Book Review: Adorning the Dark

I have wanted to check out some of Andrew Peterson’s writing for a little while now. My oldest son – the book devourer – has already read the first book in The Wingfeather Saga. I have heard and enjoyed some of the songs from Peterson – we have even used some in our worship services at church.

When I heard that Peterson was writing a book that shared a little about the creativity behind his writing, both songs and books, I was in. I admire Peterson’s creativity greatly. As a pastor myself, I see the importance of clearly communicating the truths of God’s Word in a way that the people that hear can understand and respond to it. I took the opportunity afforded to me to check out Adorning the Dark and this post will give some thoughts that I had about it.

Adorning the Dark is written to share a little of the approach that Peterson has taken in writing himself. In this book, he shares what he calls six principles of writing. They are serving the work, serving the audience, selectivity, discernment, discipline, and community.

If one was wanting to read this book with the intention of just getting from it some steps do work through and become a better writer, he or she might be disappointed. While I was looking to gain some new ways to bring out my inner creativity, I found something else. In Adorning the Dark, Peterson shares many personal stories. As his website says, “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.”

I enjoyed hearing and learning more about Peterson’s journey from the beginning to the present of his career, but I guess I was wanting more of “how-to” than “here’s my story.” There were some really good points scattered throughout each chapter… points to take and help one with his or her own writing. Maybe the creative part of me just needs to be exercised more.

Recommendation

If you are a fan of Andrew Peterson, then I believe that you would really like Adorning the Dark. It is a different kind of work from what he normally does, but it is also really good. You get to hear a little more about Peterson himself and the journey that has brought him to this point.

If you are an aspiring artist, I think that you will gain some great insight and help from another artist who has proven to be one of the more creative of our day.