I rarely write reviews before I have finished a book, but this is one of those times. I am enjoying this book far too much to rush through it for the sake of a timely review.

I value the benefits of a rule of life and I love the author’s ability to invite you beyond the modern, negative connotations of the word “rule,” into its proper historical understanding as a motif, a pattern or a rhythm. The entire book is an invitation filled with grace and goodness.

I’ve read a number of books on spiritual practices and the idea of a rule of life. This one is, so far, the most gracious and engaging one I’ve ever read. I’d absolutely recommend it as a starting point for people who want to grow and thrive in their spiritual life, but don’t know what the path to that desire looks like. I’d also recommend it to those who have already spent years walking a path toward spiritual thriving as I’m finding it still has invitations for me to embrace.

I received a digital, pre-release copy of this book with the understanding that I’d provide my honest opinion. I’ve added A Spacious Path to my list of “purchase next” books, because I want to have a hard copy on my shelf.

A very nice digression from most books I've read about creating a rule of life, which tend to focus on a given structure or template and lists of what you should consider or practices to choose from. The Spacious Path feels gentler, more invitational, and far less prescriptive. Hill Murphy offers a foundation and ethos upon which a rule can be built, without bossing her reader into a particular structure to put on that foundation.

Wonderful, accessible read. Uplifting and challenging. Have many readers to recommend this to due to the grace with which it simplifies complex concepts.