Famed music producer Rick Rubin came into the literary scene with this 2023 book and it was immediately shortlisted for two awards. Needless to say, this book is full of artistic wisdom founded by the former metalhead. Having been a fan of his work since a young child, I was so desperately eager to get done with this book for the second time that it was comically absurd. Without any further ado, may I present to you ‘The Creative Act’

Intended as a self-growth book, it could be looked at as more of a guide for artistic improvement and guidance; most of the book is centered around such a notion. It recalls very few stories but only in reference to the arts. It demands the common artists’ attention in such a way that it grips them. It calls for every artist to look deeply in themselves and begs of them to bring all their capabilities to light.

One thing I noted, especially within the first one hundred pages, is his admiration for nature. He spoke of nature almost as though it were a supreme guide, a force which commands submission from all parties. He points to several different points in nature, including the body, as a reference point for inspiration. In this four hundred paged book, he dives deep into how to engage to one’s surroundings as an artist.

Lastly, his vocabulary and descriptiveness was a massive aid in reading the book. From the eyes of a non-artist, it is understandable how some people would move away from such a book but the language begs for attention. The work is as engaging as the language used, as it is broken down in different forms and separated as per needed. It might be considered overkill by some, but it is a testament for how art is really done.

I give this book a rating of B- simply for the fact that it hadn’t won any major awards. For a book of such a caliber I was expecting a little bit more but sometimes you have to take what you’re given.

Ziggy blouin