I absolutely adore this book. Rick Rubin is a master in his own right, by producing music and taking a wholly different approach to creativity and how he takes in the world around him. I remember watching a video of him listening to a band in the studio by lying on the couch and really listening to the sounds rather than the distraction of watching. This long awaited release of Rubin's guide for creatives is not your usual run-of-the-mill information, but really tackles the essence of art and creativity through a sense of respect for the craft and craftsman. I was mesmerised by each chapter. After a long lull of a creative block I found immediate inspiration from his words. A true groundbreaking book that I will read again and again.

Rick Rubin has captured the perfect guide for artists as they wade through life and pursue their seeds of inspiration. Through short, intense chapters, Rick outlines what the artist needs to do and how they can cultivate themselves, whether it be tuning out voices, being open and staying in it! His narration is soft and stern, pushing the artist to confront some things they may have a hard time dealing with, like success, practicing, and habits. This is an essential book for navigating the artist life and is worth every penny! x

Every (other) page in this lovely book blows windows open in your mind or makes you smile with recognition. I wish I had had it 60 years ago - it would still be with me. Buy it, keep it, open it at any random page (even better use the index), you will find a thought to energise you. Thank you Rick Rubin.

I was thankful to receive a proof of The Creative Act and I found it to be a joy to read. Rubin uses brief, simple chapters to share lessons he has learned from many years of working with a long list of legendary musicians and artists. It will give anyone the inspiration to get going on their artistic projects but also changes the way in which we see creativity to include almost anything we enjoy doing in life. It feels almost like a spiritual tome at times and it is designed in such a beautiful way that really does a service to the gravitas of the words within. Grab a copy and get started on that project you've been putting off!

The most important message of this book is: you can do it; and it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or how you do it. It will offer readers the creative boost that we’re all looking for. It is great and I highly recommend it, but there’s a fair smattering of unneeded bits in there — like the very filter that Rick advises to use isn’t applied. But isn’t that creativity? And maybe that’s to zoom in to the point: just be your creative self, and let other people take or leave what they want. For a fairly chunky book, it’s a quick read, too; one that you can go back and dip into when needed.