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Room of Marvels
In one tragic blow after another, accomplished Christian writer Tim Hudson lost his mother, his close friend, and his two-year-old daughter. Now he’s on the brink of losing his faith.
Room of Marvels takes readers on a silent spiritual retreat with Tim where he is swept up in a dream vision of heaven and given a guided tour by those he has lost. Reminiscent of the C. S. Lewis classic, The Great Divorce, the book carries a contemporary voice that made Library Journal declare it “a good companion to Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven.”
Remarkably, Room of Marvels mirrors author James Bryan Smith’s own heart-wrenching season of loss when his mother (Wanda), close friend (“Awesome God” singer Rich Mullins), and two-year-old daughter (Madeline) passed away within months of each other.
Updated with a new cover design and epilogue by Smith, the 2007 edition of Room of Marvels will continue to comfort those touched by grief and stir the hunger for heaven in every reader.
192 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2003
93 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
James Bryan Smith
41 books183 followersJames Bryan Smith (M.Div., Yale University Divinity School, D.Min., Fuller Seminary) is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, KS and a writer and speaker in the area of Christian spiritual formation. He also serves as the director of the Aprentis Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation at Friends University.
A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré Smith is an ordained United Methodist Church minister and has served in various capacities in local churches. Smith is also the author of A Spiritual Formation Workbook, Devotional Classics (with Richard Foster), Embracing the Love of God, Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven and Room of Marvels.
A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré Smith is an ordained United Methodist Church minister and has served in various capacities in local churches. Smith is also the author of A Spiritual Formation Workbook, Devotional Classics (with Richard Foster), Embracing the Love of God, Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven and Room of Marvels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
November 3, 2020
I first went into this thinking, it’s going to be about the authors grief. His personal experiences with it. But it wasn’t. It’s a story about a dream.
I wasn’t a fan of the narrator of this audiobook.
The main character in this was immature and mostly annoying. It felt like he hadn’t grasped what Christians hopefully learned early on with their relationship with God.
It was also one dimensional.
I really didn’t care for this audiobook.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
I wasn’t a fan of the narrator of this audiobook.
The main character in this was immature and mostly annoying. It felt like he hadn’t grasped what Christians hopefully learned early on with their relationship with God.
It was also one dimensional.
I really didn’t care for this audiobook.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2024
Audible Plus 4 hours 51 min. Narrated by William Sarris (A)
I have listened to this book twice and to certain parts three times. I have invested time in researching the author's credentials, his other books, and into Dallas Stafford, wrote the introduction. I am still undecided by some of the author's theology. There are sections of this book which were quite poignant as he reveals his difficulty in dealing with death. He wears a mask before those outside his immediate family because he didn't want "others" to know he was having difficulty understanding why God would allow him to suffer such pain. God allows him a dream where he travels by train to heaven, where he meets various people from his life who help him find answers to his questions and to deal with his spiritual and psychological needs. These visits are the better part of book. My hesitation is with the "room of marvels," the room God has prepared for him as a Christian. I do not believe God will have to depend on technology, and this section cast doubt on the rest of the story.
In his epilogue, the author explains his method for writing and his explanation of how the story came to be written. As a professor of theology, he had the opportunity to use time in his afternoons to journal his feelings of pain after the deaths of a close friend in 1987, then in 1988 his young daughter who was born with a rare genetic disease, and then finally two years later, his mother.
In the afterward to this, a later edition, his editor asked him to write briefly of how his grief had changed over the twenty years since the original edition. J.B.Smith seems quite genuine in his expressions of faith.
I have listened to this book twice and to certain parts three times. I have invested time in researching the author's credentials, his other books, and into Dallas Stafford, wrote the introduction. I am still undecided by some of the author's theology. There are sections of this book which were quite poignant as he reveals his difficulty in dealing with death. He wears a mask before those outside his immediate family because he didn't want "others" to know he was having difficulty understanding why God would allow him to suffer such pain. God allows him a dream where he travels by train to heaven, where he meets various people from his life who help him find answers to his questions and to deal with his spiritual and psychological needs. These visits are the better part of book. My hesitation is with the "room of marvels," the room God has prepared for him as a Christian. I do not believe God will have to depend on technology, and this section cast doubt on the rest of the story.
