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Van Gogh Today: Stories of the Artist in our Modern World (Secrets of Van Gogh) Paperback – February 27, 2014

by Kelly Cole Rappleye (Author), Liesbeth Heenk (Introduction)
4.7 out of 5 stars 32 ratings
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Short Stories on how Van Gogh still touches our daily lives

Vincent van Gogh's life and work continue to be relevant, generation after generation, inspiring people from all walks of life. He is the ultimate story of unrecognized talent, and unbridled passion for and dedication to his work, reaching depression and mania in the process.

In Van Gogh's life there is an aspect that every person living today can relate to and learn from.

The artist's boundless energy and sheer determination against all odds has been a source of endless inspiration. Not only for his fellow artists, but for all of us.

Van Gogh Today contains eight short stories of lives that were influenced in some way or another by the artist. They are a reflection of the power of his story, and why Van Gogh remains a timeless inspiration to us all.

“Riveting!”

“Refreshingly Different. This is Superb writing!”

“This book is informative and inspirational”

“Excellent Read!”

“The Timeless Influence of an Artist”

Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 3 of 5
    Secrets of Van Gogh
  2. Print length
    70 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    February 27, 2014
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.16 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    149604200X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1496042002
Next slide of product details
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Editorial Reviews

Review

Refreshingly Different, this is Superb Writing!

A very impressive collection of short stories involving the impact of the works of Van Gogh on peoples lives. These stories are a intertwining of the aspects of Van Gogh's life into the lives of the people in the stories offering them an opportunity for a deep introspective look at themselves. [...] This book hits home on so many different levels, on the man Van Gogh, on the history of his works, the entertainment value of the stories and leaving the reader in contemplation on the meaning of it all. Superb Writing!

Philosophically deep....intense...priceless....timeless.

Keep to re-read as a reminder of what is really real in life. There is some of Van Gogh in all of us and not buried so very deeply in some of us. Live!

Reviewed By Maria Stoica for Readers' Favorite

It is amazing how this collection of inspiring short storieshas literally captured the effect of Van Gogh's paintings on today'speople. In Van Gogh Today, Kelly Cole Rappleye brings the deep emotionsfrom the paintings to life with her characters' stories as they findtheir hidden feelings, doubts and pains in Van Gogh's works. The topicstackled one by one in these short stories are real, yet sometimes hidden from our minds, and most of us have thought about some of them already. So had Vincent van Gogh and he made a painting for each resultingconcoction of feelings. The characters discover the legend's works to be a much needed mirror for themselves. The people in the book are 21stcentury children, students, freelancers, teachers and fully grown adults who each represent a different concern usually specific to their agegroup or situation - ranging from middle grade bullying and a youth'sepiphany when she finds her meaning in life to reflecting over a lifelost to heavy drinking for global success, and the journal entries of apassionate filmmaker who put art before her own life.

I enjoyed reading and connecting with all the stories. The wonderful,rich descriptions give just enough detail to teleport you into eachcharacter's world while keeping an action oriented feel for some stories and an insightful introspection or dialogue for others. The writing issmooth, words flowing pleasantly to deliver the beautiful outcome ofeach story. Any reader will surely find him or herself in Van Gogh Today by Kelly Cole Rappleye.

From the Author

This book is available in Kindle format as well as paperback.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 27, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 70 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 149604200X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496042002
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.16 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 32 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Liesbeth Heenk

    Liesbeth Heenk

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Liesbeth Heenk is the founder of Amsterdam Publishers, Holland's premier International Publisher specialized in Holocaust memoirs. She is an art historian with a PhD on Van Gogh Drawings (Courtauld Institute of the University of London). For more information cf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liesbeth_Heenk

    See more on the author's page
  2. Kelly Cole Rappleye

    Kelly Cole Rappleye

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    My name is Kelly Rappleye, and I was born and raised in Echo Park, Los Angeles. I am currently enrolled at San Francisco State University majoring in the Humanities. This means I am studying various cultures across the globe and across time, and their development in art, history, philosophy, and society. This interdisciplinary study has given me the tools to think critically about culture and the meaning of art in society, which has greatly informed my voice as an author.

