Sitting here, working on my review of this personal development book, Big Magic, I'm already thinking about how I need to re-read it. There were quotes I wanted to remember, tips I didn't want to forget, ways the words came out that made me go, "YES".
I enjoyed how it read like a novel, flowy, like a story instead of a "do this do that" form of personal development type books. However, the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, while well deserved, did spend a lot of time talking about the book, "Eat, Pray, Love". (Which I haven't yet read, which should be on my doorstep soon, because now I must read it too.)
Back to the Big Magic. The basis of the book are for those in the creative field. I'm sure you could apply her wealth of experiences to those who detest a creative life, but writers, and artist in general are going to be more drawn to the basis. Which is living while creating. Instead of creating to live, or being too fearful to create.
From the back cover of the book, "Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn't matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege. The work wants to be made, and it wants to be made through you."
Should you run and grab this book now? Like I said, I'm not so sure those who detest creativity would enjoy this, but if you long to write or create, get it, now. There's a freeing magic in the words, that at least I needed to hear. And I will be reading it again, soon.
Legal Notice: I bought this book on my own, and did not receive any financial or gain from this review. Nor was I asked to review this book. :)
What are you reading?
~Em