In his epilogue, the author explains his method for writing and his explanation of how the story came to be written. As a professor of theology, he had the opportunity to use time in his afternoons to journal his feelings of pain after the deaths of a close friend in 1987, then in 1988 his young daughter who was born with a rare genetic disease, and then finally two years later, his mother.
In the afterward to this, a later edition, his editor asked him to write briefly of how his grief had changed over the twenty years since the original edition. J.B.Smith seems quite genuine in his expressions of faith.
May 16, 2015
Page 91 has changed my life:
No one can love a mask because you aren't real.
You never saw me until now.
Oh yes I did. Not often but now and again. Your mask came off a few times on Earth. It was then in those moments when you told me your fears and dreams, that I saw the real you. It was then Tim that I loved our real friendship the most.
When we are willing to be honest about our weakness, honest about our fears, our needs, our helplessness to save and cleanse and untangle ourselves from the webs we have woven around us, when we face them head on, call them by name, and confess them to God and one another, we break the power they hold over us. We disarm their threats of shame, and we are filled with trust, freedom, and an understanding of who we are that the mask prevented us from seeing. And not only do we do this for ourselves, but when we are transparency, we inspire others to do so as well. We encourage them in letting them know they are not alone in their struggles. We show them trust, and trust is an amazing thing to be shown. Remember that when you wake up.
No one can love a mask because you aren't real.
You never saw me until now.
Oh yes I did. Not often but now and again. Your mask came off a few times on Earth. It was then in those moments when you told me your fears and dreams, that I saw the real you. It was then Tim that I loved our real friendship the most.
When we are willing to be honest about our weakness, honest about our fears, our needs, our helplessness to save and cleanse and untangle ourselves from the webs we have woven around us, when we face them head on, call them by name, and confess them to God and one another, we break the power they hold over us. We disarm their threats of shame, and we are filled with trust, freedom, and an understanding of who we are that the mask prevented us from seeing. And not only do we do this for ourselves, but when we are transparency, we inspire others to do so as well. We encourage them in letting them know they are not alone in their struggles. We show them trust, and trust is an amazing thing to be shown. Remember that when you wake up.
May 15, 2011
This is a fantastic book! I actually starting crying, in the first chapter! It is the story of a man who has 3 deaths in his life, his best friend, his little daughter and his mother. He is stricken with grief and sadness and has a dream of going to heaven. The book is filled with emotion and I found myself reaching for the kleenex several more times before finishing the book. I had a hard time putting it down and even with a family birthday party, finished it within 24 hours.
This book makes you want to be a better person, to do small acts of kindness to as many people as you can and to not worry about earthly desires, but only the spiritual.
Even though the author explains how this book of fiction came to be, the author takes you on the healing journey with him and you know he, along with you, is in a better place after reading this book.
I will pass this book along to my family and friends.
This book makes you want to be a better person, to do small acts of kindness to as many people as you can and to not worry about earthly desires, but only the spiritual.
Even though the author explains how this book of fiction came to be, the author takes you on the healing journey with him and you know he, along with you, is in a better place after reading this book.
I will pass this book along to my family and friends.
November 18, 2025
This one was tough for me, because Tim’s experience of Heaven felt very specific to Tim (or people that look, act, and think like Tim). That may seem obvious or intentional, but it made it difficult to appreciate the value he found in each room. The added chapters in the extended version actually helped Smith’s message land with me more than the original final chapters.
November 25, 2020
"...the pain you are feeling is the pain of loss...
When we cry , 'Come Back', it is all for our own sake. We never stop to consider whether their return would be good for them. We want them back to restore our happiness."
A Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith has come into my life at a most challenging time having lost my mom a few weeks ago.
I have been going through the angry stage of grief. The above quote from the book has helped me deal with my emotions. My mom isn't in pain anymore and is at peace.
