The Writing Life — Annie Dillard

Paperback | Harper Perennial | November 12, 2013

The Gist

A very successful author gets “deep” about the writing life.

Read if you like

• Annie Dillard’s work

• Books that pontificate on ideas

• Books about people going through the writing process

Verdict: Skip It

The Writing Life is heartfelt, well-written, and weaves together stories about Dillard’s personal life as she produces her numerous works. While the prose is sharp, the pace is slow and applicable wisdom is few and far in between. Nevertheless, by having a slower pace, Dillard does afford readers the opportunity to settle in alongside her and perhaps walk away with a snapshot of what it is like to dedicate one’s life entirely to their craft.