NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2018 BY Esquire • PopSugar • The Huffington Submit • Buzzfeed • Publishers Weekly
A singular new information to creativity from Questlove—inspirations, tales, and classes on stay your finest artistic life
Questlove—musician, bandleader, designer, producer, culinary entrepreneur, professor, and all-around cultural omnivore—shares his knowledge on the subjects of inspiration and originality in a one-of-a-kind information to dwelling your finest artistic life.
In Inventive Quest, Questlove synthesizes all of the artistic philosophies, classes, and tales he’s heard from the numerous creators and collaborators in his life, and displays on his personal expertise, to advise readers and followers on take into account creativity and the place to seek out it. He addresses many subjects—what it means to be artistic, discover a mentor and function an apprentice, the knowledge of sustaining a artistic community, dealing with critics and the foibles of success, and the precise pitfalls of latest tradition—all within the service of guiding admirers who’ve adopted his profession and newcomers not but acquainted along with his story.
Whether or not discussing his personal life or channeling the teachings he’s discovered from forefathers resembling George Clinton, collaborators like D’Angelo, or like-minded artists together with Ava DuVernay, David Byrne, Björk, and others, Questlove speaks with the candor and enthusiasm that followers have come to anticipate. Inventive Quest is many issues—above all, a smart and wide-ranging dialog across the everlasting thriller of creativity.
Didier Celestine –
Bien
Gwendolyne Echenagucia –
Love this book! Love how it is written without all the fancy creative theory crap. It’s so relatable! And so inspiring to see that even famous and great creatives like Questlove have creative blocks too. He gives some very usable advice and tips too. It’s a great book for everyone, not just creatives since you can apply his advice and experiences to anybody starting anything new. Thanks Quest!
Mamain nyc –
This book is such a godsend. A book about creativity that takes the cerebral out of the act of creation and returns it to deeper roots. Loving it.
Carlos Molina –
Nice cover, looks like a book, the pages feel good. Too much words, not enough pictures…
Xenia Tran –
If I could give this book ten stars, I would! This is by far the most creative and enjoyable book on creativity I’ve ever read and I have immediately been able to apply some of what I’ve learned to my own art and writing. This is a great book to dip in and out of with space provided for adding your own notes and ideas at the end of each section. Thank you Questlove, this book is a true gift to us all.
kiara crovetto –
Wonderful and full of ideas! Questlove is just brilliant in mixing his wide experience into the music field with advices useful for both work and life
Mark Joy –
Originally purchased the audiobook but then followed up with a paperback copy. I really enjoyed the way Questlove recounts the breadth and depth of creative individuals who have inspired him in some way along his journey. He paints such vivid pictures of various experiences and moments in which he dives deeper into learning more about others creative processes and insights. Highly recommend!
Athena –
Questlove is a music genius, his brain is a database of all things music and as I have come to find out just as much history. This book was just what I needed at a time I was struggling to corral all the chaos floating in my brain. Great read!
Gwendolyne Echenagucia –
Love this book! Love how it is written without all the fancy creative theory crap. It’s so relatable! And so inspiring to see that even famous and great creatives like Questlove have creative blocks too. He gives some very usable advice and tips too. It’s a great book for everyone, not just creatives since you can apply his advice and experiences to anybody starting anything new. Thanks Quest!
Joey Spooner –
A very down to earth reflection on creativity by Quest.
C.C. Chapman –
I’ve read plenty of books on creativity but nothing has hit so hard in my heart and soul as this book did. I loved the mix of practical advice, stories and autobiographical tidbits. I know I’m going to be giving this book to students and friends for years to come.
Eldon Edwards –
I enjoyed this book on creativity. Very interesting and insightful. Great storytelling skills. Excellent examples. This book is very useful for everyone. I have the Audible version of the book. I recommend this book for everyone. Excellent narration too.
Gayle Duffy –
New item surprise for my son for Christmas
Cenica Edwards –
I absolutely love this book!Hearing everyone’s experiences from Questlove’s personal experiences to the different viewpoints of other celebrities that have tapped into their own creative sides.I would definitely recommend this book to everyone looking to discover a newly creative self, and/or maybe just encourage themselves to be their very best.
Tashia Peterman –
I didn’t know what to expect from this book and was pleasantly surprised at how inspirational it is and how much I enjoyed reading it. Will probably reread over the years.
Austin –
Its great! Ive learned so much about making money after reading this!
Mark W. Bender –
Loved his thoughts on creativity and his examples of culture in the last 30 years or so.
Melynda Valera –
This is such a great book to let your mind explore different avenues of creativity and it is so refreshing to hear a well thought-out, eloquent explanation of their opinion of creativity.
S James –
I know creativity is highly applicable accross fields, but, as a writer, I wasn’t sure how much I would be able to relate to a musician’s experience when I saw this book recommended on the website of an author I respect. I enjoyed the read tremendously and Questlove reached my heart and blew a wind of renewal into my own creativity. And yes, lots of musical references but Q made them not only interesting, but relevant to readers in any creative profession. Read the book. Much love.
Amazon Customer –
Have been a huge fan of Questlove and the Roots. Read his Mo Meta Blues memoir years ago and it was very interesting. As an artist myself this book has been quite insightful. I’ve been carrying it with me and consuming it a few pages at a time when I’m at coffee shops or on the train etc etc. Has been highlighting sentences here and there that I found interesting. A curious look into the brain of a genius in his mediums.
Stacy –
My favorite read this year on creativity! This book exceeded my expectations and was engaging from beginning to end. QuestLove’s talent in music, writing, and producing is inspiring. He’s the perfect person to write about how to tap into and nourish your creative roots. Recommended for any artist or person who wants to cultivate their creativity.
Kay Kay –
Great read
Anne Soffee –
I read any and all books I can find on creativity — it’s a subject that fascinates me and I’m always looking to hear the thoughts of successful creatives and learn about their process. I was excited about this book and it didn’t disappoint. I started sharing passages as I was reading and then my kid wanted to read it too. This ended up being a really fantastic gateway as he started asking about musicians from my generation that Quest mentioned and we listened to them after each chapter. Definitely expanded his horizons.
J Ward –
Goshdarnit. He is just brilliant and I love him.
C –
Pick up this book when you need a creative reset! Pop culture icon, Questlove has made 70s Afro, colorful glasses, large lapel pins and laid-back attitude hip. We’ve come to love him as side kick to Jimmy Fallon on the “Late Night” show. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is not your average drummer. Yes, he plays drums with his band, The Roots, but it’s his limitless creativity that takes him to new satisfying directions as Producer, DJ, professional foodie, music historian, and author.”Creative Quest,” written with Ben Greenman, offers readers inspirations, stories, and lessons on living your best creative life. The book opens a window into the brilliant author’s mind — his cross references to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, accessing your Zen moment, theory of strange loops…Enjoyed it!Can’t wait to hear the new album in the making by The Roots! Makes a nice gift for your creative loved ones.
Angela McCoggle –
I’m very excited to read this
Annonymous –
EXCELLENT!
Missy –
As an artist I frequently find myself questioning my abilities as an artist. Quest takes you on this journey to show you how unique the creative process is from artist to artist. He shows that that is no right way to be an artist and that an artist is simply a person who creates an artist.
Bob and Kari Sarni –
I am a huge music lover, music has influenced my life in many ways even though I am not a musician. I just recently started reading Questlove’s new book about what sparks creative ideas. Questlove himself is an inspirational musician and creative genius even if he will not admit it but his latest book will help you rethink and explore your creativeness. Take a chance, explore, recreate, create, take a journey, enjoy!
Shoe Freak –
Super interesting read by a very creative mind and unique personality. I am a big Questlove fan and amateur drummer. I love reading about his approaches to creativity in music, writing, inventing, food, etc. It’s good food for thought for any person wanting to be more creative. Bravo!
Amazon Customer –
To be able to see how the process of quest is genius.
Nicky Blue –
This is a a wonderful creative companion to have on your book shelf. Easy to read and bursting with inspiration!
Tracy –
Motivational even for a college graduate in the workforce. Thank you!!
Lehwajji –
For anyone looking for a creative guide and journey this book is perfect for you. It’s so helpful and the amount of knowledge is crazy!
Pettway –
This audio book is action pack like a movie but with a smooth flow kinda like that song Brother Sister by the Brand New Heavies. It also help out that it was actually Quest Love voice and not some tired voice over actor reading the book. I have a better understanding of the creative process people go through and how I can access my creative flow better and faster!! One of the many Gems in this book is Micro Meditation.Shall I tell the homies or keep these Gems to myself???
miki –
This book is amazing. Questlove is such a delight.
