This is a very interesting, and useful, book. It covers a range of types of writing. For example, it looks at genre, digital media, illustrated work, fiction, memoir, non-fiction.... It's quite a list!

What I like is the way the author breaks down pieces of text in order to analyse more closely what the writer has done. One example I found especially illuminating was the presentation of a piece of text along with the invitation to read it as a poem, fiction, and non-fiction. I was surprised to discover that I did indeed read it differently depending on which of those genres I thought it belonged to.

There are lots of sample passages to ponder, and discussion questions and writing prompts at the end of each chapter. These prompts are rather more challenging than the usual kind. 

Although this book covers more types of writing than any one person is likely to engage in, I think it's a worthwhile investment. It's both analytical and readable: two words you don't often find in the same sentence!

This review first appeared in my newsletter for nonfiction writers: Write!