Three Books that Spark Inspiration

*Reposted from October 15, 2021*

I know what you may be thinking.. “How do books spark creativity?” Well, books have a way of making us think beyond what we can see. Don’t get me wrong, visual content stimulates our brains in a different way to spark the creative side of our minds. 

Books do just that, but differently.

Reading transports me into a world of imagination, where I picture everything I read inside my head. I often read non-fiction because I admire the fact that I'm being educated while being imaginative at the same time. I don’t shun the fiction readers though, do what makes you happy!

Each book listed below I have purchased hard copies of (because yes- hard copies DO make a difference!) these which I have read and loved. 

This quick book review will be sure to help you know what to buy. These aren’t for any specific age range, so be sure to keep an open mind to which book you want to try out! I will include links to amazon for each, but feel free to shop around for the best bargain on other websites. Reading is a great tool that doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.

 

BOOK 1- “BIG MAGIC” BY ELIZABETH GILBERT 

Elizabeth Gilbert is a #1 New York Times best seller. You can be interested in inspiration for art, writing, acting, or just broaden your creative perspective, this book is sure to help you achieve the strike of motivation you are looking for. Many artists that I know of all rave about this book. Here’s why...

What I love most about this book is that she includes stories of real creatives that prove you really can do what you love, and you won’t regret any of it. Many people she wrote about she either knew personally or researched about them. 

Many of the stories explain how these people overcame their fears that lied within themselves. Once you let go of any underlying fears, you are unstoppable. It is true that some times will be tougher than others, but you should never give up on your passion. There is a higher plan for you & your work, you just have to trust it. 

There truly is no greater motivation than the success stories of the people you aspire to be like. This book will make you want to grab your sketchbook and begin drawing, start writing on a typewriter, or practice your favorite style of dancing. Don’t miss out on Elizabeth Gilbert's unique way of inspiring motivation. 

https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond-ebook/dp/B00S52M350/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WI1FXCOH4YXZ&dchild=1&keywords=big+magic+elizabeth+gilbert&qid=1633924488&sprefix=big+magic%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1

 

BOOK 2- “THE RUNAWAY SPECIES: HOW HUMAN CREATIVITY REMAKES THE WORLD” BY DAVID EAGLEMAN & ANTHONY BRANDT

Two greatly accomplished men wrote this book in collaboration. David Eagleman is a neuroscientist and a New York Timesbestselling author. Anthony Brandt is a composer, professor, and art director. I can tell you right now these two intelligent, and creative men have a lot to share with us about the world.

Did you ever think art and science relate closely? Well this book taught me, they do. Humans all have one thing in common. We are constantly thinking beyond, therefore constantly evolving. Creativity meets science in this book, and it is explained through vivid storytelling that transports your mind to see the story in your own mind. 

Not just artists think creatively. If you want to think more outside the box, or at least prove that you can, you should read this book. The view of creative acts though neuroscience, draws out exactly how they relate. 

It also includes many colored illustrations that help piece together the stories the authors are telling. I really appreciate this aspect of the book because it greatly benefits the visual learners. It literally shows us the human creative mind capability. 

The wide range of informational stories will truly amaze you. I know you will be sure to be inspired by “The Runaway Species” so grab yourself a copy!

https://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Species-human-creativity-remakes-ebook/dp/B01N16NLYM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+runaway+away+species&qid=1634311102&s=books&sr=1-1

 

BOOK 3- “THE ART OF HAPPINESS” BY HOWARD C. CUTLER, M.D. & HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA

Howard C. Cutler, M.D., he interviewed the fourteenth Dalai Lama for an interesting style of writing. This book will teach you that you should let go of all that no longer serves you, and allow yourself to be happy. 

Happiness I believe is an art we all wish to create. For many, happiness is a path that has many ups and downs. Reading books such as this one, we take advice from the humble spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. 

I found myself constantly amazed at the Dalai Lamas wise way of living and thinking. This book pushed me to do what makes me happy (as you guessed it- that’s art) and help others through my passion, and in as many other ways possible.

With practice, study, and self-healing, we all can achieve this eternal state of bliss like the Dalai Lama has shown to be possible. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs guidance in living a life full of positivity, bliss, and peace. 

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Happiness-10th-Anniversary-Handbook/dp/1594488894

 

I hope you enjoyed this little reading list of books I love. Please let me know if you buy any of these, and what you think!

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