Title: Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life
Author: Beth Kempton
First published December 31, 2018
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780349421001 (ISBN10: 0349421005)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
Discover the art of finding beauty in imperfection and embracing the simple joys of life with Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. Drawing from centuries of Japanese tradition, Wabi Sabi is a philosophy that teaches us to see the world in a new light.
With its roots in Zen and the Way of Tea, this timeless wisdom offers a refreshing perspective on modern life, one that encourages us to slow down and reconnect with nature. In a world that values materialism, Wabi Sabi helps us to focus on what really matters, finding meaning in the transient nature of all things.
This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a more mindful and fulfilling way of life.
About the Author
Beth Kempton is a passionate Japanologist, bestselling author, and writer mentor. She has dedicated years of her life to uncovering the philosophical ideas and life lessons buried within Japanese culture, words, and rituals.
Her books have been translated into 24 languages, and she has become an expert in Japanese papermaking, flower arranging, pottery, calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and weaving.
With two degrees in Japanese and a prolonged period of living and working in Japan, Beth considers it her second home. Her deep love for the country and understanding of its cultural and linguistic nuances is a direct result of her experiences with Japanese magic and mystery for over two decades.
Aside from her love of Japan, Beth is also a qualified yoga teacher and Reiki Master trained in Tokyo. She admits to having an incurable addiction to chocolate and Japanese stationery.
Beth lives a life near the sea in Devon, England, with her two small girls who fill her with joy every day.
Currently, Beth is working on her fifth book, ‘Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well-lived’, a follow-up to her earlier bestselling book, ‘Wabi Sabi.’ You can find her on Instagram as @bethkempton, and on Facebook and Twitter as @dowhatyoulovexx. Remember, as the wise Zen proverb says, “Every day is a good day.”
Editoral Review
Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton is a beautifully crafted book that explores the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi and how it can be applied to our daily lives to find beauty in imperfection. Published on December 31, 2018, Kempton is a British-Japanese author, entrepreneur, and speaker who has spent many years living in Japan and studying the culture.
The book is part self-help, part cultural exploration, and part philosophy. It introduces readers to the concept of wabi-sabi, which is a Japanese aesthetic that values simplicity, imperfection, and the beauty of the natural world.
Kempton explains how this concept can be applied to various aspects of our lives, from interior design to personal relationships, to find peace and contentment in a world that often values perfection and materialism.
Kempton presents her ideas through a series of chapters that focus on different aspects of life, such as home, work, and relationships. Each chapter includes personal anecdotes, practical tips, and inspiring quotes from Japanese poets, philosophers, and artists.
The book is beautifully designed, with stunning photography and illustrations that capture the essence of wabi-sabi.
One of the strengths of this book is Kempton’s writing style, which is engaging, insightful, and accessible. She balances personal reflection with practical advice, making the book both relatable and useful.
Kempton’s knowledge of Japanese culture and her ability to convey its nuances to a Western audience is also impressive.
However, one limitation of the book is that it may not appeal to readers who are looking for a more rigorous exploration of wabi-sabi. Kempton’s approach is more focused on personal growth and self-help, rather than academic or philosophical analysis.
Additionally, some readers may find the book repetitive, as many of the concepts and examples are repeated throughout the chapters.
Overall, Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life is a valuable read for anyone interested in Japanese culture, personal growth, and finding beauty in imperfection. Kempton’s writing is heartfelt and inspiring, and her practical advice is both accessible and insightful.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to live a more mindful and fulfilling life.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