The author has written a story about profound loss, not only of loved ones, but of a loss of faith that is based on real life events when in a three year period he lost his mom, his best friend and his 2 year old daughter. Through the character of Tim we are taken on a dream that leads him to meet people from his past who he had a profound impact on in life. Much like the movie "It's A Wonderful Life", Tim has no idea that his simple acts of kindness changed how these people lived their lives going forward.
The narrator @williamsarris projected the right amount of anger, sadness and disbelief at just the right moments. I listened to all 5 plus hours in one sitting. I cried through most of it and hugged my dog through all of it. My heart was less heavy when I was done and full of gratitude for the author who through his own grief has created a cathartic story for people of all faiths. I am not Christian but the one thing I have in common with every human is the pain of losing a loved one. Do yourself and your heart a favor and read or listen to this writer's words. Just make sure to have plenty of tissues nearby.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publishers via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
When we cry , 'Come Back', it is all for our own sake. We never stop to consider whether their return would be good for them. We want them back to restore our happiness."
A Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith has come into my life at a most challenging time having lost my mom a few weeks ago.
I have been going through the angry stage of grief. The above quote from the book has helped me deal with my emotions. My mom isn't in pain anymore and is at peace.
The author has written a story about profound loss, not only of loved ones, but of a loss of faith that is based on real life events when in a three year period he lost his mom, his best friend and his 2 year old daughter. Through the character of Tim we are taken on a dream that leads him to meet people from his past who he had a profound impact on in life. Much like the movie "It's A Wonderful Life", Tim has no idea that his simple acts of kindness changed how these people lived their lives going forward.
The narrator @williamsarris projected the right amount of anger, sadness and disbelief at just the right moments. I listened to all 5 plus hours in one sitting. I cried through most of it and hugged my dog through all of it. My heart was less heavy when I was done and full of gratitude for the author who through his own grief has created a cathartic story for people of all faiths. I am not Christian but the one thing I have in common with every human is the pain of losing a loved one. Do yourself and your heart a favor and read or listen to this writer's words. Just make sure to have plenty of tissues nearby.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publishers via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2023
YOU DONT HAVE TO BE A CHRISTIAN TO READ THIS. YOU DONT HAVE TO BE ACTIVELY GRIEVING A LOSS THROUGH DEATH. I secretly know I was set up to read this book. It was the first book in a local book club I have read. I’ve had many questions the last few years after being a COVID ICU nurse (lots to unpack there but it’s caused a lot of spiritual confusion for me). All in all, this book showed me a side of depression I hadn’t thought of. It showed me a side of anger I thought I held all my own. It showed me a side of heaven I never imagined. I feel like I’ve been taken on a trip and need to read it again. Single most thought provoking book I’ve ever read.
October 26, 2020
Smith takes bits and pieces of stories of his own tragic experiences - loss of a child, of family members, and the death of his good friend Rich Mullins (a topic he discussed in depth in his biography of Mullins) - and produces a fable about doubt, faith and what happens when we feel like our suffering may outlast our faith. In the end, he gives not only inspirational answers, but ones that can withstand life's harsh realities, and shows faith can outlast the harshest storms.
June 20, 2022
I will be buying this book for friends. A beautiful story and heavenly perspective on grief and suffering. A worthy companion to CS Lewis’s The Great Divorce in the sense that much of the book takes place in the after life. A different lens though, as more of a re-assurance to struggling believers than an apologetic to non-believers. Highly recommend.
February 2, 2021
Room of Marvels is a fictional "waking dream" that is inspiring and thought-provoking. The author takes the reader through an exercise in thinking through grief, loss, love, and joy with an eternal perspective. Reading it could be triggering but also deeply healing. The epilogue is a must-read.
July 23, 2024
Highly recommend for anyone dealing with loss and grief! Such a powerful story!
May 29, 2018
what a great read takes you on a emotional ride. this book will make you ponder things and hope that parts of the books are real. It really is a wonderful read!
October 31, 2020
“I could now see clearly how heaven changes everything we suffer in this life.”
I find books like this difficult to review, because when it comes to spiritual truth, what is black and white to me (based on Scripture) may not be so to someone else. With that said, it is important to note that this is a work of fiction, not a memoir, although the author does say it is partly based on his own experience. But remembering that it is fiction helps me not get completely caught up in what I may not agree with theologically.
