annuloeb 's review for:

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

2.0

reflective relaxing medium-paced

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Not sure who this book is for but it’s not for me. There may be some good advice for musical artists. It might be good for people who admire art and artists but feel uncreative themselves.

But I found it prescriptive, contradictory, privileged, basic.

The audio version is good for meditating or as a bedtime story with Rubin’s low, soothing voice.

But honestly, there are way better and more actionable books out there that will actually help you out of a slump:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is a classic for anyone suffering from creative block or is at a crossroads in their practice.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is wonderful for people who are stuck on the subject of creativity vs fear vs income. An absolute gem of a book.

The War of Art and the modern version Art Is Life by Jerry Saltz if you need a motivational kick in the booty.