Next time I want to experience something David Lynch shit out in fifteen minutes, I'll just watch (insert your least favorite, most nonsensical Lynch film here) ( )

David Lynch's sheer passion lures the reader irresistibly along brief chapters of Catching the Big Fish: Meditation Consciousness, and Creativity, describing his method of channeling ideas into creative endeavors.

Lynch touts digital video as the future of film and regards director's commentaries as sacrilegious. He also reveals his love for diners, flickering lights, Los Angeles, rotting bodies and other things that drive him “crazy, in a good way.” He writes of the three years he spent making Eraserhead, O.J. Simpson’s influence on Lost Highway, the inception of Twin Peaks’ Red Room, and details of filming his current release INLAND EMPIRE. Epigraphs from the Upanishads introduce many chapters, and Lynch spends most of the book crediting Transcendental Mediation with his success in converting inspiration into successful creations. Lynch’s love for both watching and making film is clear; he refers continually to his awe upon entering the “world of a film” and the thrill of “falling in love with ideas.”

At times, Catching the Big Fish conveys a bit of an agenda (all proceeds for the book go towards the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace), but the simple, sincere and often poetic tone maintain his believability. Lynch has been practicing Transcendental Mediation for over 30 years, and few could argue with his success as a surrealist, envelope-pushing filmmaker—however he does it.

Lynch’s fans will delight in amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes of synchronicity with actors, musicians and admired directors. Those seeking advice on creativity, meditation, or simply seeking a good read from a creative, quirky mind will also enjoy this book. ( )

A short read that offers some insight into Lynch's creative process. I was surprised at how peaceful he seems, though his films are anything but. ( )

This is a nice, easy reading book to take in when you want something easy, breezy, and won't take more than a day or two to finish. It's divided into tiny sections of mostly one or two pages per piece, but it still flows together well enough to not be jarring. The focus is on how Lynch feels about meditation and its relationship to greater creativity. He shares anecdotes and sprinkles in a little commentary on a few of his movies for good measure. All in all, it's very worthwhile, especially when proceeds end up going to his foundation that donates money to schools to promote Transcendental Meditation. After you're done with the book, you'll understand why this is a wonderful thing to do. ( )

I thought this book was fantastic, although I am a huge David Lynch fan. This would be a terrific book if you are interested in meditation, art, and where ideas come from. Lynch often sites the Upanishads and the Gita in his very short chapters. If you are huge fan of Lynch, get the audio book, he reads it and I couldn't ask for anything more. ( )