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Big Magic

By: Elizabeth Gilbert
Narrated by: Elizabeth Gilbert
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Publisher's Summary

Listeners of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert's books for years. Now this beloved author shares her wisdom and unique understanding of creativity, shattering the perceptions of mystery and suffering that surround the process and showing us all just how easy it can be.

By sharing stories from her own life as well as from her friends and the people who have inspired her, Elizabeth Gilbert challenges us to embrace our curiosity, tackle what we most love and face down what we most fear.

Whether you long to write a book, create art, cope with challenges at work, embark on a long-held dream, or simply to make your everyday life more vivid and rewarding, Big Magic will take you on a journey of exploration filled with wonder and unexpected joys.

©2015 Elizabeth Gilbert. All rights reserved. (P)2015 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Gilbert dares us into adventures of worldly discovery." ( The New York Times Book Review)
"Smart but unpretentious, funny, warm, and generous. By the end of one of her books, you feel as if she is your friend, too." ( San Francisco Chronicle)

What listeners say about Big Magic

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
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  • Lee
  • 24-01-2016

Brought me back to life

I will listen to this book over and over again! How did she see inside me? Outstanding, inspirational and deeply motivating. Welcome back creativity, you dear old friend!

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9 people found this helpful

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  • Mez
  • 06-10-2015

Brilliant

This is the best audio book I've listened to so far. Incredibly well written and beautifully read, relevant to anyone undergoing a stagnant creative rut or in my case, in need of courage to express myself fearlessly.

Loved every second of it!

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6 people found this helpful

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Wonderful

I loved it. Unlike some books on creativity, it's not preachy and doesn't scold, more like having a conversation with a compassionate mentor. Not all authors can or should narrate their own work, but Liz Gilbert does a wonderful job . I was terribly disappointed when i realized I'd finished it as i could have happily listened for another few hours, and will definitely be going back for a re-read.

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6 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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good in parts, loopy in others

if you can get past the 'destiny / universe wants X / ideas exist in the ether and are transmitted from one unknown person to the next' etc etc elements, then there are some nice phrases and sentiments and ideas.

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4 people found this helpful

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  • Dee
  • 15-01-2016

Outstanding, insightful, helpful, beautiful voice.

Loved it. I didn't want it to end. Beautifully spoken. Helpful, self worth restoring, brilliantly nurturing.

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4 people found this helpful

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Grateful for the big magic algorithm that gave me this book

Somehow missed the whole Eat Pray Love phenomenon, so when I finished The Signature of All Things (which I loved) I got a big surprise when I followed up on Elizabeth Gilbert.

This may be why I ended up with Big Magic after searching for a completely different Audible book, and I'm tremendously grateful.

I can't think of any other book I've listened to quite so intently. Not only does Elizabeth Gilbert have a lovely reading voice, but there is so much wisdom in Big Magic, I would recommend this book to everyone - not just frustrated artist, actors, writers, dancers...

I work in IT and haven't had an inclination to do anything creative since I had to do art at school. This book has inspired me in such a profound way that I'm now savouring and enjoying life like never before.

The tidbits about The Signature of All Things were also a bonus for me, because I completely lost myself in that wonderful story.

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4 people found this helpful

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Years of unanswered questions answered!

I've always been a creative person driven by inspiration & passion but never understood why I couldn't hold those feelings all the time or why when I stopping creating I'd feel like life had no meaning. This book explains all this & has helped me immensely in understanding how I work inside & what I have gone through as a creative person is normal! This book answers so many unanswered questions - a new ago of personal develop is revealed in this book. Am so grateful to have read it!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Refreshing

A great listen. Encouraging all of us to be our creative selves free from the anxiety of perfectionism and criticism. Thanks Elizabeth.

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3 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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A murky, unsure story, told well.

Elizabeth Gilbert reads her story well, but it is marred by somewhat preposterous themes and awkward name dropping. It goes nowhere, although it does have some words of wisdom. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either.

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2 people found this helpful

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Awesome! Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Elizabeth

Inspired me to do something I never thought I'd do. Easy to listen to & her retell of stories past were very enjoyable.

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