You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

3.82 AVERAGE

emotional reflective slow-paced

sometimes they’d ask questions and just give vague generalized answers but other times they brought up so interesting points

Before reading a book I always peruse the reviews to see the general consensus on a novel. In this instance, I could see the divide amongst the comments. Either it was beloved or despised. For me, I could see each side of the argument. For now I'm choosing not to continue on with the novel, I listenened for 25 minutes before coming to the conclusion that the story being told was not one I cared to take the time for. 

The novel fortells its information with a prophetic methodology rather than physical or tactile methods. Going into the novel with as open a mind as I could, I found myself hesitant to be "present" to all the information being told. Like other have stated, there is a lot of repitition and "sections" of ideas rather than a continual flow of ideas. Think more... sticky note ideas/quotes rather than a narrative telling of a cohesive story. 

This specific book, had I been gifted it as a physical novel, rather than listening to it as an audiobook, and read it as a passively inspirational book to peruse here and there, I could see myself liking it as a light read. I do see how reading this could bring about different ideas toward a different way of thinking and how that could be interesting to delve into... But, in the instance of there being a deadline for me to return this book, it's certainly not the novel for me.

Rick Rubin lives my dream life - helping artists tap into the aether so they can create transcendent music.

He's produced for the likes of Johnny Cash, Metallica, Adele and Jay-Z. The man has undoubtedly been a part of some iconic moments of inspiration or creativity. But this book had hardly any of that.

This book was either A.) beginner tips for a non-creative person to tap into their inherent creativity or B.) a pep talk for creatives who are lacking in discipline. I fall into category B at the moment. So while I found this book valuable, it was not what I was looking for. I wanted some juicy in-studio anecdotes, which I guess are more accessible on Joe Rogan's podcast.

Take the book for what it is and find what works for you. I don't know if any of Rubin's tips are scientifically proven, but tapping into your creativity is one of the most open-ended concepts with musings such as:

1. Create when inspiration strikes, don't force it.
2. Don't chase perfection or try to appeal to the masses. Give yourself to the artform.
3. Give your creativity room flow. Even if it is trash. But it could also lead to the greatest thing anyone has ever seen.

You have creativity within you. It's what defines the human experience. Tap into it.

Rick Rubin produced my favorite album of all time. In 13 years since its release, I have heard nothing remotely similar.

Steaming pile of crap.

a few kernels of useful, insightful and practical advice surrounded by a 380-page matrix of LinkedIn posts. shit house!

This was a tough one for me to rate.

I became aware of Rick Rubin while doing research about the Foo Fighters for a music podcast a few years ago. He was intriguing to watch in interviews, and it's clear the man is innately creative. When I heard he had written a book about creativity, I quickly added it to my list.

This school year, my department supervisor decided to buy each member of the department a copy of the book for us to read and discuss at our monthly meetings. Despite my already having it on my list and initial desire to read it, this made me not want to read the book.

Having finally finished it, here are my thoughts:

-This is a large collection of ideas, discoveries, anecdotes, exercises and philosophies on art making by someone who has cracked the code. There are a lot of things to learn from Rubin, and we're lucky he wrote it.

-This is entirely too long and very repetitive. It's clear that this was written as short essays in moments of inspiration or reflection. It feels like this could have been equally, if not more successful, as a series of blog posts, or in some cases, tweets.

-This would be a great gift for a creative person, particularly for someone who is just starting their artistic journey, or someone who may be in a creative rut.

-This is probably best consumed as-needed and not in consecutive sittings.

-Any and all creative people already know all of these things, but it is helpful to be reminded of them, and to know that others have struggled in the same ways.

At 404 pages, this is a relatively quick read, I just wish it had been edited down a little more.

I savored every word of this book. It was insightful, practical, poetic, philosophical, and inspiring. Highly recommend if you are at all interested in the creative process.
informative inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

Solid read for those who are looking to start or change their own creative approach or practice. A great mind reset. 

"the work" is so self indulgent, arrogant, and boring to read.  Talking about people as "vessels" and referring to creativity as "the work" made me roll my eyes so much.  p.s. I do hope he gets his appendix removed someday. lol