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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
📚 2025 #30: “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
⭐️⭐️💫 2.75/5: I didn't hate this, but I didn't really like it either. I know some people treat this like their creativity bible and use it to get out of even the deepest of creative slumps. I will not be joining that crowd.
Gilbert starts by saying we're all creatives, then goes on to give anecdotes and advice for people whose primary function is to produce creative works. I really don't think this book is for everybody, but many will find some inspiration. I did appreciate her advice of chasing ideas that resonate with you, lest they slip away to find another artist to bring them to fruition.
This reminded me of how I felt reading "Born to Create" by Anne Jacoby -- and not in a good way. If you're looking for writing inspiration (since that's what Gilbert is focused on), I highly recommend "On Writing" by Stephen King instead.
⭐️⭐️💫 2.75/5: I didn't hate this, but I didn't really like it either. I know some people treat this like their creativity bible and use it to get out of even the deepest of creative slumps. I will not be joining that crowd.
Gilbert starts by saying we're all creatives, then goes on to give anecdotes and advice for people whose primary function is to produce creative works. I really don't think this book is for everybody, but many will find some inspiration. I did appreciate her advice of chasing ideas that resonate with you, lest they slip away to find another artist to bring them to fruition.
This reminded me of how I felt reading "Born to Create" by Anne Jacoby -- and not in a good way. If you're looking for writing inspiration (since that's what Gilbert is focused on), I highly recommend "On Writing" by Stephen King instead.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
slow-paced
Seems to be appreciated by those who are facing barriers to creativity. But it could have been 20 pages. The rest is quite self-indulgent, like a long (unfiltered) humble brag. I didn't finish with any specific ideas other than, do it if you want to.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
That book (picked up at the Strand Bookstore) came at the right time for me. I didn't agree with everything (nor did I love the writing throughout; a bit too familiar, sometimes), but it definitely made me want to get to write, and to get it out there. Also sparked a lot of reflexions re: where I want to take my life.
A good read, at the right time.
A good read, at the right time.
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced