Elizabeth Gilbert

Explores attitudes, approaches, and habits needed to live a creative life.

Creative Living Beyond Fear

Big Magic

Erika Larson

No, when I refer to “creative living,” I am speaking more broadly. I’m talking about living a life that is driven more strongly by curiosity than by fear. 

"The universe buries strange jewels within us all, then stands back to see if we can find them."

"Experiences taught me to be careful of meeting my heros in person, it can be terribly disappointing. Anyway, I quite liked the way he lived inside my imagination, as a massive and powerful presence, built our of his poems and the stories I'd heard about him. So I decided to know him only that way, through my imagination."

Keira 💫

Abigail Schreider

This felt like a warm hug - a book I’ll go back to whenever I need a pep talk on creativity

Chourouk

Anecdotal, fun, light and whimsical. Helped with my perception of creativity and looks at it with the eyes of child. Highbrows can stay away from this book. It’s bite size selfhelp book for creative living.

Hannah Yoon

Did she make some points? Yes. Did she have to make them so annoyingly? No.

Regan Martin

Reminded me of The Artist's Way, but from a more up to date perspective and without the workbook aspect. Overall, enjoyed it, although it can get cheesy at times (just like TAW). 

Isabel Urbina Peña

Deepika Ramesh

Inspiring. SO SO inspiring. My blog here: http://worncorners.com/2016/01/09/big...

Perfect antidote to the tired but curious mind of this writer. It’s magical to hear someone talk so openly about the joy of creating… i will return to this book as and when my soul needs it!

Samantha Cummings

erin

Mediocre productivity/creativity pop-psych-slash-self-help. Not for me.

luca

“A criatividade pura é mais que uma necessidade; é uma dádiva. É a cobertura do bolo. Nossa criatividade é um bônus extravagante e inesperado do universo. É como se todos os deuses e anjos tivessem se reunido e dito: “Sabemos que não é fácil viver aí embaixo como um ser humano. Aqui, tomem alguns prazeres”.” 💜

Sarah Schumacher

TLDR: If you are an artist in need of encouragement or someone who thinks they're not creative but wishes to be: read this book immediately. It's inspiring, funny, packed full of uncommonly good advice and utterly delightful to read.

---

I absolutely loved this book.

I love anything about creativity and I'd seen this book mentioned somewhere, so I dutifully added it to my massive Want To Read list for some much later date. I happened to walk past a display table at the library where it was sitting out, recognized the cover and grabbed it (I've run out of books to read twice this year; a tragedy).

When I finally quit the terrible book I was previously reading and picked this up, I was surprised to discover how much I loved it. I've never read anything by Elizabeth Gilbert and have not seen her TED talk (that I remember). I enjoy light-hearted, personable writing, which she has clearly mastered (as evidenced by the fact that 99% of my notes were written down as direct quotes), and I couldn't put this book down. There's so much good advice here. As an artist who's also incredibly practical, it was refreshing to read someone who can tell it like it is while simultaneously being insanely encouraging and delighted to do all of it. This is a book I will eventually purchase to add to my personal library, and it would make an excellent gift.

I did see another review negatively mention her spiritualization of creativity. There's definitely a thread of that running throughout, particularly in a couple areas, but it didn't bother me. Some of it I would describe more as anthropomorphism. Regardless, it shouldn't be something that would prevent you from reading it. I don't believe you need to agree with every single point to enjoy a book - take what you need, leave what you don't. I also believe her advice in regard to education in the arts is sound as well as respectful.

Für alle, die EAT PRAY LOVE geliebt haben: das neue Buch von Weltbestsellerautorin Elizabeth Gilbert Eine Liebeserklärung an die Macht der Inspiration und Kreativität Elizabeth Gilbert hat eine ganze Generation von Leserinnen geprägt: Mit EAT PRAY LOVE lebten wir Dolce Vita in Italien, meditierten in Indien und fanden das Glück auf Bali. Mit BIG MAGIC schenkt uns die Autorin eine begeisternde Liebeserklärung an die Macht der Inspiration, die aus jedem von uns einen kreativen Menschen machen kann. Warum nicht endlich einen Song aufnehmen, ein Restaurant eröffnen, ein Buch schreiben? Elizabeth Gilbert vertraut uns die Geschichte ihres Lebens an – und hilft uns dadurch, endlich an uns selbst zu glauben.

Nimm dein Leben in die Hand und es wird dir gelingen

Caitlin Moore

Probably the best self help book I’ve ever read. This is the one I will always recommend to anyone who feels they aren’t creative enough, or who doesn’t trust in their talents. 10/10.

Jazelle H

I am trying, desperately, to stop writing with the fear that my work isn't perfect. I have an entire manuscript sitting, waiting to be fixed up and finished. This novel was a reminder that there is no creativity with fear. It's our job as creative people, as people in general, to make something out of nothing. We can't continue to worry that the end result isn't enough. It is.

* A short, interesting read to reframe how you think about creativity, but it leans towards New Age thoughts*

Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear

 floating around on several book sites. I added it to my list because I enjoy reading about a variety of nonfiction. Then I forgot about it until I decided that this year I will make a concerted effort to work through my backlist TBR.

I didn't realize until I started reading it that this was by the author of 

. Yes, I now see that it says that on the cover. I guess I was distracted by the bright colors or something. But I am fairly bad at remembering authors unless it is someone I either love or hate. Anyway, that wasn’t a major point one way or the other, just something I didn’t realize.

On to the actual book: I liked some parts better than others, but it did have some thought-provoking ideas and good quotes. The ideas about fear versus creativity were interesting. Also that it isn't about getting rid of fear but about moving beyond the fear to follow your creative passions.

I strongly agree that creativity and creative pursuits should not just be about things that can be monetized. People should indulge in creative pursuits for the joy of it, not because they could make money off of it. Social media has unfortunately added to the pressure that every hobby should be picture perfect and turned into a side hustle. As well-meaning as it is, I get tired of friends always telling me I should sell my arts and crafts. I’ve tried that and have found that things immediately stop being cathartic as soon as you turn them into a job. And my art is all about cathartic release not attention or money.

Most of the book though focused on how to handle things if your art/writing 

 your career. Those sections had the standard Self Help feel to them with lots of rah-rah messages about staying true to yourself and not giving up. Nice but generic sentiments targeted towards a specific audience. I did appreciate, though, that Gilbert addressed the toxic and self-destructive aspects of the arts. Why do people think artists need to suffer? Why do people put up with egos of those achieve fame?

Gilbert also veered into some hippy-dippy territory talking about ideas as if they were sentient beings - like little, mischievous fairies that flit from one person to another deciding when to bestow their muse or leave a person high and dry if they feel like their Idea-self-thingy isn’t being appreciated and used properly.

This was a short read with a few interesting thoughts but nothing groundbreaking. It did also a fragmented feel to it, either like it hadn’t been cohesively edited or like that feeling you get when talking to a hype person who monologues across a variety of random thoughts.

Read this if you want a short, fast-paced nonfiction or if you want a different take on how to approach a career in writing or other artistic areas. Take everything with a grain of salt. Like anything in the self-help realm, the level of helpfulness comes down to how much it reflects whatever message you are seeking.

Colleen

3.5 Stars

* A short, interesting read to reframe how you think about creativity, but it leans towards New Age thoughts*


I saw Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear floating around on several book sites. I added it to my list because I enjoy reading about a variety of nonfiction. Then I forgot about it until I decided that this year I will make a concerted effort to work through my backlist TBR.

I didn't realize until I started reading it that this was by the author of Eat, Pray, Love. Yes, I now see that it says that on the cover. I guess I was distracted by the bright colors or something. But I am fairly bad at remembering authors unless it is someone I either love or hate. Anyway, that wasn’t a major point one way or the other, just something I didn’t realize.

On to the actual book: I liked some parts better than others, but it did have some thought-provoking ideas and good quotes. The ideas about fear versus creativity were interesting. Also that it isn't about getting rid of fear but about moving beyond the fear to follow your creative passions.



“Recognizing that people's reactions don't belong to you is the only sane way to create. If people enjoy what you've created, terrific. If people ignore what you've created, too bad. If people misunderstand what you've created, don't sweat it. And what if people absolutely hate what you've created? What if people attack you with savage vitriol, and insult your intelligence, and malign your motives, and drag your good name through the mud? Just smile sweetly and suggest - as politely as you possibly can - that they go make their own fucking art. Then stubbornly continue making yours.”


I strongly agree that creativity and creative pursuits should not just be about things that can be monetized. People should indulge in creative pursuits for the joy of it, not because they could make money off of it. Social media has unfortunately added to the pressure that every hobby should be picture perfect and turned into a side hustle. As well-meaning as it is, I get tired of friends always telling me I should sell my arts and crafts. I’ve tried that and have found that things immediately stop being cathartic as soon as you turn them into a job. And my art is all about cathartic release not attention or money.



“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner—continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself.”


Most of the book though focused on how to handle things if your art/writing is your career. Those sections had the standard Self Help feel to them with lots of rah-rah messages about staying true to yourself and not giving up. Nice but generic sentiments targeted towards a specific audience. I did appreciate, though, that Gilbert addressed the toxic and self-destructive aspects of the arts. Why do people think artists need to suffer? Why do people put up with egos of those achieve fame?

Gilbert also veered into some hippy-dippy territory talking about ideas as if they were sentient beings - like little, mischievous fairies that flit from one person to another deciding when to bestow their muse or leave a person high and dry if they feel like their Idea-self-thingy isn’t being appreciated and used properly.



“But to yell at your creativity, saying, “You must earn money for me!” is sort of like yelling at a cat; it has no idea what you’re talking about, and all you’re doing is scaring it away, because you’re making really loud noises and your face looks weird when you do that.”


This was a short read with a few interesting thoughts but nothing groundbreaking. It did also a fragmented feel to it, either like it hadn’t been cohesively edited or like that feeling you get when talking to a hype person who monologues across a variety of random thoughts.

Read this if you want a short, fast-paced nonfiction or if you want a different take on how to approach a career in writing or other artistic areas. Take everything with a grain of salt. Like anything in the self-help realm, the level of helpfulness comes down to how much it reflects whatever message you are seeking.


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Attention to Details: 3 Stars
Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Objectivity: 3 Stars

Gia Palamos

Never let fear drive your, but allow him to sit at the back. You navigate and drive.

Matthew Royal

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.

Meghan Navoy

this was a fun one. listened to it on audiobook very quickly. I love her perspective on creativity, really inpsiring

Jeannette Ordas

An easy to read self-help book on being creative. It's cute and sweet - Gilbert's stories are interesting and everything has a light touch and a big shine, but there's really not a lot in here. But, it's a good reminder that working hard & being curious beats divine inspiration every time. 3.5 stars.

This book is by no means bad, but maybe I just wasn’t the right audience for it, or maybe this wasn’t the right time in my life to listen to it. Some points are valid, but I think others the author totally misses the mark or is out of touch with perhaps her own privilege.

(Bre)anne✨

TW to be added later

This book is by no means bad, but maybe I just wasn’t the right audience for it, or maybe this wasn’t the right time in my life to listen to it. Some points are valid, but I think others the author totally misses the mark or is out of touch with perhaps her own privilege.

Amy Thibodeau

Izza

Absolutely loved this book!  A great reminder that we all have Big Magic inside of us all! This is the second time I have listened and read this book! Can’t get enough!

Cindy GielinghJones 

Gisela Ayala 

This book changed my life. Or should I say audio book? This is actually my first audiobook ever and I'm really happy I decided to listen to Elizabeth Gilbert's soothing voice. Honestly this book changed my life and really set my mood for the year. It is possible to live a creative life without having to sacrifice much. Everyone can be creative, because there are so many different ways to be creative, and Gilbert definitely pointed that out. I also really liked that I listen to the book rather than read it, it was like listening to a friend give really good advice.

Latitude Tamarind

I liked this a lot more than Eat Pray Love

Ley Stanton

I've had this ARC for months... I'm not really sure why I didn't read it right away. I think its (ironically) because I feared I wouldn't enjoy a book that I immensely loved the premise of.
However, this book did more than quiet my fears. It inspired me. I no longer want to be afraid to write. I want to be at a place where I don't care if I ever really get published, I'm just here to actually enjoy the act of creating. This book was amazing. I want to read it again...and maybe another time after that. It just has this uplifting feeling to it. It makes me want to sit down and immediately get to writing. Sadly, I'm not at a point in my life where that is a possibility for me right now. Thankfully, I don't hear any ideas knocking at my door right now so maybe I will have a little more time to get my act together before another grand idea comes to me. For now, I will stick to filling adult coloring books with my creativity. The biggest thing that this book taught me was that I don't have to be perfect or a huge success in order to enjoy my creativity.

Big Magic Creative Living Beyond Fear

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