[Book Review] Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Title : Big Magic Creative Living Beyond Fear

Writer : Elizabeth Gilbert

Publisher : Riverhead Books

Format : Ebook, 288 pages

Publishing date : 22nd, September 2015

Language : English

Genre : Non Fiction, Self Help, Memoir

Read on October, 14th 2015

My rating :  5 of 5

Buy a hard copy at Peri+ (ID) / BookDepository (INT)
or digital copy at KoboStore (INT)

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

"I am this, and I am that, and I am also this other thing, too! I don't yet know exactly what I am, but I'm curious enough to go find out!" p.58

Just like the sparkle in the cover so is the story inside, full of sparkle of awesomeness, all I could say about this book was both fascinating and inspiring, such a powerful book for everyone. 

"Do you want study under the great teacher? Is that it? Well, you can find them anywhere. They live on the shelves of your library; they live on the wall of museums; they live in recordings made decades ago." p.66

Big Magic is perfect combination between memoir and motivational book, with 6 magic words (Courage, Enchantment, Permission, Persistence, Trust, and Divinity), Gilbert tried to guide us toward creative living.

In every chapter following Gilbert life experience in creative living and motivational words to pursue the reader to live creative living. This book was magical for me, some even change my perspective.

credit : here

So many part that I love from these book, especially in sub-chapter about Dignity.

Gilbert told a story about her short stories "Pilgrims" which just about to publish in Esquire magazine, and that was really a big opportunity for amateur and independent writer like her. But, Esquire magz editor want to cut her short story until 30% because management want to add more advertising column and her short stories need to be sacrificed. Editor in chief gave her an option whether her short stories will still publish but have to reduce 30% means 10 pages-cut or Gilbert could pull her short stories and sent to another magazine. And you know what the choice is Gilbert made?Ah.... I don't like to give a spoiler, just read by your self ;)

"Be careful of your dignity, is what I am saying.
It is not always your friend." pg.131

That's story and quote are really change my mind, as a fresh graduated from good reputable university (I'm not being cocky here). Well, we know that we kept our ego and dignity high, and sometimes too high. In our mind, our work place must be in some prestigious company or foreign office with high salary and good status. But, we forget something, beside all that good status and high salary, the most important thing is we have to learn more and more, hey we are young! work hard, and money & success will follow.

"A must read for anyone hoping to live a creative life... I dare you not to be inspired to be brave, to be free, and to be curious.” —PopSugar

“An empathetic and inspiring guide to mustering the courage to live a creative life. … Nearly anyone who picks up this self-help manual should finish it feeling inspired, even if only to dream of a life without limits.” —Publisher's Weekly

"Gilbert serves as an enthusiastic coach for readers who want more out of life. Highly recommended." —Library Journal

Readers of all ages who want to escape of fear in life

Q : What is creativity?

A : The relationship between a human being and the mysteries of inspiration.

Happy reading fellas!