Review of 'Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear' on 'Goodreads'
2 stars
It was interesting to read about her ideas on creativity as a form of magic. A few good stories about writing.
English language
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
4 stars
(21 reviews)
Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.
Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long …
Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.
Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.
Review of 'Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
This might be the book of encouragement many people need to give themselves permission to embrace their creative pursuits or shake things up a bit. My challenge: I always find the author's tone a bit grating. She's like the friend you have who has figured out life and thinks of herself as the "wise one" in the room. A bit more self-deprecation or a less serious tone would help me get on the train.
Review of 'Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
If you only read one book on creativity, then this one will seem groundbreaking.
Gilbert's best moments are when she's giving personal anecdotes from her creative life. The metaphor of ideas having a life of their own isn't novel, but I liked her story about how her idea for a book in the Amazon left her and entered her friend through a kiss. There are moments where it's obvious she's story-fying experiences, and it comes across as disingenuous. Her worst ones are when she's "encouraging" her fragile reader -- comes across as condescending.
A better book about the creative process minus the angst and pandering is "Creative Quest"
by Ahmir Questlove Thompson. Same ideas, more of them, and less mysticism.
Review of 'Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear' on 'Storygraph'
4 stars
So upbeat, yet straight forward and real. Great talk on creativity. a quick and inspiring read..