First, what I liked: This book is honest about grief and its relationship with faith. I think this aspect could be very comforting for someone walking through a season of grief. Secondly, the theme of hope and how the reality of Heaven brings hope was beautiful. Third, I liked the idea of the room of marvels, but it would be a spoiler to explain what the room actually contains.
My biggest concern with this book on a theological level was on the issue of forgiveness. The characters not only discuss forgiving of self, but forgiving God. I do not find that to be at all faithful to Scripture. There are other parts that I would not completely agree with, but again, in a work of fiction there can be some creative license.
This book just wasn’t for me. However, if you enjoyed The Shack or even It’s a Wonderful Life, you may find some similar themes here.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
I find books like this difficult to review, because when it comes to spiritual truth, what is black and white to me (based on Scripture) may not be so to someone else. With that said, it is important to note that this is a work of fiction, not a memoir, although the author does say it is partly based on his own experience. But remembering that it is fiction helps me not get completely caught up in what I may not agree with theologically.
First, what I liked: This book is honest about grief and its relationship with faith. I think this aspect could be very comforting for someone walking through a season of grief. Secondly, the theme of hope and how the reality of Heaven brings hope was beautiful. Third, I liked the idea of the room of marvels, but it would be a spoiler to explain what the room actually contains.
My biggest concern with this book on a theological level was on the issue of forgiveness. The characters not only discuss forgiving of self, but forgiving God. I do not find that to be at all faithful to Scripture. There are other parts that I would not completely agree with, but again, in a work of fiction there can be some creative license.
This book just wasn’t for me. However, if you enjoyed The Shack or even It’s a Wonderful Life, you may find some similar themes here.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
October 7, 2023
Such a simple, sweet book that reminds us of our proper perspective of life on earth but the reality of what awaits believers in heaven
May 24, 2025
I ended up skimming most the short book b/c of how cheesy and predictable. It seemed that a teenager wrote the book as there was no creativity in the responses of any of the people. Some of the fluffy details were a bit over the top, trying too hard. Also, found it funny that Tim was going to spend 5 days that monestary and ends up leaving at 2 b/c he had dream about. being in heaven and those people really seemed to show him what heaven was life and the grace of God. Great, but un-learning how you been living for the past 40yrs obviously is much easier to accomplish in the dream world than for tim who's been struggling for 3yrs to just leave it in the past
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2008
He was a close friend to Rich Mullins and after Rich's death also lost his young daughter and his mother within 2 years time. Struggling with his faith, he found healing through writing this story, a journey into heaven. It greatly encouraged me as well and outlines some great truths we need to apply to our life and faith on this earth.
January 27, 2024
This book was okay. It might be helpful for someone really deep in grief.
It is a work of fiction that one should take with a grain of salt. I did pick a couple of gems from it though. Some thought provoking items.
Know your Bible so that a fiction book doesn’t act as your Bible.
It is a work of fiction that one should take with a grain of salt. I did pick a couple of gems from it though. Some thought provoking items.
Know your Bible so that a fiction book doesn’t act as your Bible.
May 5, 2013
If you are dealing with loss ad grief, this is a must read. So much gold packed in such a short novel.
May 15, 2024
Disappointed it was fiction, but a moving book. I think I cried 4 times while reading this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2020
Presented through the eyes of Tim Hudson, the book begins with Tim going on a personal 5-day spiritual retreat in a secluded New England monastery. Tim is an established author. He shares with his spiritual director about the loss of his mother, his friend Wayne, and his young daughter Madison. He was at the point of losing his own faith in God despite previously writing books like "God's On Your Side." He describes the mundane daily activities like eating in silence; sitting in silence for hours in his room; pacing the floors; reading Scripture; eat, sleep; and dream. He asks questions about the efficacy of prayer. He seeks a personal voice from God. He tells of a dream about him even interacting with animals, seeing his barber friend Ernie, and various snippets of heaven. There Tim works through some theological struggles in his interactions. In heaven, he meets his old friend Wayne and continues with questions and curiosity about his life after death. These conversations reveal the deep friendship between Tim and Wayne. In heaven, Tim meets his great-grandmother, his mother, as well as his daughter. At his personal retreat, his spiritual mentor challenges him with snippets of spirituality gleaned through the wisdom of CS Lewis and Dallas Willard. He poses questions many of us would ask. Questions like:
How to forgive ourselves?
