Book Review: ‘The Creative Act’ by Rick Rubin

I was inspired to read this book after watching Vashik Armenikus’s enthusiastic video review.

The Creative Act comprises a large number of short essays by famous record producer Rick Rubin on the subject of artistic creativity. It’s an enjoyable read. Rubin offers generally sound advice, interspersed with occasional hippie nonsense.

When Rubin touched on topics I was particularly interested in, I made copious notes. In other places, I made no notes at all. But I imagine, should I re-read this book in a couple of years’ time, as I probably shall, my immediate priorities may well have changed, so I might find different sections of the book more relevant and rewarding.

The Creative Act certainly provides plenty of food for thought. Reading it will make you feel more creative, and provides an enjoyable, constructive-seeming diversion from the far harder task of actually being more creative.