    I would not pretend to be anything but a novice, and am constantly seeking to better develop and expand my voice as a writer. I love to spend my time time traveling, hiking, painting, biking, reading, cooking, seeking out art in social and cultural events and museums, and constantly seeking new experiences.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
32 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book uplifting and appreciate its unique writing style, with one noting how it helps develop critical thinking skills. The book illuminates Van Gogh's life and times, and customers consider him a gifted artist.

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InspirationWriting styleArtist influenceArt history
11 customers mention "Inspiration"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting and meaningful, with one customer describing it as philosophically deep and another noting its interesting vignettes.

"...Rappleye, in my opinion, has written a unique and inspiring work that shares photographs and insights from Van Gogh’s life and work, while at the..." Read more

"...The stories were beautiful examples of the importance of the life of Vincent Van Gogh and why he remains a timeless inspiration to us all." Read more

"...will find joy and compassion for Van Gogh's art and for his strong conviction to learn, to practice, and to express himself while being true to..." Read more

"Interesting exploration into how the life and paintings of Vincent Van Gogh could effect everyday people in our time...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as unique and vividly pictorial, with one customer noting how it helps art students develop critical thinking skills.

"...Rappleye, in my opinion, has written a unique and inspiring work that shares photographs and insights from Van Gogh’s life and work, while at the..." Read more

"This book is beautifully written with moving stories of how eight individual lives have been transformed by the work of Van Gogh...." Read more

"...It helps the art student to develop critical thinking skills and how individuals make a difference...perhaps, the most unlikely person like VanGogh..." Read more

"...Told very vividly in a pictorial style that helps you connect with the characters as people...." Read more

4 customers mention "Artist influence"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate Van Gogh's influence as a gifted artist, with one noting how the book shines new light on his work.

"...to tweens, teens and adults who are interested in learning about a gifted artist, and who are also willing to open their minds to exploring the..." Read more

"...This book shines a new light on the artist while teaching and inspiring readers in a unique way...." Read more

"...to be an exciting way to bring to life some of the art works of a great painter." Read more

"The Timeless Influence of an Artist..." Read more

3 customers mention "Art history"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book illuminates Van Gogh's life and times.

"...written a unique and inspiring work that shares photographs and insights from Van Gogh’s life and work, while at the same time creating interesting..." Read more

"...This book is informative and inspirational! It's always a pleasure to view his art and this book provides this, too; one of my favorites, The Pink..." Read more

"...the stories' themes are interesting details that illuminate Van Gogh's life and times while they compliment each protagonist's circumstances...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Barbara Mojica
    5.0 out of 5 stars ORIGINGAL AND MEANINGFUL
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed the marriage of a discussion of one of my favorite artists intertwined with stories explaining the influence of this man’s work on the lives of six very different individuals.

    For example, Lily Evans is a young girl of twenty who is passionate about both art and her writing, but she cannot find the correct path to channel her passions. A chance visit to Van Gogh’s art show at The Hermitage Museum allows her to view his painting, “The Pink Orchard.” She realizes that Van Gogh never gave up on finding enjoyment in life. Her depression is lifted and her writer’s block removed. Another character named Brett Smith is a wealthy businessman in New York City. Behind the scenes, Brett has just returned from one year of rehabilitation from cocaine and alcohol addiction and is attempting to readjust to his former lifestyle. He is inspired by a friend’s prized possession, Van Gogh’s painting, “The Little Stream,” painted just one year before the artist’s death. Reverend Dan is a minister who works at Juvenile Hall and attempts to give the troubled youth something positive to keep them on the right track. The minister showed them Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” to display an example of the beauty of this world that can be found anywhere, even if one grows up in the ghetto.

    Van Gogh is one of the world’s most talented artists, but he never received recognition during his life and spent a large part of it living in poverty and depression. At the same time he was driven to share a positive image of the world around us. Rappleye, in my opinion, has written a unique and inspiring work that shares photographs and insights from Van Gogh’s life and work, while at the same time creating interesting characters who change their lives as a result of his influence.

