Lightposts for Living: The Art of Choosing a Joyful Life
Category: Books,Religion & Spirituality,Worship & Devotion
Lightposts for Living: The Art of Choosing a Joyful Life Details
Amazon.com Review Like the beloved artist Norman Rockwell, painter Thomas Kinkade emphasizes what is good and kind in America. His paintings of old-fashioned homes and ideal landscapes may not ever be considered high art--but they can certainly capture the heart and soothe the eye, and for many of his devout fans, that's plenty. Now Kinkade sets his sights on writing about the core values that his paintings have illuminated for years--home, tradition, family, nature, and above all else, living in the light. By sharing personal stories and numerous analogies to his painter's process, Kinkade has developed a comfortable, fireside-chat manner. He offers advice and inspirational suggestions on chapter topics such as, "The Abundance of Enough, Living in the Light of Simplicity;" "Saying Grace, Living in the Light of Thankfulness;" and "A Radiant Sunrise, Living in a Romantic Light." Mostly, Kinkade seems to want readers to create a more beautiful, serene, and joyful life, as if they could be transported into the idyllic world of his paintings. While this may seem like a naive agenda, it is a soothing notion, and one that many fans would certainly enjoy imagining. --Gail Hudson Read more From Publishers Weekly With 10 previous books primarily showcasing his paintings, including the CBA bestsellers Simpler Times and Romantic Hideaways, Kinkade now articulates his vision and his essentially Christian philosophy of life. Described by the publisher as America's most popular living artist, Kinkade paints scenes of natural beauty and idyllic homes. His work is widely collected in this country and merchandised through 150 Kinkade-themed retail stores and on QVC. With this book, his first from a major trade house, Warner is clearly betting on his crossover appeal. Color reproductions of his work are generously interspersed throughout the text, but the focus here is on his message, which combines aspects of the simplicity movement with basic "family values." Co-writing with Anne Christian Buchanan, and using artistic terms such as "painterly light," "balance," "harmony" and "filtering," Kinkade has successfully captured his vision in a gift book guaranteed to charm his fans. What sets this work apart from other simplicity books is the sweetness of the language and the strength of Kincade's religious faith. Urging readers to take "joybreaks" for little pleasures and to nurture their own childlike curiosity, he admits to being an unabashed romantic with his wife. Telling readers not to mistake austerity for simplicity, he takes obvious delight in the life his material success has made possible for his family. Those who don't share his vision may find the sweetness cloying and the view old-fashioned. But this book is sure to captivate his millions of fans and those who find comfort and pleasure in his idealized paintings. Four-color art throughout, including 16 full-page prints. 250,000 first printing; major ad/promo; author tour. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more
Reviews
I noticed most or all of the reviews were back in 1999 or 2000. I'm in the middle of the book year 2017 and my question is: With Kinkade's philosophy on living that he and his family practiced for years that was so strong, how did his belief in life for so long turn the opposite, losing his "light" falling down to tragic and death? I guess fame and fortune can destroy anyone. I still don't get it.