DiversityDiva –
As a writer, even when I didn’t identify as one to anyone but myself, I’ve read tons of books on creativity.This may not be the traditional format or organization of those others books, but that’s what I loved about this one. It was accessible, funny, authentic and done in a way that required lots of putting down for reflection.Also, all the books on creativity I’ve read have been by white people. Not a slam, just an observation. I didn’t stop to think about that until reading this book. Some of his references were as real and fascinating to me – like the making of D’Angelo’s album Voodoo – as are the hundreds of references I’ve read in other books that I didn’t know anything about.So I found this a rich, thought provoking, inspired and soulful read.I will be revisiting it again and underlining next time.
AK –
After reading Questlove’s story, I have added songs to my play list, feel good because it helped me to understood the ‘why’ of some of my actions & preferences to continue to feed my creativity and loved his honesty about successes & less-successes. The informal tone of the book make it easy to follow, nevertheless it’s rich of interesting concepts and lots of inspiration.
Deborah Chaddock Brown –
I bought this book for my son, a musician and poet, who had just suffered a huge crisis in his life. He called me and shared that he had nothing left to give; he was just a burden. I had just watched Quest’s interview on Fallon about his latest book and sent it to my son. He called last night to say that he’d just finished the book – couldn’t put it down. The words from Quest had inspired him to move forward, to find a new light. He told me that he frequently reads several books at once; gets to a boring spot and moves to another book but this book grabbed him from the beginning and held on. He started listening to the Roots music while reading the book and for the first time in a while, my son had an energy to his voice. I haven’t read the book, but for Quest’s words to so inspire my son that he is seeing joy again, he’s writing music again, he’s finding a way forward, well, I can’t thank Quest enough. My son said – I didn’t think I would live this long (he’s 27 – for those who understand the significance of that age – you know how hard I pray for him each day) and now he’s thinking about a plan beyond this minute. So bravo, Quest Love. Thank you from the bottom of this mother’s heart.
Mpperko –
I’ve been listening to this audiobook while painting. Questlove is an engaging author and I appreciate the little music breaks in this recording. A good one to turn to for inspiration — or to spur you on as you complete a project.
francesco brini –
This book makes you feel better about your creative process.Very good read
Shoe Freak –
Super interesting read by a very creative mind and unique personality. I am a big Questlove fan and amateur drummer. I love reading about his approaches to creativity in music, writing, inventing, food, etc. It’s good food for thought for any person wanting to be more creative. Bravo!
monica –
2nd time buying this book for a friend- great read
RayreikoRayreiko –
Full disclosure- I bought this book in an actual independent bookstore. It’s such a fantastic book that I wanted to make sure that others learn about it and buy it (on Amazon or wherever books are sold IRL). I happen to be reading “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert too and think that this one is better book about creativity because it feels more relevant to creatives like myself who aren’t just writers… to people who are compelled to be multi-channel creators like Questlove and feel driven to get ideas out in the world in many ways.In addition, it is amazing to learn about Questlove’s biography and his inspirations. He moves deftly between hip-hip, poetry, art, soul, Shakespeare, media, writing, race, luck, hard work, spirituality, cultural politics, failure and the technology without it ever seeming forced. This is the universe he inhabits and it is a rich and deep world.Lastly, I love the format and aesthetics of this book- after every chapter there is a blank page for the reader to write notes and daydream (i.e. be creative!) The bold print quotes are wisdom bombs and it’s fun to just let a random page open to see where you land.I’m not some paid reviewer and I don’t know Questlove or anything- just impressed by this book and will buy more to give to friends as presents. Definitely think it’s worth buying and investing your time and energy in it whether you are a creative professional or a person looking to unlock your creativity- enjoy!
Mark Joy –
Originally purchased the audiobook but then followed up with a paperback copy. I really enjoyed the way Questlove recounts the breadth and depth of creative individuals who have inspired him in some way along his journey. He paints such vivid pictures of various experiences and moments in which he dives deeper into learning more about others creative processes and insights. Highly recommend!
Robert Edwards –
Amazing read
bart –
awesome book!
Joseph Mckenna –
The level of diverse thinking and competitive insight in this book is incredible. It’s a book that you can revisit to gain alternative perspectives. Questlove is a savant.
Lehwajji –
For anyone looking for a creative guide and journey this book is perfect for you. It’s so helpful and the amount of knowledge is crazy!
Amazon Kunde –
This was a gift for a friend, and i picked it because i read a good review and because i really like Questlove. My friend told me, he liked it.