What do we do when we feel our prayers aren't getting through to God?
What do we do with our anger, especially against God?
Why did God allow pain and suffering?
How do we heal from our hurts?
What about life after death?
Can God speak to us via dreams?
Is it God's will to give some parents a handicapped child?
What does grief look like over time?
.....
My Thoughts
This book reminds me of the importance of friendships. In the story, Tim and his good friend Wayne were able to reconnect and continue their friendship even after the death of Wayne. While it is imagination through a dream about heaven, we are reminded that as far as love and friendship are concerned, time is no barrier. Absence might make the heart grow fonder, but good friendships like love will last forever. Friendships are everywhere in this book. His barber Ernie, his spiritual mentors like Brother Taylor, his friend Wayne, and also good friendly conversations with his own family members. These relationships go beyond the superficial layer of acquaintances. Friends are those who are able to share our hopes and dreams. Perhaps, the biggest test of any friendship is how we walk with one another as we face our fear of death with hopes of life. The "Room of Marvels" is a guide to how one person grieves his loss of loved ones. We might not write as the author did, but we can learn to creatively craft our own poems, prose, or parables in our own unique ways. This book inspires us to do that.
Even though this is a work of fiction, the characters and events present a haunting resemblance to the author's own tragedies. Within months, he had lost his mother, his close friend Rich Mullins, and his two-year-old daughter, Madeline. Sometimes, expressing grief is best done indirectly. Through fiction and storytelling, there is no inhibition in citing sources or ensuring factual accuracy. The focus could be on the themes and the underlying emotions behind the questions. The author could freely pose questions of faith and doubt without having to justify his own stances. Grief has a way to test our deepest struggles of faith. For readers who are curious about the relationship between the fictional character Tim and the author, read the epilogue.
First published in 2007, this new edition comes expanded with discussion questions for readers. This guide brings together a number of meaningful themes of spirituality that turns a work of fiction into a practical guide for Christian Living. Plus, we learn how good literature can bring about a special sense of healing. For anyone who struggles with the issues of death and dying, grief and grieving, seeing how Tim works through these issues gives us the strength to do the same in our own way.
James Bryan Smith is the author of The Good and Beautiful God and the Apprentice series. He is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where he also serves as the director of the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré, Smith is an ordained United Methodist Church minister and has served in various capacities in local churches.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
How to forgive ourselves?
What do we do when we feel our prayers aren't getting through to God?
What do we do with our anger, especially against God?
Why did God allow pain and suffering?
How do we heal from our hurts?
What about life after death?
Can God speak to us via dreams?
Is it God's will to give some parents a handicapped child?
What does grief look like over time?
.....
My Thoughts
This book reminds me of the importance of friendships. In the story, Tim and his good friend Wayne were able to reconnect and continue their friendship even after the death of Wayne. While it is imagination through a dream about heaven, we are reminded that as far as love and friendship are concerned, time is no barrier. Absence might make the heart grow fonder, but good friendships like love will last forever. Friendships are everywhere in this book. His barber Ernie, his spiritual mentors like Brother Taylor, his friend Wayne, and also good friendly conversations with his own family members. These relationships go beyond the superficial layer of acquaintances. Friends are those who are able to share our hopes and dreams. Perhaps, the biggest test of any friendship is how we walk with one another as we face our fear of death with hopes of life. The "Room of Marvels" is a guide to how one person grieves his loss of loved ones. We might not write as the author did, but we can learn to creatively craft our own poems, prose, or parables in our own unique ways. This book inspires us to do that.
