I was very excited to tackle this book as I saw the title while in a creative rut. Unfortunately what I hoped would be a “Big Magic” style book about carving out space is really an argument for women (especially young mothers ) to find a creative outlet as a companion to self care. Valuable advice. However Rodsky’s guide is basic at best and felt a bit like a rehash of her other work. A lot of time is spent discussing negotiating space.

Not a book for people with empty nests.

This book is more of a workbook to launch your creativity than your regular self-help guide. I am currently struggling with bringing my hobbies back to life, so I did all the exercises provided by Eve and I am ready!
I loved all the examples provided in the book, I never knew that these things can be your Unicorn Space and it helped me develop my unique talent and purpose in life. I am so grateful for this work, because it truly made a difference. While chapters about conversations with your partner are not relevant to me, we already have these in place, it was nice to see that I am doing it right and we are a power couple. It is also a great reminder to be better and respectful to your partner.
Awesome book and now I have a cute journal called "Uni Space" with all my dreams in it!

I've read my fair share of self-help books, books on creative living, and books to build better habits. I keep reading them because I think we can all use reminders from time to time. It's easy in this world, particularly this country (the U.S.), to return to expectations that value busy-ness and productivity in our work life and martyrdom for our families. Creativity for the sake of creating and spending time doing the things that bring us joy, especially when done by women, is deeply undervalued. Women are sold an impossible goal that to "have it all" you must "do it all," which is, frankly, unrealistic and exhausting as hell.

Readers, I give you Eve Rodsky's "Find Your Unicorn Space." Who better to advocate for women following their passion projects than the author who called out unfair balance of "invisible" workloads (Fair Play)? While I haven't read Rodsky's first book, she builds upon the subject matter clearly in various chapters as partner support and balancing time and workloads are both crucial to granting more time for creative pursuits.

I had concerns, having read so many books in this inspirational, DIY, "be a better you" realm, that the book might be over-simplified or largely based on privileged lifestyles. There were several privileged examples where the interviewee seemed to have financial security, which certainly helps when re-allocating one's time, but Rodsky tackled this well beyond any other author I've encountered. She notes in the very beginning she sought out diverse voices in her interviews, representatives of multiple races, ethnicities, genders (including nonbinary), sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. I thought her book did do a great job at showcasing a variety of people and examples, and I appreciate her intention to be so inclusive.

Where Rodsky's book really excels is in her real life, relatable examples. First, she defines "unicorn space" and how it's different from family fun time or self care. (For example, taking a bath as self care is good for you and nice, but it's not the same as a personally fulfilling act of creative expression.) There's a broad range in her interview subjects and what they like to do. Some of the book explores finding what you like to do, because it's ok not to know right away. In addition to sharing examples of individuals who made lifestyle changes to pursue creativity, she also interviewed couples counselors and researchers to help break down communication issues, goal setting and habit processes, and how to tackle fear.

Incredibly timely following a pandemic year+ where how we spend our time and what's important to us was placed under a magnifying glass, Find Your Unicorn Space is a great book for any creative in your life as well as those that may be seeking a necessary and nurturing change.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun and simple book about finding your creative space and freedom in your life. If you feel yourself missing creative energy and time you will enjoy this book.

An interesting book about the importance of creativity. I was not familiar with the author's previous work but she does reference it. Worth a shot if you are interested in making more space for creativity in your life. 3.5 stars