Peterson's musings on art and the creative process are a must-read for every Christian author and artist. It's the kind of book to be read in bits and pieces, underlined or highlighted, and then set aside in order to create (as its reading will inspire you to do!).

This book may ostensibly be about how to write, but really, I think it's about how to live. Rather than being didactic, it's conversational - the kind of conversation you'd have with a wise friend, while rambling through the countryside. It's honest, digressive, occasionally winding, but beautiful. It's an exploration of the deeply personal as a way to see the universal and, in the end, quite lovely.

Reading Adorning the Dark feels a little bit like sitting down with Andrew Peterson for coffee and listening to him tell stories. Because that's what Adorning the Dark is. It's Peterson telling us stories from his life, and then bouncing off of those stories to talk about creativity, stewardship, being a Christian creative, the seasons of a creative's life, and other things.

But Adorning the Dark isn't boring or dull or preachy. Rather, it feels like someone coming alongside you to encourage you as you travel through the ups and downs of being a creative. And Peterson's style of writing is casual, fun, and easy to read.

I feel like Adorning the Dark is one of those books that I'm going to want to read again multiple times. Because I think that different parts will speak to me differently at different times depending on where I am in my writing journey. Already, I want to flip back through the book and write down various quotes.

Andrew Peterson is both a songwriter and a novelist, so I was curious if Adorning the Dark was going to "talk" more to songwriters or novelists. But it is for both. Yes, Peterson talks about both, but he talks about it all in the sense of being a creative. The things he learned in his songwriting career are applicable to writers, and vise versa.

If you're a Christian creative, check out Adorning the Dark.

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Part memoir, part artist handbook; this book by well known singer songwriter Andrew Peterson, encourages writers and singers to pursue their craft in light of the kingdom of God; the Author of our creativity. With humble telling, this book is an excellent example of how to keep doing what you love as you write, sing, and pursue your own creative endeavors. It may be read by artists of all types and mediums. I took many helpful tips from this book. The most important is to honor the Lord in all I do. If you have an artist in the family, I recommend this as a gift for them. May God be honored above all for His Creative nature.

This cover is a total five star! sadly the book was not as much of a hit for me. I didn't find myself wanting to pick it up and ultimately DNFd it.

I will be honest. This book is not for me. It was not written in a logical way, probably due to the author’s artistic bend. I just could not wrap my head around the way this book progressed. And a lot of the people he talked about in the book, I had no idea who they were. (I assume most were in the music industry).

There were a few things I did pull from the book which I thought were interesting. Such as Bach writing “Jesu Juva” at the top of all his manuscripts. And I liked the Afterword “Nuts and Bolts” section. This basically summed up the entire book in a few pages.

Overall, I think this book was written with a different audience in mind; such as a musician or a poet.

Andrew Peterson could have not have known at the time of his book's release (October 2019) how timely his thoughts would be for the year 2020. If ever the world has known a time of darkness (spiritual, medical, and emotional), it is during the months that have been overshadowed by Covid.
Adorning the Dark is part memoir, part inspiration, part tool kit for creatives. Readers will get a glimpse of the ways that God has used the author to bring light through his music, poetry and writing. The highs and lows, light and darkness in his own life's journey will encourage readers to not despair in the dark but to find ways to light a candle. Often times, light is made more beautiful by its contrast to dark. There is something magical about a candle's warmth and the intimacy of it's small circle of illumination. And even a small light can help dispel fear and uncertainty.

Peterson explores the importance of community, the gift of a calling (God does have a marvelous calling for each one of us), and what he dubs the "mystery" of making. It's rather humbling to realize that God gives humans the privilege of creating beauty in many forms. For Peterson, his making is through word and music. But others may find that their "making" takes the form of photography, painting, gardening, cooking, or some vocational pursuit. What I loved was the idea that our making can be a form of worship to the Lord--the gifts we bring to Him in gratitude for all that He has done for us and through us.

