Book review! Big Magic

Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert ~~

I thought this book was fantastic. It was exactly what I needed coming out of a very long, very exhausting academic year. Despite being in an environment where I am literally surrounded by design education, and therefore creativity, my job is still my job. And even if we love our jobs, they can weigh us down.

Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic was not just a drop of inspiration, it was a deluge. I've been working on my first book of fiction for the last year, but had stalled as spring semester wrapped up and I became overwhelmed with tasks. Big Magic hit the nail on the head as to why I had started my fiction book in the first place. It's not about becoming a bestseller, or even getting good reviews, though that would obviously be awesome. It's about me finding my own joy and literally - as I see it - vomiting my own personal creativity out into the world.

I can't think of one the stories that Gilbert shared in her book that didn't touch me in someway, that I didn't identify with. Even the stories that were obviously unique to her experiences, like the transfer of an idea through a kiss, resonated with me. Or finding art in Indonesia in the form of brightly painted horns on a poor farmer’s yak. Before picking up the book, I believed in some form of big magic, though I never called that. I am an excitable

person by nature, so you should take that into consideration, but for me this book was like sitting down with one of my best friends and talking about all the possibilities spreading out in front of us, complete with wide-eyed expressions, moments of shrieking, and wildly dramatic hand gestures. Reading it felt great. I may well buy a stack of these books and start giving them out to my friends that I think would enjoy it. Or maybe some of my students at the college. Or maybe even colleagues.

I’ve heard a few people that have read Big Magic feel that there are too many names dropped, but I didn't see it that way. Many names are mentioned in reference, not as personal interactions or best friends. There are certainly a number of stories where Gilbert mentions relationships or encounters with famous people, but to that, I say she's famous herself. She will have famous friends. And these famous friends likely have insight to share, so I have no problem with the plethora of names she mentioned. And the rest are merely sources for quotes or stories. Most of my life is in academia, so I respect a good source and helpful references.

You can obviously tell that I adore this book. It's funny, it's real, it's identifiable, and it focuses on a fundamental point of creative living, at least for me. And that's where I found the enjoyment. Something about lights me up when I get bogged down with real life, and chores, and adulting, and extracurricular activities, and grading papers, and crafting syllabi, and grant applications. The thought of writing alone, for me and only me, makes me happy. It very literally makes me light up.

For my birthday earlier this month my husband gave me a cup that I absolutely adore. I have to hide it from my kids and students, but it makes me smile each and every time I look at it, and I know he gets me. It says, Write like a motherfucker in bright red across a white background. And that's exactly what I want to do. I want to write like a mad woman, love every many minute of it, and be open to big magic.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Big Magic if you've read it. And I've got more coming, so sign up for my mailing list here. It would be great to hear from you!