BOOK DETAILS
Author: Rick Rubin
Published Date: 2023
Publishing Company: Penguin Press
Page Count: 401
Cover Type: Hardcover
Genre: Self-help, creativity, philosophy
WHERE DID GABIE LEARN ABOUT THIS BOOK/PURCHASE IT?
I heard about this book on Book Tok, and I didn't really pay much attention (since I have been trying to focus more on fiction) but then my friend and I went to a local book/bar shop (The Wild Detectives, Dallas, TX) and I saw this book on the shelves. Once I thumbed through it, despite my desperate need for fiction, I couldn't resist its allure, and I purchased it.
WHAT DID GABIE LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK?
The author uses the word "Source" to describe the concept of "God" or "Creator", I love that this word is used because it makes the concept of creativity being a spiritual endeavor accessible to those who fear religious jargon. Spiritual and religious abuse is a real thing and unfortunately, so many people have experienced this. Anything that makes truth more palatable to creative people is a win for me. I also appreciated how the author explained that being creative is a way to collaborate with "Source", and I agree.
On page 77, para. 1, Rubin talks about 'getting stuck' and the pivotal moments in the creative process where we can come to an unproductive stop. Being able to identify these pivots can help creatives know where they are in their creative process and how to move forward form there or perhaps even take a step backward.
On page 274, para. 4, Rubin encourages the creator to remove the limits or rules so that they can create freely. One example he used was of an author; an author can really see what the story is trying to tell them by writing without an outline. This was supposed to be an 'extraordinary' way to write, yet this is how I learned to write, and I have only recently adopted the practice of writing with an outline. This part just made me feel special as a writer and reminded me that I should not underestimate my natural skill.
Additional Points...
I loved how the book has a section in the back for notes. I feel like every book should have this!
The book is well crafted and reminds me of the reason why hardcopy will never go out of style. Reading is also a textile experience!
DID GABIE HATE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK?
There was nothing about this book that I did not love! From how the book is organized, to the page feel, to the motivational quotes sprinkled throughout the read, I truly loved it all!
"How has Rick Rubin's perspective on creativity shifted your understanding of the creative process? Are there any practices or ideas from the book that you plan to incorporate into your own creative life?"
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