This collection of short stories brings to life the lives of contemporary characters who each relate to Van Gogh's "real and painful struggle" as they face their own. Woven through the stories' themes are interesting details that illuminate Van Gogh's life and times while they compliment each protagonist's circumstances. I particularly related to Ella and Ms. M, teacher and student. The artist's impact on the author of this book is clear, and I admire the way Kelly Cole Rappleye channeled that into interesting vignettes.

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.

It is amazing how this collection of inspiring short stories has literally captured the effect of Van Gogh's paintings on today's people. In Van Gogh Today, Kelly Rappleye brings the deep emotions from the paintings to life with her characters' stories as they find their hidden feelings, doubts and pains in Van Gogh's works. The topics tackled 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 resulting concoction of feelings. The characters discover the legend's works to be a much needed mirror for themselves. The people in the book are 21st-century children, students, freelancers, teachers and fully grown adults who each represent a different concern usually specific to their age group or situation - ranging from middle grade bullying and a youth's epiphany when she finds her meaning in life to reflecting over a life lost to heavy drinking for global success, and the journal entries of a passionate 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 each character's world while keeping an action oriented feel for some stories and an insightful introspection or dialogue for others. The writing is smooth, words flowing pleasantly to deliver the beautiful outcome of each story. Any reader will surely find him or herself in Van Gogh Today by Kelly Rappleye.