Even though this is a work of fiction, the characters and events present a haunting resemblance to the author's own tragedies. Within months, he had lost his mother, his close friend Rich Mullins, and his two-year-old daughter, Madeline. Sometimes, expressing grief is best done indirectly. Through fiction and storytelling, there is no inhibition in citing sources or ensuring factual accuracy. The focus could be on the themes and the underlying emotions behind the questions. The author could freely pose questions of faith and doubt without having to justify his own stances. Grief has a way to test our deepest struggles of faith. For readers who are curious about the relationship between the fictional character Tim and the author, read the epilogue.
First published in 2007, this new edition comes expanded with discussion questions for readers. This guide brings together a number of meaningful themes of spirituality that turns a work of fiction into a practical guide for Christian Living. Plus, we learn how good literature can bring about a special sense of healing. For anyone who struggles with the issues of death and dying, grief and grieving, seeing how Tim works through these issues gives us the strength to do the same in our own way.
James Bryan Smith is the author of The Good and Beautiful God and the Apprentice series. He is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where he also serves as the director of the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré, Smith is an ordained United Methodist Church minister and has served in various capacities in local churches.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
December 23, 2017
On one of our pastor's first Sundays at our old church, he said he and his wife wanted to reclaim the word and notion of "imagination". As a fiction writer, I was inspired and encouraged by his bold statement from the pulpit. I often felt my dabblings in creative writing were something to be slightly ashamed of.
Sometime afterward, I considered imagining heaven would be a worthy pursuit. I was excited to try, but once I began I came up with almost nothing. Golden streets, a big city, angels. I wanted to imagine, but I couldn't get far. I gave up. Unlike James Bryan Smith in Room of Marvels, I didn't consider meeting the people there. Smith does and in doing so, has written a poignant book. While his book is fiction and doesn't claim to be fact, it is a fascinating imagining of what heaven will be like.
The story behind Room of Marvels makes the novel even more important. Smith himself experienced the deaths of a close friend, his young daughter and his mother within two years. Understandably, he was left with deep grief and unanswered questions. This book became his therapy.
In the book, Tim, the main character, attends a silent spiritual retreat to help him cope with the deaths of his best friend, daughter and mother. He struggles with the stillness and silence but is encouraged by his spiritual director to rest and meditate on a passage in Luke. After a couple of days, Tim is still feeling desperate. He prays that God will speak to him and falls asleep. Then he dreams of a cottage where he meets his old barber, a kind and friendly man who died several years ago. The story continues with him being led through different exercises by various important people in his life which strip away guilt, shame, his mask of perfection and tendencies to control. These people and experiences help prepare him for entrance into the room of marvels.
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. It reminded me of other books including Paul Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis and Henri Nouwen The Genesee Diary. It's a little bit raw in places, but it is heartfelt and deeply moving. I recommend it as a kind of friend to someone walking in grief or as a guide to someone wishing to better understand the process.
Sometime afterward, I considered imagining heaven would be a worthy pursuit. I was excited to try, but once I began I came up with almost nothing. Golden streets, a big city, angels. I wanted to imagine, but I couldn't get far. I gave up. Unlike James Bryan Smith in Room of Marvels, I didn't consider meeting the people there. Smith does and in doing so, has written a poignant book. While his book is fiction and doesn't claim to be fact, it is a fascinating imagining of what heaven will be like.
The story behind Room of Marvels makes the novel even more important. Smith himself experienced the deaths of a close friend, his young daughter and his mother within two years. Understandably, he was left with deep grief and unanswered questions. This book became his therapy.
In the book, Tim, the main character, attends a silent spiritual retreat to help him cope with the deaths of his best friend, daughter and mother. He struggles with the stillness and silence but is encouraged by his spiritual director to rest and meditate on a passage in Luke. After a couple of days, Tim is still feeling desperate. He prays that God will speak to him and falls asleep. Then he dreams of a cottage where he meets his old barber, a kind and friendly man who died several years ago. The story continues with him being led through different exercises by various important people in his life which strip away guilt, shame, his mask of perfection and tendencies to control. These people and experiences help prepare him for entrance into the room of marvels.
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected. It reminded me of other books including Paul Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis and Henri Nouwen The Genesee Diary. It's a little bit raw in places, but it is heartfelt and deeply moving. I recommend it as a kind of friend to someone walking in grief or as a guide to someone wishing to better understand the process.