    I recommend this book to tweens, teens and adults who are interested in learning about a gifted artist, and who are also willing to open their minds to exploring the influence of art on our thinking and everyday lives
    One person found this helpful
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  • bkworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and filled with raw emotion
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book is beautifully written with moving stories of how eight individual lives have been transformed by the work of Van Gogh. In each story, we learn more about Van Gogh by how each individual has deeply related to him and how it had a transforming impact on their lives.

    From the character Lily, who was freed to pursue her passion, to Ella the misunderstood child, Van Gogh helped each character make meaning and live fuller lives. And Julien, the talented, unrecognized artist, learns to accept that his work and legacy will have in fact made a contribution to society.

    Through Van Gogh’s approach and experiences, each character learns to make sense of their lives. The stories were beautiful examples of the importance of the life of Vincent Van Gogh and why he remains a timeless inspiration to us all.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Baron
    4.0 out of 5 stars This book is informative and inspirational!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This book ought to be required reading for every high school student and college 101 art appreciation class. The author's short stories reveal how relevant Van Gogh is to today's life experiences. Young students to senior citizens will find joy and compassion for Van Gogh's art and for his strong conviction to learn, to practice, and to express himself while being true to himself...no matter how isolated it left him.
    Young or new students to art, learn to appreciate and recognize Van Gogh's work. They learn that he cut off his own ear, suffered depression and had a close relationship with his brother. This book goes further in teaching us about the famous artist. It helps the art student to develop critical thinking skills and how individuals make a difference...perhaps, the most unlikely person like VanGogh who went "against the norm". This book is informative and inspirational! It's always a pleasure to view his art and this book provides this, too; one of my favorites, The Pink Orchard. Thank you for writing this book!! Buy it, you'll be glad you did.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • litehouselady1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Varied and Creative!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting exploration into how the life and paintings of Vincent Van Gogh could effect everyday people in our time. Told very vividly in a pictorial style that helps you connect with the characters as people. Illustrated with pieces of his art around which the story revolves.
    One person found this helpful
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  • cat whisperer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Van Gogh Today is Entertaining, Uplifting and Educational!!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    The author cleverly shares her passion and knowledge of Van Gogh, as told through the lives of six, seemingly ordinary people.
    This book shines a new light on the artist while teaching and inspiring readers in a unique way.

    Whether you're an artist, writer, businessperson, student, homemaker, young or old you'll find guidance and inspiration in this precious book.

    Includes illustrations, excerpts from letters, links, facts and figures. I highly recommend it for children and teenagers as well. A great gift idea for the Holidays!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Anthony Metivier
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is a delightful read. Although not all the stories caught my interest, the ones that incorporated Van Gogh's letters really stand out and make the entire book valuable. It's also such an interesting concept and I wish that the author would produce a novel length work. Lust for Life need not have a monopoly on this artist. :)
    One person found this helpful
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  • Darren James
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Lesson In Interpretation!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. I have been fortunate to have seen several Van Gogh's in Amsterdam and Paris and even Melbourne's NGV who's `Head of a Man' remains unattributed! I could identify with the history of him as an artist and also the descriptions and observations made through the eyes of the `character's' in the book. Beautifully written, I found this `little gem' to be an exciting way to bring to life some of the art works of a great painter.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Vickie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very engaging
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Art can have a powerful impact on those who experience it--whether they perform the task or are influenced by the finished product.

    In this collection of six short stories, the author does a masterful job of taking us into the lives of six different characters, their struggles, and how their encounters with Van Gogh's work impacted them.

    Take some time and spend the few dollars to encounter Van Gogh in a whole new way and then see how Van Gogh impacts your life!

    Highly recommended.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Lisa H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Van Gogh Today - recommended reading
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this interesting view of Van Gogh's works. It's based on 6 short stories that link peoples everyday lives to some of his paintings.

    I especially liked the story that links to the 'A Pair of Shoes' painting and the point it's making. A recommended read for anyone who enjoys the works of Van Gogh and would enjoy reading about how his work can touch on the lives of people across the world.
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  • twirl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2016
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    great
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  • ianrdickson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2016
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    cood thanks
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