'Big Magic': A Book Review

Let me be clear, I'm a fan of Elizabeth Gilbert's work.

I liked Eat, Pray, Love (Penguin Group, 2007) just as much as everyone else seemed to. I even enjoyed the movie adaptation (though Javier Bardem may have had something to do with it). And though, Committed (Penguin Group, 2010), the sequel to Eat, Pray, Love, wasn't as widely received, I enjoyed it tremendously.

The Signature of All Things (Penguin Group, 2013) was, in my opinion, a remarkable novel. The kind that sticks with you for years after you've finished it.

When I learned that Gilbert would be making a stop here in Nashville on her book tour promoting her latest publication, Big Magic, Creative Living Beyond Fear (Penguin Group, 2015), I was excited to see her speak, and pick up a copy of her book.

This book has been on my nightstand since October 21st, and I finally finished it last night.

Admittedly, it is non-fiction, and as many non-fiction books go, unlike a novel, they don't necessarily catch you in their grips mercilessly until you've completed it in the wee hours of the night.

That being said, however, I still found myself sort of plodding my way through it.

This is not to say that the book isn't beautifully written. It is.

Big Magic, is for anyone who battles with their own creative mind and talent. In it, Gilbert addresses all of the stereotypes, insecurities and mindsets that creatives wrestle with.

The sentiments in this book are lovely, the advice sound. But I couldn't help but think that it was somewhat like one really long inspirational Pinterest post. Gilbert's personal success is what makes this book credible, and what is getting people to pay attention to it.

The large, insightful takeaway's from reading Big Magic?

Don't give up on doing your creative work.

Hope I didn't spoil it for you.