I got this from the library a few weeks ago when I couldn't find the writing book I wanted, and I sat down on this lovely Saturday morning and read it cover to cover. Like Steven Brust, quoted on the back cover, I too sometimes wish I would wake up in the morning as Teresa Nielsen Hayden. ( )

This is a collection of essays written by TNH over a period of years. Nefsa brought together her most frequently reprinted, discussed and passed around writings into this volume*. One of the other reviews makes the observation that it reads like Making Light, her blog. This is true, and explains both the appeal of the book and its weakness. TNH's personality, enthusiasm, humor, warmth and intelligence shine through this book. At the same time, these are occasional pieces, and when the occasion has passed, it isn't always clear that they have lasting value.

Case in point - Iguanacon. I wasn't there, may not have been born, certainly wasn't in fandom. For those who were part of it, by all accounts it was a life-changing, traumatic event. I saw an on-line blow-up a few months ago that can only be described as Iguanacon PTSD. But it truly is a You Had To Be There event, and the selections in the book that talk about it fall flat.

On the other hand, her account of being excommunicated from the Mormon church may be even more relevant today, given our public politics. I read a statement by her once (I don't think in this book...) that this piece is the one that people who don't know her personally remember and talk to her about. I'm not surprised; it's flat-out powerful.

I gave it three stars for being a mixed bag, and I'm not sure it is something that bears repeated reading, but it is well worth reading once.

*And hats off to Nefsa for their wonderful work in publishing all kinds of science fiction, fantasy, fan writings, out-of-print, quirky and other categories of written works that would otherwise have been lost. ( )

Teresa Nielsen Hayden writes with verve and brilliance. ( )