In Fact: The Best of Creative Nonfiction

For those unfamiliar with Lee Gutkind, she was instrumental in working on an creating one of my favorite literary publications, Creative Nonfiction. Each issue was devoted to a particular subject, from Family to Intimate Matters or Surviving Crisis. Just last night, in fact, I read one of the pieces from one of those publications, an essay called "Shunning" which told of the loss of identity faced by a pregnant teen in the 60s, during a time when getting pregnant outside of marriage could cause everyone to turn their backs on a person. Now I"m thrilled that Gutkind has compiled some of the best examples of Creative Nonfiction. Not only because I'm already a fan of her work but also because I love reading but am short on time. This book is perfect because it allows me to start and finish an entire piece in the book without having to set aside hours to do so. I don't HAVE to read it in a few days or one or two sittings. I urge you to experience the joys of Creative Nonfiction, especially as compiled by someone as discerning as Gutkind. It is great for those who have to read in fits and starts, perhaps while waiting to pick up a kid after school or while waiting in line at the drive-up window at the bank. In short, it is perfect for taking with you while on a trip, on the run or when you have a few minute in your day to sit down, have a cup or coffee (or snack) and let one of the many wonderful writers in this volume take you away from you usual routine.

Creative nonfiction can be a confusing concept but the essays in Lee Gutkind’s book provide a variety of examples from working writers you can adapt and mold into your own writing. It will be one of my go-to references from now on.

I was originally given a copy of this by one of my favorite high school teachers, and it came in handy as a textbook for my Creative Nonfiction class in college. I loved the collection so much, I wound up buying this copy for one of my friends. He enjoyed it as well. A great blend of narrative and various topics and perspectives.

I was assigned this book and have enjoyed my reading.

This volume is a brilliant collection of extremely well written short stories. The subject matter varies with the author and the selected works are engaging. I enjoy creative non-fiction and find this collection is an excellent example of the genre. It also offers information about the authors and mentions the workshops, colleges and universities they attended. Many of the writers currently teach creative non-fiction writing at university level programs throughout the United States.

The selected essays are very good and the book would be worthwhile for the introductory essays by Dillard and Gutkind alone.

I didn't expect this book to look brand new because I got it "used" the package took a 2 weeks to get to me and thats why I gave it 4 stars. But overall loved it once I got it.

I haven't read this book all the way through -- only a few select stories. However, I really like what I've read and I have high expectations for the other stories. As an aspiring writer, it's literature like this that's proving to be more than just entertaining, but also educational.