Book Review: Windows of the Soul

Title: Windows of the Soul
Author: Ken Gire
Rating: 4 of 5 STARS
Finished: Late February
Own: Yes!
Why Chosen: Referenced in Sacred Romance

This book was referenced in The Sacred Romance specifically as being the inspiration for John Eldredge's "Windows" sections in the companion workbook. These windows use movies, poetry, and song lyrics to emphasize the point of a particular chapter. I found them to be very beneficial to the study I've been doing with a group of women on Thursdays, so I wanted to see where exactly the inspiration came from.

This will be a book I reread and one that I think I will reference many times in the future. An introductory section explaining what Gire means by "windows of the soul" leads to a second section with chapters titled Windows of Stories, Windows of Movies, Windows of Writing, Windows of Art, Windows of Tears, and Windows of Depression to name a few.


Most memorable were the chapters on art and writing for me. The chapter on art focused mainly on Vincent van Gogh and really made me interested in learning more about this artist. Interestingly, I was in New York City when I read this chapter and was able to go to the Metropolitan Museum to see a few of his paintings 'in person' that same day. The chapter on writing just rang true to me because I enjoy writing so much and it really is a way for me to peer deeper into my soul.


I would highly recommend this book to others. I read it rather disjointedly and I think if I hadn't I would have given it even a higher rating.


Memorable Excerpts:


"There may be a great fire in our soul," wrote Vincent of his life, "yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke coming through the chminey, and go along their way."


The closest communion with God comes, I believe, through the sacrament of tears. Just as grapes are crushed to make wine and grain to make bread, so the elements of this sacrament come from the crushing experiences of life.