Big Magic: What We’re Reading

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert  

About the Book: 

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.  

Big Magic 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.  

Curious Quote: 

“The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.”  

SG’s Take: 

As Mackey explains in her article about navigating a recession, now is the time to focus inward. And creativity is unequivocally part of that inward-facing work.  

Big Magic is a must-read for creatives and business owners (who are creatives in their own right). Gilbert challenges readers to grab on to our big ideas — before someone else does.  

At the same time, there’s a degree of comfort knowing that the projects and ideas I decide to pass on will likely be picked up and carried out to fruition by someone else in the universe.  

Big Magic is an inspiring and thoughtful read that challenges us to think about how ideas are born and demystifies the creative process.