This was such an original read! I loved the mix of self-help and Renaissance art, purchased it in the meanwhile as I wanted to go through it again. Couldn't recommend more.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is a lovely and unusual self-help book which is made for art-lovers. Maura writes summaries of the major lives of great artists of the Renaissance, including some of their beautiful paintings, and what we can learn from them. For example, we can learn balance from Raphael and that we need more than food for sustenance from Michelangelo. It's one of the more interesting and educational self-help books that I have read!Most of them are quite cliched and contain the same advice. I also enjoyed the soothing meditations at the end of each chapter.

This is extremely useful and a healing book to read and think about during the pandemic.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
EDITION Paperback

ISBN 9791220069786

PRICE $29.00 (USD)

For fans of art this is a very interesting concept of looking at the life of famous Renaissance artists; looking at their lives to help change ours in a much more positive way. It contains excellent advice, bullet points for us to work on. I found this book very interesting and inspiring. I love learning about different ways to look at life and enjoyed the information about the painters which i never knew. the book contains stunning picture portraits in great detail. Thank you to the author for giving us a different format of self help book. It was certainly very different.

A unique take on self-help, studying bits of classic artists lives and works and then taking a journey in visualization to become aware of who you are and what you want.

I enjoyed the premise of the book, I think it might be tapping into something that has the potential to be really cool. I found myself being generally entertained for the first few chapters, and especially chapter 2. That being said, half-way through the book the formulaic structure of each chapter started to feel a little constructed and awkward, and some of the connections between the renaissance topic and the self-care topic the author wanted to draw seemed like a bit of a reach at times, causing me to skim ahead a few times. I definitely think I would've enjoyed it more if the book allowed itself to change up its formula, approach the self-care topics it wants to reach in different ways in each chapter. That being said I want to reiterate that I think the premise is interesting and has potential, I would even say I would be interested in seeing where the author might take this topic further, because I think there is a lot to unearth.

What a beautiful medley of genres from art history to self-development. I picked this book on a whim since I recognized the painting on the cover from an art history class I took in college (I actually wrote my final paper on that painting). The portions of this book that focus on aspects of pieces of art are written so accessibly. You do not need an art degree to decipher what the author is trying to convey. I thoroughly enjoyed the intricate connections between the pieces of art and how that can impact our lives centuries later. While none of the information felt particularly revolutionary for me, they were all beautifully written reminders.

A really interesting combination of art history and self-help - I enjoyed both aspects of this book.

I don't read self-help books. They are not for me! Really, really not for me lol. But I found the concept of this one intriguing and taking into consideration it's a slim one, I've decided to give it a go.

My initial interest has been rewarded on 2 plans. Firstly I've really enjoyed reading about some of the most famous painters of the Renaissance. Despite their fame, turns out I knew very little about their background. The concise chapters work very well in giving the readers enough material to quench their curiosity but they are also intriguing enough to inspire some to do further research. The inclusion of illustrations is another well thought detail.
Secondly I've found the 8 steps very realistic and doable. In fact I've incorporated many of this steps in my life over the years as a result of my personal experience and other scientific studies/books I've read. I really think there's good advice to be had in this book, given in a pleasurable, attractive manner.

*Book from NetGalley with many thanks to the publisher.

Using examples of painters and their works to give tips and ideas to better yourself. An addition to ongoing or new self care practice or new stage in life.

This book is an exciting combination of art and wellness. In 8 steps, it gives us a path to follow on our way to know ourselves better and to turn to new directions if we need it.
It is written very clearly with a positive and supportive tone, so the reader can go through each step and take a breath to reflect when needed.
Many steps start with a short life story of one of the greatest Renaissance artists, and include their chosen paintings (made available only by certain museums). We learn about these masters' lives and how their characters shaped their lives and careers. The author continues with what we can learn from those lives and from those works of art on our way to renewal and gives a few tips to consider at each step.
This book does not give a simple recipe for happiness, but it provides insights and tools for everyone to look deeper in their own lives and to revisit from time to time. And it shows that Renaissance artists can be real inspirations still today.
This is a book that appeals to the reader's eyes, mind and soul. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I will be happy to recommend it to my friends.
Thank you for providing an advanced copy via NetGalley.

I absolutely loved the premise of this book! A self-help book focused on Renaissance Art? Count me in! I am an art history major and loved that those concepts could be combined with self-help. I loved that each chapter focused on a different artist, and I thought that the connections that Garau made between the artist and our own lives. Because of the wealth of information provided on each artist, I felt that it was sometimes a bit difficult to pick out the main points. I found the tips laid out at the end of each chapter to be helpful for that. I would definitely love to reread this book and go through the steps closer, as well as have it to refer back on. It was a really interesting journey!

An utterly beautiful book of paintings, mediations and musings on how great artists painted and the effects they sought to achieve.
At a meta-level I think this book is more likely to affect you philosophically and softly rather than offer much serious value in practical self-help techniques.

But, if you have the patience to slow down and read it you may find yourself changed for the better by great art... Which perhaps is what they intended.

This is a book that offers a unique perspective on Renaissance art. It analyzes famous Italian painters and their artwork through the lens of wellness. The Renaissance era was a time of rebirth when the human form was used to explore the inner world and their connection to the outer world. Viewing Renaissance artwork as a way to connect more deeply to yourself creates greater self-awareness. The author explains this using 8 steps that can initiate an individual into a better understanding of who they are. She uses 8 examples of famous Renaissance paintings and their painters to show how this can be done.

This is a very unique analysis of art that may feel like a bit of a stretch for some. On the other hand, it is enlightening and curious. The advice feels a little generic but I think it's not about the tips the author gives, but rather the techniques and explorations of art that matters.

Art is healing and that is what this book demonstrates.

Highly original!

I love Art and artists, but don't always understand what I like or dislike about them. I have always had a fondness for the Renaissance and the reason I chose this book. This book combines wellness and art in a unique way. Written by an artist and wellness expert, Your Renaissance gives us an opportunity to understand a bit about the more famous of the great Italian artists of this period. I found it to be an enlightening journey which informed and also gave me pause to find my own inner peace. What a beautiful book. I highly recommend this book, the illustrations even in kindle form are sharp and beautifully shown. Many thanks to the publishers, Netgalley for an ARC and especially the author for an inspirational work.