Customer Reviews

Writing Like a Woman (Poets on Poetry)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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A wonderful book of literary criticism discussing the works of HD, Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Adrienne Rich, and May Swenson. I was initially leery because the book was first published in the early 80s. However, Ostriker's ideas are still fresh, interesting and thought provoking. She almost has me agreeing with her that HD is the greatest woman poet of the 20th century.... almost. The title might be misleading for some. This is not a how-to manual for aspiring writers. This is a wonderful book of essays that sent me straight out to re-read poets whose work I hadn't read in years. Additionally, Ostriker's comments about her own creativity process have lead me to read some of her work as well. I was not disappointed. This book is a must read for anyone interested in 20th Century poetry.

Alicia Ostriker's marvelous guide to writing is not only unique in it's format and style, but is simply a wonderful guide for how to capture the essence of the increasingly popular women's writing movement. Oprah's book club has really increased interest in women's writing, with authors such as Jane Hamilton, Janet Fitch, and Ursula Hegi, to mention just a few. Doubtless, many aspiring writers have wanted to capture that same magic that makes those books so appealing--and this book is the first step! It is compulsively readable, immensely encouraging, and ultimately, a supreme, unparalleled guide to becoming a better, more readable writer. The only thing that prevents this book from receiving Amazon's highest rating is that there could have been more exercises and there still seemed enough information left out to warrant another book or perhaps a series. Nonetheless, this is an extremely enlightening guide and well worth its purchase price. Bravo!