Write for Your Life

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 386 ratings

Price: 11.81

Last update: 08-28-2024


About this item

NATIONAL BESTSELLER In this clarion call to pick up a pen and find yourself from “one of our most astute chroniclers of modern life” (The New York Times Book Review), #1 New York Times bestselling author Anna Quindlen shows us how anyone can write, and why everyone should.

What really matters in life? What truly lasts in our hearts and minds? Where can we find community, history, humanity? In this lyrical new book, the answer is clear: through writing. This is a book for what Quindlen calls “civilians,” those who want to use the written word to become more human, more themselves.

Write for Your Life argues that there has never been a more important time to stop and record what we are thinking and feeling. Using examples from past, present, and future—from Anne Frank to Toni Morrison, from love letters written after World War II to journal reflections from nurses and doctors today—Write for Your Life vividly illuminates the ways in which writing connects us to ourselves and to those we cherish. Drawing on her personal experiences not just as a writer but as a mother and daughter, Quindlen makes the case that recording our daily lives in writing is essential.

When we write we not only look, we see; we not only react but reflect. Writing gives you something to hold onto in a changing world. “To write the present,” Quindlen says, “is to believe in the future.”


Top reviews from the United States

Jayne P. Bowers
5.0 out of 5 stars There is No One Right Way
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2022
Any friend or family member who’s been around me for more than fifteen minutes lately has heard me extol the virtues of this book and its excellent advice. Journalist and author Anna Quindlen encourages her readers to start writing now—not tomorrow or when the spirit moves you but today.

Quindlen reminds us that words can resonate through generations and gives several examples of handwritten letters, journals, and notes that have shed light on the exceptional moments of history as well as the ordinary moments of life. In one chapter, she writes about the Depression and shares a personal example that made the period of American life more real to her. Her grandfather, sad that he couldn’t afford a Christmas tree for his family, left the house in his truck and drove to a local business with the intention of bringing the brightly lit and decorated tree home with him. While there, a local policeman drove up and literally caught him in the act. Quindlen’s grandfather, a young man at the time, explained that he was too poor to provide a tree for his family and decided to take matters into his own hand. It was Christmas eve. Touched by the situation, the officer helped the young father load the tree.

There are examples too numerous to relate here, but I must add two: those of the Freedom Writers and Anne Frank. Most are familiar with the story of the students who, emboldened by their teacher, Erin Gruwell, found freedom and confidence by writing of their lives. Known as trouble makers and ne’er do wells, their lives were transformed by writing.

Amazingly, the Freedom Writers had never heard of Anne Frank—nor of the Holocaust before meeting Ms. Gruwell. Learning of Anne Frank and her diary helped them realize that across cultures, ages, and oceans, people share many of the same needs and fears.

I’ve heard “Write what you know” and “Show, don’t tell” over and over again. I’ve also been warned about dangling participles and the importance of letting nouns and verbs be the heavyweights. BUT, here’s what Quindlen’s advice when writing letters, journals, memoir, or really anything else you want to jot down or peck out: There is no right way. How it’s done is how you do it.

There’s a wealth of information in this book, including a chapter on voice and information on handwriting. It’s a perfect source for someone who needs a nudge to write a note, a letter, a story, a family history, a memory….
Judi
4.0 out of 5 stars You’ll be astounded at what you have to say…
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022
Easy read. If you have any thoughts of writing about your i]life experiences…this will reinforce your journey to do so…Quindlin always a good read…
Dorothy A.
5.0 out of 5 stars Surprise content on writng
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2023
I was surprised and intrigued by Quinlen's creative approach to describing the writing process. The introduction to Anna Frank's Diary proved to be an excellent interesting entre to discussing both the writer's life and helpful processes to cultivate one's projects.
I found the content to be engaging, informative and inspiring. The quotes from famous books and authors were like literary breadcrumbs from beginning to end. Finally, I always enjoy Anna Quinlan's stories and this nonfiction piece still feels like a great story.
Jane Collier
5.0 out of 5 stars I am still talking about this book!
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2023
What a joy to read this magnificent book by Anna Quindlend. I have never read a book quite like this one. The author speaks to the heart of the soul in sharing yourself with others by way of a hand written note and of the importance of journaling to capture a part of you that your loved ones will treasure forever. We live in a fast paced world of technolgy today that propells us at the "speed of light" to communicate with each other via emails, text messages, etc. Anna Quinlend shows us there is a better way. After reading this book, I made a pact with myself that I will put down my iphone and my computer every time I want to send a love note to someone and, instead, pick up my pen and write with my heart. Aren't our friends and loved ones worth the extra time it takes to put thoughts on paper this way and send by way of a postage stamp? Admit it---when you see a hand-addressed envelope in your mailbox, doesn't that pique your interest and make you want to open it first? Hand written letters are a thing of the past and a lost art. I think you will change your ways after you read this marvelous book!
BookWorm
3.0 out of 5 stars Get the Kindle version
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2022
Anna Quindlen is one of my favorite authors so I had high expectations for this book, however, I was disappointed. I found the size of the book, 5x8, awkward to handle and the large print to be annoying. The truth is there is not enough content for a book so the publisher made the font larger and the cover smaller. I did agree with the theme of the book that we need to leave a legacy of our life by writing about it. For this book, the Kindle version would be best rather than paying for the hardcover.
Terry
5.0 out of 5 stars Good writing, good advice
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2023
I teach a memoir writing class for seasoned adults and have already shared portions of this book with my students--and there's more I want to share with them. Quindlen always writes well--and that's especially good here because she gives good advice about writing!
Ttownknitiot
4.0 out of 5 stars Modified review Missing pages
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2022
Update: after contacting the publisher, and providing documentation (screenshots of pages), a new copy of this book was mailed to me at no cost. It’s a lovely book, reminding us that putting pen to paper is still important. Journal. Write letters. Keep detailed notes in your planner.

I was greatly enjoying this book, when I got to page 88. Pages 89-104 are missing. The space is filled with a repeat of pages 73-88. Angry and frustrated. I’m also trying to reach out to the publisher and author.
Customer image
Ttownknitiot
4.0 out of 5 stars Modified review Missing pages
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2022
Update: after contacting the publisher, and providing documentation (screenshots of pages), a new copy of this book was mailed to me at no cost. It’s a lovely book, reminding us that putting pen to paper is still important. Journal. Write letters. Keep detailed notes in your planner.

I was greatly enjoying this book, when I got to page 88. Pages 89-104 are missing. The space is filled with a repeat of pages 73-88. Angry and frustrated. I’m also trying to reach out to the publisher and author.
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Larry
5.0 out of 5 stars View
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2023
Well written. Good advice.

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