Paul Atwood –
I love Quest. He’s a great writer and has an easy conversational narrative style. He’s an original thinker and uses a deep pool of inspiration to draw from. if you love music or are any kind of creative pro I’d highly recommend it. Quest does not impose his tastes but gives a really good open framework for curating and creating. Really well-designed book too. This dude is so smart and talented it would be irritating if he wasn’t so darn nice and humble to boot.
S James –
I know creativity is highly applicable accross fields, but, as a writer, I wasn’t sure how much I would be able to relate to a musician’s experience when I saw this book recommended on the website of an author I respect. I enjoyed the read tremendously and Questlove reached my heart and blew a wind of renewal into my own creativity. And yes, lots of musical references but Q made them not only interesting, but relevant to readers in any creative profession. Read the book. Much love.
Maura Murphy –
Diving into this and loving it….very effective in terms of my motivational side of the brain!
C –
Pick up this book when you need a creative reset! Pop culture icon, Questlove has made 70s Afro, colorful glasses, large lapel pins and laid-back attitude hip. We’ve come to love him as side kick to Jimmy Fallon on the “Late Night” show. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is not your average drummer. Yes, he plays drums with his band, The Roots, but it’s his limitless creativity that takes him to new satisfying directions as Producer, DJ, professional foodie, music historian, and author.”Creative Quest,” written with Ben Greenman, offers readers inspirations, stories, and lessons on living your best creative life. The book opens a window into the brilliant author’s mind — his cross references to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, accessing your Zen moment, theory of strange loops…Enjoyed it!Can’t wait to hear the new album in the making by The Roots! Makes a nice gift for your creative loved ones.
RKRacine –
The book was a great look at the creative process. Not necessarily a step by step guide but an off the beaten track book.Anyone that creates in any way should read this book. Take your time reading it. Think about what is written.
artovrwar –
Great attention to detail in packaging, speedy delivery, and item as detailed.
Deborah Chaddock Brown –
I bought this book for my son, a musician and poet, who had just suffered a huge crisis in his life. He called me and shared that he had nothing left to give; he was just a burden. I had just watched Quest’s interview on Fallon about his latest book and sent it to my son. He called last night to say that he’d just finished the book – couldn’t put it down. The words from Quest had inspired him to move forward, to find a new light. He told me that he frequently reads several books at once; gets to a boring spot and moves to another book but this book grabbed him from the beginning and held on. He started listening to the Roots music while reading the book and for the first time in a while, my son had an energy to his voice. I haven’t read the book, but for Quest’s words to so inspire my son that he is seeing joy again, he’s writing music again, he’s finding a way forward, well, I can’t thank Quest enough. My son said – I didn’t think I would live this long (he’s 27 – for those who understand the significance of that age – you know how hard I pray for him each day) and now he’s thinking about a plan beyond this minute. So bravo, Quest Love. Thank you from the bottom of this mother’s heart.
RKRacine –
The book was a great look at the creative process. Not necessarily a step by step guide but an off the beaten track book.Anyone that creates in any way should read this book. Take your time reading it. Think about what is written.
Inkblotlife_peggynagy –
I loved this! This is one of my favorite audiobooks. I am so glad I chose to listen instead of read this book. I feel like the audio added another clever, creative, fun dimension I would have missed if I had read it. I prefer tangible paper books but this was such a great audiobook. It was very inciteful and encouraging along with the fun. I highly recommend this audiobook. I read it more for the creative, learning, brain side. I enjoy that angle but I learned so much about music and the arts that was so interesting.
Paul Atwood –
I love Quest. He’s a great writer and has an easy conversational narrative style. He’s an original thinker and uses a deep pool of inspiration to draw from. if you love music or are any kind of creative pro I’d highly recommend it. Quest does not impose his tastes but gives a really good open framework for curating and creating. Really well-designed book too. This dude is so smart and talented it would be irritating if he wasn’t so darn nice and humble to boot.
Stacy –
My favorite read this year on creativity! This book exceeded my expectations and was engaging from beginning to end. QuestLove’s talent in music, writing, and producing is inspiring. He’s the perfect person to write about how to tap into and nourish your creative roots. Recommended for any artist or person who wants to cultivate their creativity.
Who –
Questlove has a way of pulling you in to his world and way of thinking. Fantastic book by an outstanding person. Thank you Quest!
drouse –
Son loves it. Good read