Books I've Read | Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

What is this book about?

This book depicts creativity in a completely unusual, understandable and innovative way. It has shifted and shattered old rules of thinking about how creative endeavors are supposed to be done or how they are supposed to look. Elizabeth Gilbert gives numerous personal experiences in her life that helped her better understand the creative process and what it should actually do for people.

What did you like or not like about the book? 

It's a quick read! It felt like a conversation more than anything else and I really enjoyed how it was written. The book could easily be finished in a day or two if you commit to it. It's one that I'll go back to whenever I'm getting in my own creative way and needing a reminder. I liked all of it, there truly isn't anything I didn't enjoy. I felt like every story was relatable and she backed up her theories very well.

What was one of your favorite concepts that you learned from the book?

Have you ever experienced an idea coming to your mind and it's one of the most brilliant things you've ever come up with? You decide to put it in the back of your mind and eventually you forget about it. Some time later you see someone else create exactly what you already thought of. Crazy, right? I've experienced that before so many times. Ideas want to manifest themselves and if the person who received them waits too long, they may have to find someone else who will help them and get them out there. You have to choose to commit to an idea and give it everything, otherwise if you decide to let it go chances are it will be picked up by someone else.

How did this book make you feel? Were any of your perspectives changed?

Excited and content. She also made some really points about some of the less appealing side and sometimes overbearing side of the creative process, which can be a pretty decent turn off to it all. She managed to keep my attention and explain through a lot of things which made all her conclusions easy to follow. I felt less afraid to just begin the process and with less hesitation about having it be perfect; just go for it! It's always better to just start and see where it takes you.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?

Yes! I don't want to give too much away because Elizabeth Gilbert just puts everything so perfectly that it's worth reading over and over. This book is perfect for those who need a little reassurance and a boost in confidence when it comes to living a creative life and pursuing your hobbies or careers! 

Love, Nick