Product Description
My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living offers a window into the life and mind of an extraordinarily creative person who was once told by a pottery professor that he had no talent and should consider another career. Not only did Adler stick with pottery, he transformed it from a dreary, unappealing summer camp craft into a contemporary signifier of modern, handcrafted luxury and became America's first (and only) celebrity potter. Interior designer Bill Sofield has declared, "Jonathan Adler does for American pottery what Noel Coward did for cocktail parties -- he makes life witty, sophisticated, and simply delicious." And now, on a much larger canvas, Adler reveals how you can do the same.

My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living explores Jonathan's own tongue-in-cheek design "manifesto," with each chapter devoted to a different "tenet," moving through the major incarnations of his interiors and products and ending with the story of his personal creative odyssey. The book is a visual feast, jam-packed with images of interiors and objects for the home, both those designed by Jonathan and those that have inspired him. At the heart of the book are ten of Adler's signature interiors, ranging from photographer Andrea Stern's landmark modernist beach house to the Parker Palm Springs, a desert resort that Adler gave a head-to-toe makeover. Overviews and details of the Parker are prominently featured throughout the book, as are images of the three homes (in Greenwich Village, Shelter Island, and Palm Beach) Jonathan and his partner, Simon Doonan, share with their dog, Liberace, and five other private residences.

Part portrait of the artist as a young decorator, part call to armchairs, Adler's much-anticipated literary debut is spirited, provocative, and, ultimately, inspiring.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 23 reviews)

more of an idea generator than a how-to book

I had a blast reading this book, and still keep it around when I'm in the doldrums (either design-wise or feeling too stuffy). Jonathan Adler is best known for his wacky, why-so-serious? take on Hollywood Regency decorating (think 60's, 70's), and this book is his manifesto and retrospective. It's not a how-to book so much as a big, colorful album of rooms in his own residences, a hotel he worked on, and some other spaces he was proud of. Coupled with these pictures are captions that serve as brief, but informative, commentary illuminating the motivations behind certain design decisions and inspirations. Why 4 and not 5 stars? There isn't that much text, and I can see why some reviewers have complained it's a bit of an advertisement for his style - a lot of his products are featured here, but you should not be surprised or turned off by that as it is his book.

I recommend this book for people who at least agree with Adler's philosophy of embracing good times, enjoying life, and not taking your interior decorating too seriously. Adler intersperses photographs with lists of recommendations on how to live, including "overtip!" and "When having a dinner party, serve yourself first. It makes your guests feel more comfy." I very much enjoyed these little tidbits, and also some reflections on the early disapproval and lack of support Adler ran into when he wanted to seek a career in pottery. His advice is perhaps the greatest strength of his design ethos and the book itself: The reader is encouraged to have fun, believe in his or her own creativity, and to decorate your place in the manner that feels most comfortable - you will, after all, be living with it.
October 28, 2008

Jonathan Adler is FABULOUS!

I adored this book. I loved the stories and I loved the IDEAS. Now, pay attention: He doesn't lay out a formula for decorating and yes his rooms are a little "over the top." Would I have two giant chinese dogs on my patio? No..., BUT, I'm on the hunt for two smaller ones because I loved the idea. His other concepts -- using tassles in unexpected places, usuing color, pillows, adding "whimsy" -- are all concepts I'm using now in my home.

I have two tassles now hanging from sconces that adorn my old Boston home. His vision also inspired me to see decorating in a new way and step out of the traditional paradigm. I'm combining prints, using bold colors, pairing different period pieces together. And ya know what? It looks GREAT and now our home is starting to reflect not just my style, but my husband's as well.

Finally, his opening chapter is a forward by his life partner, who attests that decorating and your surroundings really *do* have an impact on your relationship. And ya know what? He's right!

Great book, Jonathan. Keep writing more!
May 19, 2008

Mid-Century Mania!

If you need a reason to smile, crack this book open and get ready to be inspired! Jonathan Adler is a decorator that definitely knows his style and isn't afraid to step out of the box to achieve that look. I was transported back to the 60s and 70s when many of the looks displayed in this book were popular. I am a huge fan of color and believe that we should all "feather our nests" with a look that brings a smile to our face when we walk through our front door. Jonathan agrees...and delivers! This book is very enjoyable and, even if you don't subscribe to his aesthetic, I think you can still appreciate the fun personality of this artistic and creative author. I keep this book out on my table for easy access and refer to it often.
May 12, 2008

Kept it for myself!

I bought this book for a friend's holiday gift, but liked it so much that I ended up keeping it.

That being said, if you are looking for an instructional interior decorating book, this is not it.

It's filled with vibrant colors, interesting designs, and cute anecdotes.

If you have a few extra bucks, it's a nice treat - fluffy and light.
March 09, 2008

"disappointing gift". A picture book self-promotional

I don't normally write a review like this, but, what a terrible book! There is no motivational essence whatsoever,
"throw a bunch of junk in a room, take a picture and call yourself a decorator". my friend said.
"..only a mind of chaos and confusion would do this to a room", other friend.
I ordered this book as a gift because I thought it was about decorating. We had a good laugh before I returned it. A nice chance to find out how close a friendship is.
Lots of pictures of Mr. Adler.
This book does have humor, ahem, but there are way better resources for decorating and humor. (good-grief, am I ever reaching for something "positive")
If one can make colorful dull this man can and does. The book is about Mr. Adler promoting Mr. Adler.
If you are not a "hollywood type..." stay clear. if this book represents the "hollywood type...", then I pity the "hollywood type..."
It seems to be a picture book promoting the authors personal lifestyle. "A useless scrapbook" were the words of the gift recipient.
"More like a coffee table book to find in the house of one, without goodtaste, who fantasizes a "hollywood lifestyle" not a decorator interest". Check it out carefully so you know you do share HIS tiresome, self-centered style and interests.
As decorating help...his ideas are dated, limited and lacking in unity.
A good experience in dealing with informational rip-off.
February 08, 2008

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