Almost two years ago, my friend Lorna told me that I just had to read this book called Sensible Shoes. I added it to my list of books to read, but I never got around to it. So, I was pleasantly surprised when, as a part of a wonderful “PhD Survival Kit,” she gave me a copy. When I was packing to go on my retreat, I slipped the book into my bag without really thinking about it. I figured, why not? It might be a good read.
It was so good that I couldn’t set it down.
The thing about Sensible Shoes is that it’s about a group of four women who are doing a long retreat and Brown’s writing style enables the reader to go on the retreat alongside the characters. This book is more than just a good novel, it’s a spiritual renewal—and for that, I think I would give the book 5 stars. But as a novel, it is also touching and helps reveal something intimate about the reader as the characters’ souls are being laid bare.
From a literature perspective, the story is well done. The writing is superb and the way in which the author switches between the character perspectives keeps you wanting to read more and find out what happens. I’ve already written on the blog about how I related to each character, so I won’t take up space writing about that now. I will say that each character is so real, so relatable that it makes it feel like a true story. I guarantee that you have met women just like Meg, Mara, Hannah, and Charissa. Reading this novel, you might well find yourself thinking of a friend who, like Meg, needs to learn her worth. Or, you might be reminded of a former classmate who, like Charissa, makes your blood boil when she is being superficial and judgmental. Each character has different struggles, different addictions that keep them from being in perfect communion with God. The story, then, is how each overcomes those obstacles and moves forward to be in better communion with God and with each other. Since that is the story of each of our own lives and spiritual journeys, I think that makes Sensible Shoes a hopeful read.
When the story reaches the bi-monthly meetings of the retreat group that the women belong to, there is a discussion in the story of a certain type of prayer. To help the reader in their own prayer life, Brown even includes a copy of the handout that the women receive from their retreat director in the story. I even borrowed from Brown in articles for my magazine. That’s how good these handouts are. With an M.Div. from Princeton and a job as pastor at an Evangelical church in Michigan, Brown is obviously an experienced retreat director in addition to being a great author—making me even more inclined to support her book. We ministers have to support each other.
I highly recommend this great work of fiction and hope that you will take the time to read it. I guarantee it will help you in your spiritual life.
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| Sensible Shoes | Sensible Shoes Study Guide | Sensible Shoes Journal | Sensible Shoes Leader's Guide | Sensible Shoes Participant's Kit | Sensible Shoes Leader's Kit | |
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| Description | Meet Hannah, Meg, Mara and Charissa as they begin their journey of spiritual transformation. Along the way, readers will be taken into a new understanding of key spiritual practices and find tangible support for the deeper life with God. | 12 weeks of daily Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection questions, plus weekly group discussion guide that corresponds to the disciplines the women practice in the Sensible Shoes book. | Take notes as you read with this companion journal, perfect for personal reflection times or retreats. It features lightly-lined pages sprinkled with quotes from Sensible Shoes. | This guide provides leaders with resources for leading small groups and for facilitating retreats. | Participant Kit includes: Sensible Shoes, Sensible Shoes Prayer Cards, Sensible Shoes Journal, Sensible Shoes Study Guide | Leader's Kit includes: Sensible Shoes Leader's Guide, Sensible Shoes Sensible Shoes Prayer Cards, Sensible Shoes Journal, Sensible Shoes Study Guide |
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| Two Steps Forward | Barefoot | An Extra Mile | Shades of Light | Remember Me | Feathers of Hope | |
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| Series | Sensible Shoes Series | Sensible Shoes Series | Sensible Shoes Series | Shades of Light Series | Shades of Light Series | Shades of Light Series |
| Reading Order | Book 2 | Book 3 | Book 4 | Book 1 | Book 2 | Book 3 |
| Description | The women from Sensible Shoes are taking their next steps in the spiritual formation journey. But each of them is finding roadblocks along the way. | The spiritual journey takes unexpected turns. Having been challenged to persevere in hope, can they now embrace the joy of complete surrender? | In this final installment of the Sensible Shoes series, you’re invited to travel with these beloved friends as they endure trials that test their trust and their willingness to walk an extra mile. | Wren Crawford is a social worker who finds herself overwhelmed with the troubles of the world. Her lifelong struggles with anxiety and depression are starting to overcome her. Filled with hope, journey along with Wren as she seeks healing. | In this sequel to Shades of Light, Katherine, the retreat center director, finds her own grief tapped by Wren's struggles with depression and loss. Katherine reflects on the meaning of Christ's suffering and shares her own story of finding hope. | Wren's world is shifting and expanding as she presses forward in recovery from a period of deep depression. How might art continue to provide a pathway for deepening her awareness of God's presence with her? |
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Reviews with images
A great resource for spiritual formation
This novel traces the spiritual journeys of four women, each with baggage and issues that need healing and transformation. It skillfully weaves their stories with powerful teaching and illustration of spiritual disciplines, allowing the reader to connect with the book on both an emotional and spiritual level in a way I've rarely seen.This is a book you want to read twice (at least): once to enjoy the moving and engaging storylines, then again to revisit the spiritual insights that the reader can apply to their own lives. It's also a great book for study groups, women's groups, and book clubs. Highly recommended!
Top reviews from other countries
N Johnson
Book Sits Between Jan Karon & Ann Voskamp's Wrtings - OUTSTANDING!
Reviewed in Canada on September 9, 2017
