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Big Magic  By  cover art

Big Magic

By: Elizabeth Gilbert
Narrated by: Elizabeth Gilbert
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Editorial review


By Madeline Anthony, Audible Editor

BIG MAGIC GIVES LISTENERS THE BLUEPRINT FOR A MORE CREATIVE LIFE

It’s certainly no understatement to proclaim that Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert changed my life. But what do I really mean by that sweeping statement? In this case, I would say more specifically that the book enhanced my life in a big, bold, and beautiful way. After hearing about this creative guide for years, I choose to listen to the audiobook narrated by Gilbert herself.

At its core, Big Magic is about the deep-rooted satisfaction that can come from committing oneself to living a creative life. Gilbert describes this commitment as a sort of "eternal devotion" to one’s creative nature, honoring it in whichever way it can show up in your life. Using her own personal anecdotes and stories of people she has known, Gilbert drives home the message that you do not need to be a tortured soul to create art, that the outcome of your work is not commensurate with its importance, and, above all, that you can give yourself the permission you have been seeking to live a creative life. She expertly distills how she hones inspiration in her own life, how she leans into ideas so they don’t pass her by, and how she learned to release her own fear in favor of greater joy, curiosity, and creation.

Gilbert is passionate and earnest in her convictions, and her message resonated with me deeply. By the time I had finished listening, my thinking had forever been altered around creativity, writing, and ultimately, life in general. It was just the perspective shift I needed at the exact right time, when the negative and "realistic" voices in my head were threatening to take over. Since listening, I began prioritizing my creative life, my writing time, and my inner world in a way I never previously believed possible. Needless to say, I’m a much more joyful and soulful person for it, and I am forever grateful to Gilbert for giving me the permission slip I needed when I wasn’t strong enough to sign it yet myself.

Continue reading Madeline's review >

Publisher's summary

The instant number one New York Times best seller.

From the worldwide best-selling author of Eat Pray Love and City of Girls: The path to the vibrant, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of.

People 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. She 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.

©2015 Elizabeth Gilbert (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Listeners looking for permission or encouragement to pursue their creative endeavors will find writer Elizabeth Gilbert...to be a confident cheerleader and guide. With a conversational delivery and warm, confiding tone, Gilbert exhorts listeners to respect inspiration and to put in the time and hard work to bring those ideas to fruition." ( AudioFile)

"A must read for anyone hoping to live a creative life...I dare you not to be inspired to be brave, to be free, and to be curious.” (PopSugar)

Featured Article: Our Editors Reveal—The Listens that Got Us Hooked


Our editors have quite the impressive libraries, but where did it all begin? They've thought back to their own very first listens or the audiobook that took them from audio amateur to totally Audicted, all the while recommending accessible favorites for new listeners to find a starting point for themselves. From time travel to true crime to tech exposés, these are the listens that got us hooked—and a few of the very best audiobooks for first time listeners.

What listeners say about Big Magic

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Light and short

I was expecting a bit more depth. Although I love the basis for the discussion, it
just did not do any magic for me. No big AHA moment.

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24 people found this helpful

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READ THIS BOOK!

This book rocked my soul. I think it's a must read for all humans. Thanks for being awesome Elizabeth Gilbert.

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Fantastic Thoughts for Creatives

Would you listen to Big Magic again? Why?

I'm already planning to. I think she had a ton of good comments and ripped some ideas right out of my head. It spoke right to me and my challenges as both a professional creative and a generally weird person. I drank it like a cold beverage on a hot day.

What other book might you compare Big Magic to and why?

Brene Brown's work because of the impact in my life.

What does Elizabeth Gilbert bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice purrs and giggles. I floated along on it and it held me.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

n/a, some sentimental creative marketing bullshit.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to listen again!

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9 people found this helpful

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Beautiful

What did you love best about Big Magic?

Gilbert read her own stories and shared her laughter live.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Big Magic?

The lobster.

Which scene was your favorite?

The court's lobster.

What did you learn from Big Magic that you would use in your daily life?

Perseverance and keep my day job like a grown up.

Any additional comments?

Listened to it all in one day since I could not put it down. Nuggets of pure joy and laughter.

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Phenomenal

Loved it and will use it as I retire from the Army after 30 years of service!

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Wish I had listened 20 years ago

Beautiful, authentic and intimate. Highly recommend. Will be listening a second time. Maybe more. ;) Elizabeth Gilbert's sweet spirit and tough love are calming and make your spine straighten up.

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Freedom to be Creative

I love the that this book puts another twist on vulnerability. Gilbert’s spectacular insights give voice to things that were just beyond reach to describe with such perfect detail. What I loved most is that she framed creativity in a way that allows us to make of it what we want it to be and what suits us in our lives. For all those who claim to not be creative and for those who do, it is worth a read.

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inspiring

for any artist struggling with the fear of perfection this is the best book you could ever

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A Favorite of Favorites

Every creative needs to listen to this book over and over. It is FABULOUS! Elizabeth Gilbert is so inspiring. She makes you feel like she is in the room with you and is talking straight to you. I listen to this book every time I get in a funk. It pulls me out of it and gets me going in a positive direction.

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Excelente

Nadie había analizado el proceso creativo desde una perspectiva tan humana como lo hace Elizabeth Gilbert.

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