In The Butterfly Hours, writing instructor Patty Dann has created a warm and wonderful little book that is at once a collection of charming personal vignettes and a guide to help you compose your own memoirs. Each chapter begins with a wise (and blessedly short) writing lesson, followed by several prompts—just a simple word or two—to stir your memories and spark a few quick paragraphs. For extra inspiration, Dann includes her own responses (or those of her beloved students) for each of the brief writing “assignments.” This unique book is a delightful read and a wonderful memoir-writing manual.