mirificmoxie's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
rsarnelli's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve never read an Elizabeth Gilbert book before, but this caught my eye for a variety of reasons. I’m on a bit of a “self-help” kick, I’m feeling creatively stagnant, and - most important of all - this was on the “new books” shelf at the library, so it was readily available (ha).
Overall I thought this was a unique take on creativity and moving beyond the fear associated with creative living. It’s definitely more on the inspirational side of things and doesn’t really have much in the way of tips or how-tos (which is kind of what I was looking for), but Gilbert’s ideas about creativity are interesting. It’s a mix of practical advice and slightly hokey ideas, but there were some passages that really resonated with me. I definitely liked the more positive messages, such as her belief that everyone is a creative person and the sections about letting go of perfection and failed projects. Although I’m not sure how I feel about her belief that there are billions of ideas just floating around the universe like sentient beings, waiting for the right person to open themselves up to/be ready for them. It’s different, that’s for sure.
Regardless, I think this could definitely be useful for writers or anyone who’s looking for some kind of creative motivation. It’s worth a read and like I mentioned it does have some interesting ideas, although you might not necessarily agree with all of them. I was a bit skeptical about some stuff, but I still liked this and found it kind of motivational. I may even consider buying myself a copy once it’s out in paperback.
Overall I thought this was a unique take on creativity and moving beyond the fear associated with creative living. It’s definitely more on the inspirational side of things and doesn’t really have much in the way of tips or how-tos (which is kind of what I was looking for), but Gilbert’s ideas about creativity are interesting. It’s a mix of practical advice and slightly hokey ideas, but there were some passages that really resonated with me. I definitely liked the more positive messages, such as her belief that everyone is a creative person and the sections about letting go of perfection and failed projects. Although I’m not sure how I feel about her belief that there are billions of ideas just floating around the universe like sentient beings, waiting for the right person to open themselves up to/be ready for them. It’s different, that’s for sure.
Regardless, I think this could definitely be useful for writers or anyone who’s looking for some kind of creative motivation. It’s worth a read and like I mentioned it does have some interesting ideas, although you might not necessarily agree with all of them. I was a bit skeptical about some stuff, but I still liked this and found it kind of motivational. I may even consider buying myself a copy once it’s out in paperback.
fionamm's review against another edition
5.0
An amazing book to help motivate creative people to work hard at what they love.
bwoznica's review against another edition
3.0
I loved this book when it was first published. This second time around I read it with my team to spark some creativity. It tends to get a bit repetitive, but some nice reminders on not taking yourself, or your art, too seriously.
angeliqueazul's review against another edition
5.0
Big Magic reminded me why I enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love so much: Elizabeth Gilbert has an incredibly positive, funny and life-affirming voice.
This book is amazing - everyone should read this!
This book is amazing - everyone should read this!
readsbyroos's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This was an absolute delight to read and offered some beautiful insights into bravery, persistence and trust (and being a disciplined Half Ass) that really resonated with me.
This was an absolute delight to read and offered some beautiful insights into bravery, persistence and trust (and being a disciplined Half Ass) that really resonated with me.
leamars's review against another edition
5.0
I can only describe the feeling I had when I was reading Big Magic; as if Elizabeth Gilbert was hugging me and telling me I am so much more than I can imagine.