Adorning the Dark

By Andrew Peterson  

A Review   

Memoir, yes, but also motivational lessons for writers, a workshop for ‘creatives.’ Peterson has managed to bring these themes together in a unique and intimately personal manner.  (The last 2 especially in the Afterword.) “This book is a glimpse into my own faltering journey as a songwriter, story-teller and Christian.” (p xiii) The glimpses are more like portraits in their detail.  And he takes some risks in the painting.

Chapter 3 is written with no forethought or plan. “Let’s see what happens if I dedicate the next chapter to utter transparency. . . I’m going to let you in on what’s going on in my head- right now and in real-time.” He opens with questions about how he will pull it off and through the writing of the words concludes with settled confidence that God, who is bigger than his fears will overcome his self-doubt.

He chronicles how his passion for singing and writing was kindled by Rich Mullins. The fire was stoked by numerous other songwriters.  With many of these, the Rabbit Room was built. “The Rabbit Room, “conceived as an experiment in creative community, fosters Christ-centered community and spiritual formation through music, story, and art.” This ‘family’ connection is reflected in Andrew’s thinking and writing.

The bottom line is that all his artistic expression “be defined as a work of Christ himself, full of grace and truth.” That might be expected as a given, but Peterson transparently shows that it is not always simple. 

An effective memoir makes you feel like you know the author well.  In this case, I would call Andrew Peterson a good friend.

I received this book from B&H Publishing through the B&H/Lifeway Bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.