🕰️ Book Review: The Art of Strategic Procrastination by Issa Rae (Kindle Edition)
A witty, self-aware essay that turns procrastination into a creative superpower—perfect for anyone juggling ambition, burnout, and the pressure to always be “on.”
🧠 Overview
Published in August 2025 as part of the I Should Be Smarter By Now series, The Art of Strategic Procrastination is the fifth essay in a six-part collection by Issa Rae, the Emmy-nominated creator of Insecure and founder of HOORAE Media. In this installment, Rae explores her lifelong habit of procrastination—not as a flaw, but as a creative rhythm that fuels her success in Hollywood’s high-pressure environment.
✨ Key Themes & Takeaways
- ⏳ Procrastination as process: Rae reframes delay not as avoidance, but as a space where ideas incubate
- 🎬 Creative chaos: She shares how her best work often emerges from last-minute bursts of inspiration
- 🧘 Work-rest balance: The essay highlights the importance of “workations” and intentional downtime
- 💬 Personal anecdotes: From awkward pitch meetings to deadline panic, Rae’s stories are relatable and hilarious
- 🧠 Self-acceptance: She encourages readers to embrace their own rhythms rather than conform to hustle culture
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Listed as a #2 Best Seller in multiple Kindle short read categories, including Humor, Self-Help, and Business
- 🎧 Available as both a Kindle eBook and Audible Original, narrated by Issa Rae herself
- 📖 Readers praise its authenticity, humor, and relatable insights into creative life
“She’s also an inveterate procrastinator. But even that’s part of her creative strategy.” — Amazon description
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 21 pages, it’s a quick read best enjoyed in one sitting
- 📚 Not a how-to guide: It’s more reflective than instructional—ideal for fans of Rae’s voice and storytelling
- 🧾 Best appreciated in context: Works well as part of the full I Should Be Smarter By Now series
🏁 Final Verdict
The Art of Strategic Procrastination is a funny, insightful essay that celebrates the messy reality of creative work. Issa Rae’s candid reflections offer comfort to anyone who’s ever felt guilty for not being perfectly productive—and remind us that brilliance often blooms in the margins.
You can explore the book on Amazon’s product page. Want help diving into the rest of the series or exploring other creative memoirs? I’d love to curate a list for you.
