Whatever You Are, Be a Good One

by Lisa Congdon (Illustrator)

A quote book like no other, this thought-provoking collection compiles the timeless wisdom of great original minds— from Marie Curie to Stephen King, Joan of Arc to Jack Kerouac, Oscar Wilde to Harriet Tubman—brilliantly hand-lettered by beloved indie artist Lisa Congdon. Readers will find enlightening insights ("Wisdom begins in wonder"— Socrates), stirring calls to action ("Leap and the net will appear"—John Burroughs), and stimulating encouragements ("Be curious, not judgmental"—Walt Whitman) beautifully illuminated on every page.

A delightful reminder to get out there and make the most of life, Whatever You Are, Be a Good One is perfect for recent graduates, creative thinkers, and anyone looking for a little inspiration.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Self Help, Inspirational, Psychology, Poetry, Childrens

108 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Fine artist and illustrator Lisa Congdon is best known for her colorful abstract paintings, intricate line drawings, pattern design & hand lettering. She works for clients around the world including the MoMA, Harvard University, Martha Stewart Living, Chronicle Books, The Land of Nod, Simon & Schuster, and Cloud9 Fabrics, among many others. She exhibits her work around the country, including in shows at the Contemporary Jewish Museum and Bedford Gallery. A selection of her abstract works are currently available through New York’s Uprise Gallery. Lisa writes a popular daily blog about her work, life and inspiration called Today is Going to be Awesome. She is the author of five books, including the starving-artist-myth-smashing Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist, and illustrated books Fortune Favors the Brave, Whatever You Are, Be a Good One, Twenty Ways to Draw a Tulip and A Collection a Day. She was named one of 40 Women Over 40 to Watch in 2015. She lives and works in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"With freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?" -- Oscar Wilde

Congdon's Whatever You Are, Be a Good One is an absolutely charming and compact book of positive, whimsical and/or uplifting quotations from approximately 100 various authors. Those included run the gamut from established names William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Mary Shelley and Jane Austen to more contemporary writers like Albert Camus, Jack Kerouac, Stephen King, and Augusten Burroughs. (Congdon's involvement is her distinct lettering of and free-hand sketching around said quotes.) Really, after these last eleven months that many of us have experienced this is the perfect quick-read book to brighten your morning. Find twenty minutes in your day, grab a cup of coffee or tea, then page through Whatever and you'll likely find some inspiration or comfort from the material.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by her blog, 365 Days of Hand Lettering, the artist published a collection of her 100 favorite quotes and some poems with her hand lettering. A remarkable artistic collection of wisdom and a great motivational gift. Here are a few of my favorites:

“Wisdom begins in wonder.” - Socrates

“The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.” - Emily Dickinson

“Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” - Oscar Wilde

“Success is never so interesting as struggle.” - Willa Cather

“There are no impossible obstacles; there are just stronger and weaker wills.” - Jules Verne

“Life appears too short to be spent nursing animosity or registering wrongs.” - Charlotte Bronte

“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.” - Aristotle

“May you live every day of your life.” - Jonathan Swift

[Elizabeth A · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this was not it. This is a book that has inspirational/self help quotes on each page. These quotes are hand-lettered, and often accompanied by a whimsical sketch. The author does make clear that this is a sample set from a project she used to improve her handwriting, but I fail to understand why this book was published. Simply not for me, but if you are a fan of quote books, you might like it.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the text is quite hard to make out.

[Traci · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the choices of quotes. However, the hand-lettering thing just escapes me. Actually, some of the quotes are difficult to read/digest due to the hand-lettered style.

Oh well. It's an art, right? And obviously it's art that I just don't get.

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good choice of quotes, charmingly illustrated. However, some of the lettering is hard to read.

[Ashok Krishna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice looking book that contains an anthology of quotes from famous personalities from the past. Presented in a stylized hand-written (hand-lettered?!) format, with little sketches by Lisa Congdon across the pages. Bought it for my coffee-table books collection. Not worth the high price tag though. Good to own.

[Becky Loader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book.
But.
Sloppy scholarship always spoils a book.
President Lincoln is NOT the source of the title's quote.

[Shilpa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quotes are inspiring. From time to time, I pull a book from my library to remind me what is really important in the world. It also motivates me. Whatever You Are, Be A Good One by Lisa Congdon is my latest inspired acquisition.

More: http://thinkblink.ca/blog/?p=761

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this collection of hand-lettered quotes. Will use it for our Words to Live By.

[Lastoadri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy inspiring read, suitable for a sunny morning on the beach. Loved the creativity in quotes design.

[Marguerita Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful re-imagining of some of the best inspirational quotes

[Javi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a solid chance I would not have liked this book if I had read it any other day. But today was a good Monday, and good Mondays are rare, so I was in the perfect mood to pick it up from my bookshelf and give it a go.

Some of the letters are a bit hard to understand and I don't agree with a good number of quotes; but that's part of the charm. Overall it's a nice book - one that I would have absolutely never bought for myself (but that was, as it turns out, a wonderful cute little gift).

[Laurie Moreland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took longer to read this collection of inspirational quotes than I might have thought. That's because many of the pages required thought. Does this statement resonate with me? Is it true in my experience? I found some new good encouragements and was reminded of some old faithful friends.

As for the lettering, I found it only medium. Not really a super-fan of the somewhat child-like scrawls and illustrations, but they were okay.

[Marianne Brodman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical hokey quotes. The author started out with this as her project of hand-lettering, which turned into a daily blog (Doesn't blogging cancel out HAND-lettering?). Ironically, some of the lettering was harder on the eyes, making it more difficult to read the message in the quote. Very few notable words. I liked one from Van Gogh, but I'm biased where he's concerned.

[Julie-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little gift book. Easy to read through in one sitting. Dog-ear your favorite pages or pass along to a friend. I love hand-lettering (and this was given to me as a thoughtful goodbye gift) so it was right up my alley.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book. Small thoughts packed with a powerful punch. I especially liked reading and pondering so many inspiring quotes I have never heard from people I'm familiar with. I will definitely revisit this book.

[Ann Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous and inspiring book. This would be a wonderful gift for someone you know who is at a turning point in their lives and who is endeavouring to connect the dots between past, present, and future in a meaningful way.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this little book of quotes in perfect shape at the Goodwill Bins. As a quote collector it caught my eye. Some good selections and lovely lettering. I have seen this artist’s work before. Love her use of bright colors and bold and quirky designs.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of inspirational quotes composed with beautiful hand lettering. This was just a basic so so read for me. Some of the hand lettering was difficult to read. But overall this is a cute book and would be a cute gift for someone.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Carie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple book of inspirational quotes and lovely artwork by one of my favorites. Not necessarily a good middle school purchase, but it would make a nice gift.

[Lark · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite quote: Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. Henry James

[Karli Schram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed script to go along with each inspirational quote. Very motivating book to any young reader, and beautiful illustrations to capture anyone's focus.

[Amy Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

100 quotes are too many to read in one sitting but this simple and sparsely illustrated book should be left out on a desk to serve as occasional inspiration.

[siso.sofy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the quotes but some of the lettering quite hard to read.

[Ashley Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book with powerful quotes. Loved the illustrations, but some were difficult to read due to font.

[superawesomekt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the lettering is hard to read, but the collection is lovely. A novelty/gift or coffee table type book.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of quotes. This would be a nice gift.

[Marja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love quotes and there are some great ones here. I liked the artwork but the hand-lettering was difficult to read at times. Very easy read.