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Every book Anne Lamott recommended on podcasts
Anne Lamott appeared on the How I Write podcast to share insights regarding writing practices, creative discipline, and notable literary works. Throughout the episode, Anne Lamott frequently referenced her own prominent book, Bird by Bird, utilizing it to address topics such as writer's block, writing workshops, overcoming procrastination, observational habits, dialogue construction, and the three-draft writing structure. Anne Lamott also discussed Help, Thanks, Wow, quoting from the text during a conversation about finding humor and grace in life. Beyond her own bibliography, Anne Lamott discussed Peter Matthiessen's novel Far Tortuga, praising the brilliant book as an example of a narrative written almost entirely in dialect. By reflecting on her foundational writing guides and highlighting works by other authors, Anne Lamott provided listeners with a comprehensive look into the mechanics of effective storytelling, the challenges of creative production, and the value of unique stylistic choices in literature.
Books recommended by Anne Lamott
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A Confederacy of Dunces
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole is a classic comedic novel featuring the eccentric, larger-than-life protagonist Ignatius J.
Discussed“Maybe it's um Ignatius J. Riley in a confederacy of Dun Dunes who has nothing nothing in common with me, but I recognize him as a really dear messed up human like the rest of us.”
Where to get it
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Bird by Bird
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a widely celebrated and practical guide to the craft of writing and overcoming creative hurdles.
Discussed“Well, I wrote a lot about writer's block in Bird by Bird because I think it's a misnomer.”
Where to get it
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Far Tortuga
Discussed“Peter Mat's brilliant book, Far Tartuga, is in Ptois, you know, most of it.”
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Help, Thanks, Wow
Discussed“Well, you know, I said in Help, thanks, Father, that laughter is carbonated holiness.”
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Imperfect Birds
Discussed“I've had a couple of books with a with the word bird in them imperfect birds and bird by bird”
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Middlemarch
Middlemarch by George Eliot is widely regarded as a towering masterpiece of nineteenth-century English literature, known for its intricate plotting, profound psychological depth, and sprawling social canvas.
Discussed“like in Middle March, the I think the greatest novel ever written by George Elliot, there are so many moments where a a character has made a decision to do something and you just stop in your traction.”
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Still Life at Eighty
Discussed“Abigail Thomas, who's written a book on memoir and and another book, Still Life at 80, she gave me a few of these great prompts.”
Where to get it
Books Anne Lamott wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Lamott Teaches Unforgettable Writing | How I Write | How I Write | 2026-04-29 | 17 |