Great Cycling climbs, The French Alps

by Graeme Fife
Great Cycling climbs, The French Alps cover
Good Books rating 3.25
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  • ID: 6249
  • Added: 2025-11-07
  • Updated: 2025-11-07
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
abebooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-11-14
insightful 4.50

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a profound exploration of creativity and the obstacles that hinder it. The book's wisdom is articulated in a relatable manner, making its core truths accessible and impactful. The author's personal experiences and practical advice resonate deeply, offering valuable insights for anyone facing creative challenges.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a book that delves into the heart of creativity and the resistance that often stifles it. The author's experiences and wisdom are presented in a way that is both articulate and relatable, making the book's core truths accessible to a wide audience. The book is divided into three parts, each addressing different aspects of the creative process and the obstacles that can arise. Pressfield's practical advice and personal anecdotes make the book a valuable resource for anyone looking to overcome creative blocks and achieve their goals. The book's impact is profound, offering insights that can help individuals navigate the challenges of creativity and achieve their full potential.

Quick quotes

    I’m writing this review after reading this book for the second time. And despite the impact it had on me after my first reading, I’m now feeling a bit like the man who lost his glasses and then grew accustomed to being half blind.

    It’s not the writing part that’s hard. What’s hard is sitting down to write.

    The War of Art is written in three “books”. In Book One, Pressfield lays out the problem that every creative endeavor ever has encountered at some point; and he does it from the practicality and work ethic of a seasoned writer and the unyielding tenacity of an ex-marine.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-11-14
inspiring 3.50

The book is short but highly inspirational and motivational, reinforcing why one works hard at their craft. It's more of a 'ra-ra' book to get excited rather than a practical 'how to', but it's recommended for those struggling with creative blocks.

The book is praised for its inspirational and motivational content, with many readers finding it helpful in overcoming creative blocks. It's described as a 'ra-ra' book that gets you excited rather than a practical 'how to' guide. The first part of the book is particularly liked, while the third part is considered weak by some. The book is recommended for those struggling with the creative process, but may not be as beneficial for those who don't face such challenges. The book's short length is noted, with some suggesting it could be expanded with interviews from other creative types.

Quick quotes

    Deep down, there isn't really anything in this book that you don't already know. I would say to any writer/artist/musician out there that this book is worth reading because it helps to reinforce why you're working so hard.

    I did enjoy this book, but it's more of a 'ra-ra' book to get you excited rather than a practical 'how to.

    Of any activity you do, ask yourself: If I were the last person on earth, would I still do it? If you're all alone on the planet, a hierarchical orientation makes no sense. There's no one to impress. So, if you'd still pursue that activity, congratulations. You're doing it territorially.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2019-09-10
critical 2.00

The reviewer finds the book's central thesis about procrastination valuable but criticizes it for being filled with superstition, unsubstantiated claims, and extremist views. They believe the book contains some useful insights but is largely flawed.

The reviewer appreciates the book's main idea that procrastination can be harmful to long-term success. However, they find the book riddled with problematic assertions and thinly veiled proselytizing. The reviewer points out several absurd claims, such as the idea that Hitler started World War II due to procrastination and that overcoming procrastination would solve numerous societal issues. They also criticize the author's dismissal of medical conditions like ADHD and seasonal affective disorder as mere marketing inventions. Overall, the reviewer feels the book is extremist and fails to acknowledge that resistance to action can sometimes be a form of good judgment.

Quick quotes

    Reading this book is like fishing through a landfill site for diamonds; they're there, just buried under mountains of crap.

    The author makes an unsubstantiated claim that diseases such as ADHD, seasonal affective disorder, and social anxiety disorder are not real and were invented by marketing departments and drug companies to make a quick buck.

    This book is very absolutist and extremist, and fails to take into account the occasions an internal resistance to doing something is not true procrastination, but the cornerstone of good judgment and sometimes even self-preservation.

road.cc · Unknown · 2019-09-08
mixed 3.00

The book underwhelmed the reviewer due to high expectations and familiarity with similar concepts from other authors. However, the idea of 'resistance' resonated with them in later weeks, proving its relevance in overcoming creative blocks.

The reviewer had high hopes for 'The War of Art' as a catalyst to reignite their novel writing, but found it underwhelming due to similar ideas presented in Julia Cameron's works. The concept of 'resistance' as a barrier to creative work was simplistic but tenacious. The reviewer admired the author's commitment to his message. Over time, the book's insights on resistance became more apparent in the reviewer's life, such as procrastination and self-dramatization. The reviewer appreciated the book's relevance in understanding and overcoming creative blocks, despite initial disappointment.

Quick quotes

    RESISTANCE AND SELF-DRAMATIZATION Creating soap opera in our lives is a symptom of Resistance. Why put in years of work designing a new software interface when you can get just as much attention by bringing home a boyfriend with a prison record?

    RESISTANCE AND PROCRASTINATION Procrastination is the most common manifestation of Resistance because it’s the easiest to rationalize.

    RESISTANCE AND SELF-DOUBT Self-doubt can be an ally. This is because it serves as San indicator of aspiration. It reflects love, love of something we dream of doing, and desire, desire to do it.

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