Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson

Nonfiction. 224 Pages. 5 Stars

Synopsis:

Making something beautiful in a broken world can be harrowing work, and it can’t be done alone.
 
Over the last twenty years, Andrew Peterson has performed thousands of concerts, published four novels, released ten albums, taught college and seminary classes on writing, founded a nonprofit ministry for Christians in the arts, and executive-produced a film—all in a belief that God calls us to proclaim the gospel and the coming kingdom using whatever gifts are at our disposal. He’s stumbled along the way, made mistake after mistake, and yet has continually encountered the grace of God through an encouraging family, a Christ-centered community of artists in the church, and the power of truth, beauty, and goodness in Scripture and the arts.
 
While there are many books about writing, none deal first-hand with the intersection of songwriting, storytelling, and vocation, along with nuts-and-bolts exploration of the great mystery of creativity. In Adorning the Dark, Andrew describes six principles for the writing life:
 
serving the work
serving the audience
selectivity
discernment
discipline
and community
 
Through stories from his own journey, Andrew shows how these principles are not merely helpful for writers and artists, but for anyone interested in imitating way the Creator interacts with his creation.
 
This book is both a memoir of Andrew’s journey and a handbook for artists, written in the hope that his story will provide encouragement to others stumbling along in pursuit of a calling to adorn the dark with the light of Christ.

My Review: 

Okay, so this was stunning. Absolutely stunning. Just wow.

Three months ago, I’d never consumed any of Peterson’s work. And now I’ve read all four Wingfeather books, listened to half of his albums, and pre-ordered his next book. Adorning the Dark was like someone took a peek inside my soul and exposed my fears and hopes and dreams. It’s a simply stunning work of art overflowing with beautiful truths and soul-stirring peace.

I will cherish this book and keep it on my shelves to go back to again and again. I honestly haven’t much to say other than thank you, Andrew Peterson, for sharing this with the world.

Peterson simply oozes his faith. He’s woven the lessons he’s learned and tugged illustrations from stories throughout his life. The presentation in this book is gorgeous and very effective. I love how down-to-earth and real he is. He isn’t afraid of being vulnerable and in doing so, I really connected with him on a number of levels. He weaves scripture seamlessly into his work, which shows me that he lives this, breathes it. It’s who he is. And he very effectively stirs the longing and homesickness for what has yet to come.

I feel like there’s so much I want to say about this book that would simply fall short XD Just go read it, honestly. It’s beautiful, truthful, and honest. It’s what I strive to be and do. And I am so nourished and encouraged by it. May you be too.

The book is packed full of humor, life lessons, writing lessons, practical tips, stunning imagery, and just heart, so much heart. I cannot more highly recommend this to anyone looking to grow in their faith or artistry. And I am so very looking forward to his next book.