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llanirev's review
1.0
This was quite disappointing. I expected an original view on creativity and inspiration, dressed down by either philosophy or science.
What I got was a not so coherent gathering of beliefs the author holds. Not about creativity in general, but very focused on writing. And not from the question if 'inspiration is "big magic"' but with the conclusion that it is magic. The author has some peculiar thoughts about creatitivity (which she talks about as if it was a person, a person that will only find you if it likes you) or that destiny is hardly shapeable. This book describes a lot of the experiences of the author herself and the beliefs she holds. Kept reading until the end because I hoped that some logic would form, but there deliberaltely was none. I couldn't phrase one thing I have as a take away from this book. Except maybe that you can fill a book by repeating yourself over and over again in different words, talk a lot about yourself and state nothing of worth while sounding interesting. Don't be fooled by the cover or the promise to find creativity through this book.
Advice: skip it.
What I got was a not so coherent gathering of beliefs the author holds. Not about creativity in general, but very focused on writing. And not from the question if 'inspiration is "big magic"' but with the conclusion that it is magic. The author has some peculiar thoughts about creatitivity (which she talks about as if it was a person, a person that will only find you if it likes you) or that destiny is hardly shapeable. This book describes a lot of the experiences of the author herself and the beliefs she holds. Kept reading until the end because I hoped that some logic would form, but there deliberaltely was none. I couldn't phrase one thing I have as a take away from this book. Except maybe that you can fill a book by repeating yourself over and over again in different words, talk a lot about yourself and state nothing of worth while sounding interesting. Don't be fooled by the cover or the promise to find creativity through this book.
Advice: skip it.
janagaton's review
5.0
One of the best nonfiction books I've ever read. I listened to it on audio, and Elizabeth Gilbert's narration added so much to her incredible writing, and I can't wait to reread Big Magic physically. It was frustrating not being able to highlight all over the book because there were SO many quotes that resonated with me and that I would want to look back on years from now. This book was the perfect balance of anecdotes vs advice without sounding preachy or trying too hard to be funny, which tends to be how self-help/personal growth books go nowadays. I loved Elizabeth Gilbert's perspectives on everything she mentioned; she writes in such a profound manner, using sophisticated language that also makes so much sense. Needless to say, this book is beautiful. Prior to this, I've only read Eat Pray Love by her, but I will now make it my goal to read every book she's ever written and will write.
amanda_speights_author's review
5.0
I think this is a book everyone should own and read more than once. There are so many golden nuggets in these pages it’s hard to pick them all up at once.
l_males's review against another edition
slow-paced
0.5
This is just a bunch of short stories of Elizabeth Gilbert recalling her travel or experiences. Quotes and anecdotes that have no point and make no sense. Boring. Should have dnf’d.
tatyanavogt's review
3.0
I think this book had some truly wonderful and inspiring things to say. I felt very touched, motivated and reassured. At moments it made me want to give up my doubts and go forward with any creative thing my mind could think of in that moment.
It made me nod in agreement for things I felt I'd recently experienced. Gave me the feeling of understanding for things I was unsure of. I feel like this book gives those who feel they need it, the permission to do whatever creative thing their hearts desire. And I think thats beautiful.
Unfortunately, I was listening to the audiobook and I found my mind wandering a few times. And since it's not a novel, I wasn't able to engage the same way I do with stories. But regardless I was really into what Elizabeth Gilbert had to say and really enjoyed the book!
I think it was pretty awesome.
It made me nod in agreement for things I felt I'd recently experienced. Gave me the feeling of understanding for things I was unsure of. I feel like this book gives those who feel they need it, the permission to do whatever creative thing their hearts desire. And I think thats beautiful.
Unfortunately, I was listening to the audiobook and I found my mind wandering a few times. And since it's not a novel, I wasn't able to engage the same way I do with stories. But regardless I was really into what Elizabeth Gilbert had to say and really enjoyed the book!
I think it was pretty awesome.
iriidescent's review
4.0
“Do what you love to do, and do it with both seriousness and lightness. At least then you will know that you have tried and that—whatever the outcome—you have traveled a noble path.”
I actually listened to the audiobook during my commute, and it made the experience much more enjoyable. She has a very soothing voice. That aside, I really enjoyed the book. I found it very uplifting and realistic. A few parts felt a little forced to me, but overall it was a practical and comforting book. Being somewhat in a creative rut at the moment, it came at the right time and she hit the nail on the head when she was talking about what prevents us from bringing our ideas to life.
I actually listened to the audiobook during my commute, and it made the experience much more enjoyable. She has a very soothing voice. That aside, I really enjoyed the book. I found it very uplifting and realistic. A few parts felt a little forced to me, but overall it was a practical and comforting book. Being somewhat in a creative rut at the moment, it came at the right time and she hit the nail on the head when she was talking about what prevents us from bringing our ideas to life.
saarrr's review
3.0
2,5/3* Hmm ik weet niet zo goed wat ik van dit boek moet vinden. Ik ben het gaan lezen omdat een kunstenares die ik volg regelmatig heel enthousiast over dit boek vertelt en boeken over creativiteit zijn altijd welkom. Had daardoor vrij hoge verwachtingen, maar het was... prima? Beetje meh? Er staan zeker interessante dingen in en ook stukken waarvan ik dacht JA, DIT!! Maar een heleboel is ook gewoon geneuzel, herhaling of opvulling. Normaal als ik non-fictie lees, is het gebaseerd op onderzoek en staat het vol met bronvermeldingen. Bij dit boek is het meer: de schrijfster heeft het zo ervaren en drie kennissen van haar ook, dus het is zo. Geen slecht boek, maar ben niet overtuigd.