book in a thorough list of Recommended Readings. If you are a writer, a performer, a blogger or a poet who is trying to figure out how to make a difference, pick up Pipher's book.
I have found that many of my most treasured books begin with a James Baldwin quote. Pipher chooses, "You write in order to change the world, knowing perfectly well that you probably can't, but also knowing that literature is indispensable to the world... The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way... people look at reality, then you can chage it." Pipher offers a guide to changing the world one "Baldwin Millimeter" at a time.
(Side note: Pipher references a song by Billie Holiday "Strange Fruit" While this was the perfect example, the song was not actually written by her, but by a poet who does not receive credit in this book.)
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
unique voice, October 30, 2006
Despite some preachiness at the start, which may turn off those readers who are not "bleeding heart liberals," this is an outstanding book. I mistakenly thought it was a more traditional how-to guide for people who wished to write better with an eye toward getting published. Instead, and I didn't mind the error, it is a book on writing effectively with an eye toward yes, changing the world.
Some of the autobiography and personal philosophy will be familiar to readers of Pipher's books. She didn't begin to write until after having children, having been put off by a teacher who returned a poem with "Trite" on it. Thank goodness, she didn't let that permanently stop her.
One section that you won't find in other writers' guides is on letters to public officials. Having edited thousands of letters to the editor, I thought I knew everything there was to know about composing one. I was wrong. There is also a section on public speaking, which is invaluable for writers who intend to read their work publicly.
As another reviewer pointed out, the tone is strongly optimistic, and readers will come away feeling refreshed and energized. The book even inspired me to check out some of the articles and movies referenced, a rarity for me.
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Learn from the content suggestions, not from any perceived bias, June 28, 2006
I knew any book with this title would have at least one item of merit within its pages. I found gold immediately - in the recommended readings section. Pipher provided the perfect place to start the quest for my next trip to the library and book store.
There are several things I value highly about Pipher's work in this book.
First, she has an incredibly strong writing voice that literally says, "I am strong and confident AND I am confident enough to use my own shortcomings as examples."
Second, she gives a lot of information coupled with clear, concrete examples. She then hits a home run by explaining the ways you may choose to apply the same technique.
Third, she peppers the book with incredibly insightful quotes, each of which provides even more food for thought.
This is a book I will use again and again and again. I hope many live changing souls find it and use it again and again and again. I have started recommending it to people - perhaps you are another one of them!
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