Critique Is Creative: The Critical Response Process® in Theory and Action Paperback – July 5, 2022

This book, the outgrowth of the decades-long work of both Liz Lerman and John Borstel, is a gift. The authors' Creative Response Process (CRP) is a wonderful means of digging into the creative process far deeper and far more productively than most - beyond the creative idea, beyond the artist creating in isolation. CRP enables both a creative 'community,' and a means for finding the kind of resonate value in an idea that yields true impact.While CRP in and of itself is powerful, this book makes it more so, and in several ways. First, Lerman and Borstel take an interesting approach to teaching the reader about each step in the process - with the two first describing what each step is, where it fits, and why it matters 'together', and then - each coauthor adds their individual notes about their experiences in using the process, and the unique resonance it has had for each of them. Second, the last third of the book is comprised of stories of use of CRP in a wide range of settings and even sectors - the bonus being that each story is written by the CRP user themselves - meaning, Lerman and Borstel set a stage and then get out of the way and let the practitioners speak for themselves ... about what worked and why, about what the user may have struggled with and how they overcame that struggle, etc. Finally, the authors clearly understand that CRP is adaptable, can be used in modified ways, and will continue to evolve, and so they describe consistently throughout the book a process meant to benefit, grow, and refine. It's refreshingly honest, and the lessons are more valuable because they approach it this way.The writing is easy to absorb, and thoughtfully presented. The authors' passion for the reader, for art, and for this process is genuine and clear. And the potential for impact is proven by the contributors highlighted in the stories of use of CRP. It's a book worthy of your time, and it's a guide that should not only have a special place on your bookshelf, but also a guide that ought to be returned to repeatedly.

For far too long, I harbored a fear of both giving and receiving feedback. Shaped by my experiences in cheer and dance studios, where candidness is the norm, this book offers a plethora of examples illustrating the essence of providing and receiving feedback across diverse backgrounds and disciplines. I highly recommend giving it a read.

If your work or relationships involve giving and receiving critical feedback (and that's most everyone), you NEED this four step process. It is the most concise way to give and receive feedback while establishing trust and a foundation of care at the same time - even with complete strangers. I use it in the work place as an administrator, I've used it with my family, in conversations with my spouse, with 1:1 interactions with my students and colleagues, with professors in academic settings, and in giving critical feedback to my superiors.

A more in depth exploration of iterations of this super useful feedback dialogue construct.

I have used the Critical Response Process in teaching college seminar courses and workshops for years. My students use it when they are peer-reviewing each other's work and they consistently tell me that it is more helpful than other peer feedback experiences they have had. This book is a good resource if you are looking to learn about various ways you can apply CRP to your work.

This book goes deep into the Critical Response Process and offers lots of diverse perspectives for how it can be applied meaningfully to so many creative contexts.

I've used Lerman's Critical Response Method for almost 20 years with my writing students; it is a game-changer. This book is a terrific addition to the process - for those new to it, or to veterans. My copy of this book is covered with underlinings...the first section dives deep into the process and added so much depth and new understanding for me. The last part is essays from people in all kinds of fields - from academia to community applications (the most interesting).

I love that the origin story is given by Liz Lerman and John Borstel, the originators, along with their transparency as they continue to evolve CRP with every experience or encounter continuously for at least 4 decades. The essays by practitioners in such a variety of fields (arts, theater, racial justice, organizational development, etc.) demonstrates how CRP is a tool that is there to be activated by its users to make it meaningful in any situation. And it is so apt that the book is a Silver Nautilus Award recipient in the Creativity and Innovation category.

Critique is Creative deepened my ability to engage in giving and receiving meaningful feedback. I've had the book for over a year now and I frequently turn to it as a resource for my professional educational and artistic practice as well as my personal life navigating difficult moments. It's one of those books you'll not just read once but mull over, mark its pages, and return to throughout the course of your life.