At a time in history when discouragement is prevalent and uncertainty is all too familiar, I recommend grabbing a copy of Adorning the Dark and contemplating the ways God can use these days of social distance and cancelled events to breathe new life into our souls and minds. Inspiration for ways that we can seek the Lord with renewed fervor, to worship Him with greater abandon and to share His light with greater determination.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Adorning the Dark through NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.

Very practical and necessary for artists and writers of all levels! Encourages us to use our talents for God's glory! This book is unique and such a good read!

I accidentally requested this book. I'm sorry! Cannot review because I did not read it. Again, I apologize.

My first introduction to Andrew Peterson was through his work as a songwriter. Then, years later, I started hearing recommendations for The Wingfeather Saga, and discovered the author of these children's books was the same as the songwriter. Add in his homestead and his beekeeping, and his eclectic interests resist pigeonholing him into one sphere; Adorning the Dark is his opus on creativity and the creative process.

In November 2006, I first learned about and participated in NaNoWriMo, an annual challenge to encourage individuals to write 50,000 words in the span of a month. Ever since then, I have found my interest in reading about writing increases in the fall, and this book fit the bill. Peterson shares details on his journey, and this work is peppered with artist and book recommendations, which I dutifully noted because I like an ever-expanding reading list.

The subtitle is "Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making," which is an appropriate summary of his aims. Peterson delves into what answering the call to create can look like, and the importance of having a community to both encourage and ground you, as well as to collaborate and dream with. Peterson's faith informs his work, but he also stresses how one must serve the work first and foremost, and not approach with an agenda. 

There are familiar adages that, if you're drawn to reading about artists creating, come through time and again. Advice to write it like you would say it. Advice to consider the audience. Advice to find a community. And the need to just do the work already since you have the tools at hand.

And in what may be the most powerful reason to keep going and not delay with creative work, to persist and honor your calling, Peterson wrote the following:

"Those of us who write, who sing, who paint, must remember that to a child a song may glow like a nightlight in a scary bedroom. It may be the only thing holding back the monsters. That story may be the only beautiful, true thing that makes it through all the ugliness of a little girl's world to rest in her secret heart. May we take that seriously. It is our job, it is our ministry, it is the sword we swing in the kingdom, to remind children that the good guys win, that the stories are true, and that a fool's hope may be the best kind.

"If you're called to do this sort of work, then keep those dear ones in your mind as you fight your way up the long mountain of obedience. You'll be tempted to slow down, or take an easier route -- but it is only by discipline that you'll finish, and it is only in finishing that you'll be able to offer up your humble work to those weary souls who may need it."

In what has to be a solid recommendation for the book, I confess by the end I felt my appetite whetted to consider participating in NaNoWriMo again, and I've been knitting more, spurred on by his encouragement to listen to the desire to create and to act accordingly.

(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

Andrew has an interesting story, and I appreciated him sharing it through these pages. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

Adorning the Dark is a beautiful poetic book about Andrew Petersons Journey as an artist, full of wisdom and hope. Even though i am not an artist this book has caught me and encouraged me in my own journey as a mom, wife, professional and servant of God to create something beautiful any place i am, adorning the dark!.

Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson is a call to serve God with our talents wholeheartedly. It's a book for artists, yes, but I think it is an amazing book for absolutely every Christian to read. It's pages are full of profound thoughts that will pull you closer to God while never making you feel inferior. Rather, read this book to feel more equipped to serve God in the place where you are. I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher but I also bought myself a copy. These opinions are entirely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and B&H Publishing for this copy of Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson in exchange for an honest review, this published October 15, 2019.
This book was an inspiring breath of fresh air. There were times when I was in tears, and other times where I was audibly laughing. I really enjoyed the take of being artistic and creative that this book presents, especially in the lens of being a Christian.

This autobiographical story of the pursuit of God in the creative arts was inspiring and interesting. It has made me explore more of the author's music and writings.

Phenomenal.

