Rating: 
Summary: Creativity for anyone--not just writers and artists
Review: I'm quite fond of Eric Maisel's books. He's a psychotherapist and "creativity consultant," and he has written a number of books on writing, art, and creativity. Several of them are among my favorite writing books: "Living the Writer's Life," "Deep Writing," and "Write Mind." Unlike those books, "The Creativity Book" is not aimed specifically at writers. It's aimed at you, me, your brother, and the guy in the cubicle down the hall. In other words, anyone who'd like to use a little more creativity in their lives, whether for painting, writing, mathematics, relationships, or business plans.The book is designed to be read one section at a time, to take you through a year of learning. It has 88 sections, two per week, to get you through ten months, and then the idea is that you spend the last two months of your year devoted to a particular creative project. Each base section is pretty short--generally a page or three--so you'll have no trouble reading it in a few spare minutes some evening. Then it's followed by at least one exercise, and sometimes several. Sometimes the exercises are very specific; at other times, Maisel suggests ways to apply the exercises to whatever area you're trying to become more creative in. Many of the ideas in the book are relatively basic, but this in no way makes them useless. After all, they're only basic for people who are already highly creative and making abundant use of that creativity. In large part this book is designed to help those who aren't sure where to start when it comes to creativity, and who haven't had much luck sitting down and getting started with their creative projects. Even highly creative people will still find things of value in this book, however. Some sections will feel like remedial schooling, but others might unlock surprising ways for you to move forward in your work. People with more experience using their creativity might prefer to skip from section to section instead of following the "plan," however, using the bits that have particular value to them.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have ever read
Review: If you love books about unleashing your creativity, then you will love this book. It offers exercises to do everyday for a year. Some of the exercises are a little unrealistic (like shredding up a college text book. Being a lover of books, I could not bring myself to do that one), but there's many that are fun and inspire you to create. I couldn't wait to do each exercise so I could continue onto the next one and I couldn't help myself but to glance ahead with excitement about what's to come. The author tells about his own experiences as well, but in a way that is enjoyable! Whether you are creating a specific project or not, this book is still really fun to read.
Rating:
Summary: Superb guidance, not for the lazy!
Review: Maisel consistently challenges the artist to be true to his/her artistic self in all his books, and this is no exception. Unlike The Artist's Way (a fine book for the creatively blocked or undiscovered), The Creativity Book targets the artist who has achieved a higher degree of self-knowledge and acceptance. He asks the reader to choose a Dream early in the year, which will be accomplished as the year unfolds. Each week highlights an aspect of living as a creative being, and includes exercises to clear the way to living more fully. The exercises range from easy (have a morning and evening tea ritual for three days) to much harder (sit for 40 minutes and do NOTHING), but the difficulty will doubtless vary for each reader. Maisel has a no-holds-barred style that doesn't permit excuses, whining, or hedging. His message is simple: one must actively pursue the muse at all times, and embrace her when she appears. You don't HAVE to do any of the exercises, although he'd like you to do them all. He makes it clear, however, that choosing not to do the exercises is also a clear statement of your degree of commitment to your Dream, which ultimately boils down to art. If you're looking for coddling, this is the wrong book. But if you're ready to be gently but firmly led to create as you know you can "if only...", Maisel removes the "if only..." and leaves you with a fuller, more satisfying relationship with your artistic self.
Rating:
Summary: Superb guidance, not for the lazy!
Review: Maisel consistently challenges the artist to be true to his/her artistic self in all his books, and this is no exception. Unlike The Artist's Way (a fine book for the creatively blocked or undiscovered), The Creativity Book targets the artist who has achieved a higher degree of self-knowledge and acceptance. He asks the reader to choose a Dream early in the year, which will be accomplished as the year unfolds. Each week highlights an aspect of living as a creative being, and includes exercises to clear the way to living more fully. The exercises range from easy (have a morning and evening tea ritual for three days) to much harder (sit for 40 minutes and do NOTHING), but the difficulty will doubtless vary for each reader. Maisel has a no-holds-barred style that doesn't permit excuses, whining, or hedging. His message is simple: one must actively pursue the muse at all times, and embrace her when she appears. You don't HAVE to do any of the exercises, although he'd like you to do them all. He makes it clear, however, that choosing not to do the exercises is also a clear statement of your degree of commitment to your Dream, which ultimately boils down to art. If you're looking for coddling, this is the wrong book. But if you're ready to be gently but firmly led to create as you know you can "if only...", Maisel removes the "if only..." and leaves you with a fuller, more satisfying relationship with your artistic self.
Rating: 
Summary: I am cheating and still, its excellent!
Review: Maisel's book is a year long study and integrated plan to both practice and experience "creativity as a religion". The suggested plan is to work through the book sequentially... which is an EXCELLENT intention I hope readers take on. And at the same time, I am reading bits and pieces and chunks and applying not step by step but instead following syncronicity in my life. My theory and observation is that either will neet positive results. The bite sized chunks with the very human voice of the author, once again a book by Eric Maisel hits the target both artistically and effectively.
Rating:
Summary: I am cheating and still, its excellent!
Review: Maisel's book is a year long study and integrated plan to both practice and experience "creativity as a religion". The suggested plan is to work through the book sequentially... which is an EXCELLENT intention I hope readers take on. And at the same time, I am reading bits and pieces and chunks and applying not step by step but instead following syncronicity in my life. My theory and observation is that either will neet positive results. The bite sized chunks with the very human voice of the author, once again a book by Eric Maisel hits the target both artistically and effectively.
Rating:
Summary: I am cheating and still, its excellent!
Review: Maisel's book is a year long study and integrated plan to both practice and experience "creativity as a religion". The suggested plan is to work through the book sequentially... which is an EXCELLENT intention I hope readers take on. And at the same time, I am reading bits and pieces and chunks and applying not step by step but instead following syncronicity in my life. My theory and observation is that either will neet positive results. The bite sized chunks with the very human voice of the author, once again a book by Eric Maisel hits the target both artistically and effectively.
Rating:
Summary: Back on Track
Review: This wonderful book came to me at a time when I was experiencing a painful and desperate disconnection from my work as a sculptor. I took the fast track with the book and read it in 4 days. My resistance, fear, uncertainty, grief,...etc. has miraculously resolved. I have begun a new and extremely satisfying body of work, and I'm filled with new creative energy in all aspects of my life. It was the right book at the right time for me. My hope is that it may that for you. I will always be grateful to Eric Maisel for writing this book!
Rating:
Summary: Back on Track
Review: This wonderful book came to me at a time when I was experiencing a painful and desperate disconnection from my work as a sculptor. I took the fast track with the book and read it in 4 days. My resistance, fear, uncertainty, grief,...etc. has miraculously resolved. I have begun a new and extremely satisfying body of work, and I'm filled with new creative energy in all aspects of my life. It was the right book at the right time for me. My hope is that it may that for you. I will always be grateful to Eric Maisel for writing this book!
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