Glitter and PrOFANITY

There are books that you read, and then there are books that read you. This book read me.

We picked this for our work’s book club, and I got about 1/3 of the way through reading the physical version before I switched to the audiobook. This was right or wrong because certain sections would hit me like someone throwing a rock at a garbage can. I don’t think I’ve ever used this many Post-its in a book (that wasn’t a cookbook). 

If you’re a fan of hip-hop, the 90s, or music in general, you know Rick Rubin’s work. He co-founded Def Jam Recordings in the 1980s and went on to produce albums for seminal acts like the Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, and Public Enemy. Since then, Rubin has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Adele, among others. Known for his minimalist approach to production and his ability to bring out the emotional core of a song, Rubin has become one of the most influential and respected producers in the music industry, having won multiple Grammy Awards for his work.

Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act” is a series of essays exploring the nature of creativity and the creative process. In the book, Rubin emphasizes the importance of creativity as a means of expression and self-discovery and argues that the act of creating is one of the most profound experiences available to human beings.

Rubin draws on his experiences as a music producer to illustrate his points, discussing how he has worked with artists to help them tap into their creativity and bring their unique visions to life. He also reflects on his own creative process, discussing the challenges and rewards of creating music and how he has developed his own approach to the creative act.

Throughout the book, Rubin emphasizes the importance of being open to new ideas and experiences and trusting one’s instincts in the creative process. He also emphasizes the value of collaboration and the importance of being receptive to feedback and criticism.

Unless you were in a certain mindset, I wouldn’t say it’s a “sit down and read in one sitting” book. It is a book I imagine I will return to when I’m feeling uninspired. It’ll be interesting to see if I get hit by the same rocks next year.

Overall, “The Creative Act” is a thoughtful and insightful exploration of the nature of creativity and how it can enrich our lives. Rubin’s anecdotes and reflections provide a unique perspective on the creative process, and his insights are sure to be of interest to anyone interested in exploring their own creativity.

Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️