That is what comes to mind after finishing this book. For anyone that is thinking of writing songs, books, poetry or the like, needs to read this. Andrew Peterson goes through his life, giving us glimpses at his inspiration for his music, and books. I have never known Andrew Peterson before this, but now I will never forget his name.

It is filled with stories of uphill struggles, failures, and success in the music industry. Yet the road from the first page to the last is bordered by a faithful man trying his best to fulfill his calling on his life. With God as his anchor, Andrew has weaved a tapestry of words that will forever be known to lift up the praise to our Creator.

If you are a believer (Or not), I urge you to pick this up and let it flame the fire that the Lord has set on your life - to create.

I don’t feel it’s fair of me to review this book. I’m going to give it 3 stars, as a courtesy. I just don’t like Andrew Peterson. I don’t like his music and I wanted to give his writing a chance, but I don’t like it either. I couldn’t get through the first 3 chapters. I have nothing against him, and I call him a fellow Christian, but I just don’t like his work.

Peterson gives an eclectic batch of thoughts in this book - thoughts on community, thoughts on art made well, thought on particular kinds of books and music that have moved him, and all manner of topics in between. Alternatively funny, profound and always interesting, this book is well worth reading multiple times over.

Adorning the Dark captures the joys and agonies of the creative process with sudsing effervesce. It’s an artful blend of pithy observations, practical advice, and personal example. It also has a ring of clarity and authenticity which make for a delightful read.

Laced with humor, grace and a rapier wit, Adorning the Dark skillfully articulates many of the thoughts typically roaming creative minds. Examples:
- How hard the creative process can be
- How the creative process works
- Why create, from a Christian perspective
- Why “intention trumps execution”
- The importance of a “willingness to fail” and the “mountain of evidence” that the Maker has never left nor forsaken you.
- Why we’re not invited into the creative process because God needs us, but because He wants us.
- How one can reveal His majesty through the creative process
- Christian art might be defined as work that is, like Christ, full of grace and truth.
- “Write like you would say it”
- “Being a writer doesn’t just mean writing. It means finishing.”
- Art shouldn’t be about self-expression or self-indulgence. The aim of art is to draw attention to something other than self – to “the Word that made the world.”

The author also touches on a rarely-mentioned part of the creative arts: How Christians are called to speak light into the darkness and how darkness wants to shut you up. Also how and why you can resist and fight back.

Included in this highly engaging biography is what the author calls “imaginal segregation.” He says it’s that secret longing for beauty and adventure rather than a dull life that includes Christianity as he understood it. He also discusses how the magic of fairy tales can express Truth (hello, Narnia and Middle Earth!). How a redeemed, integrated imagination can leave the reader “with a painful longing that points them home.” And smuggle light into this present darkness.

Even though much of the book is directed at songwriting, it includes insights into the creative process as a whole. Like, “Songs require patience. Books require endurance.”” Both require work. Imagination. Courage. And revision.

Adorning the Dark rims with truth anchored in a biblical worldview. Peterson addresses leaning into the creative process in a way that’s practical and down-to-earth without being preachy. A lengthy reading list and additional resources are also included.

Finally, Adorning the Dark isn't a throw-it-against-the-wall-and-see-if-it-sticks, crank-it-out-quick to make a buck kind of book. The author takes time to ponder and think deeply about the creative process as he explores the intricacies of How, Why, and WHO related to the 'mystery of making.'

At one point Peterson observes, “The best way of pushing yourself into new territory isn’t pushing yourself as much as it is allowing yourself to be pulled along."

Allow yourself to be “pulled along” by this book. You’ll be glad you did!


#AdorningtheDark
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An immensely readable and engaging book about creativity, community, and Christ. Andrew Peterson has a wonderful storytelling honest voice that engaged me, and gave me hope. Though mostly geared toward songwriters and writers, I feel like anyone who enjoys creating and giving God the glory through it will enjoy, and learn from, this book.