November 9, 2020
Following in the tradition of Pilgrim’s Progress, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and The Shack, Room of Marvels fit in nicely.
I would recommend that every reader keep a box of tissues nearby as they follow Tim on his trip through heaven. The book is a work of fiction but it finds its roots in a series of daydreams the author originally had some 20+ years ago. Within a short period of time, the author had lost a close friend, his mother, and his disabled daughter through death - a series of devastating losses. The daydreams helped him process his grief; he made notes of the dreams and eventually published his story in September 2007. Now, 13 years later, it is being re-released by a new publisher, Intervarsity Press.
In the book, Tim meets the three people who died and others - and begins to understand what God was trying to accomplish through those tough times of his life. He begins to process his grief. One of the gifts that the book offers is a detailed explanation of how the people Tim meets in his journey to heaven are closely connected to the people in the author's real life. He then reflects on the growth he has experienced since writing the original book 13 years ago. The book concludes with a series of study questions for individual or group use. It is a spiritual journey of his walk through grief both as the events transpired and as he has continued to grow. In the end, it offers the reader HOPE in multiple ways.
For those experiencing grief, for those who work with those experiencing grief, the book will find a home. It belongs in the church library. And, again, keep tissues nearby.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I would recommend that every reader keep a box of tissues nearby as they follow Tim on his trip through heaven. The book is a work of fiction but it finds its roots in a series of daydreams the author originally had some 20+ years ago. Within a short period of time, the author had lost a close friend, his mother, and his disabled daughter through death - a series of devastating losses. The daydreams helped him process his grief; he made notes of the dreams and eventually published his story in September 2007. Now, 13 years later, it is being re-released by a new publisher, Intervarsity Press.
In the book, Tim meets the three people who died and others - and begins to understand what God was trying to accomplish through those tough times of his life. He begins to process his grief. One of the gifts that the book offers is a detailed explanation of how the people Tim meets in his journey to heaven are closely connected to the people in the author's real life. He then reflects on the growth he has experienced since writing the original book 13 years ago. The book concludes with a series of study questions for individual or group use. It is a spiritual journey of his walk through grief both as the events transpired and as he has continued to grow. In the end, it offers the reader HOPE in multiple ways.
For those experiencing grief, for those who work with those experiencing grief, the book will find a home. It belongs in the church library. And, again, keep tissues nearby.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 26, 2022
A deeply healing truth in the form of a story
I originally read Room of Marvels about 15 years ago when I realized that I didn't know much about heaven. I was aware that Christians in the early church were deeply motivated by a compelling vision of heaven. I too wanted to see what they saw and have my imagination captivated in the same ways that they were about the realities of heaven as portrayed in the New Testament. I was more deeply moved by James Bryan Smith's portrayal of heaven than any of the other books that I read 15-years ago. After losing my mother 2-years ago, I have recently thought much more about heaven and wondered where she is and what she is doing. Ever since she passed I have had a deep sense of assurance from God about her well-being. I knew I needed to read Room of Marvels again, and am so glad that I did. The epilogue and afterward that have been added since the first version that I read are so poignant and add much as a backdrop to the story. If you want a Biblically accurate and soul-stirring glimpse into the truly marvelous future that God has prepared for those who love him - you will find no better portrayal than this book!
I originally read Room of Marvels about 15 years ago when I realized that I didn't know much about heaven. I was aware that Christians in the early church were deeply motivated by a compelling vision of heaven. I too wanted to see what they saw and have my imagination captivated in the same ways that they were about the realities of heaven as portrayed in the New Testament. I was more deeply moved by James Bryan Smith's portrayal of heaven than any of the other books that I read 15-years ago. After losing my mother 2-years ago, I have recently thought much more about heaven and wondered where she is and what she is doing. Ever since she passed I have had a deep sense of assurance from God about her well-being. I knew I needed to read Room of Marvels again, and am so glad that I did. The epilogue and afterward that have been added since the first version that I read are so poignant and add much as a backdrop to the story. If you want a Biblically accurate and soul-stirring glimpse into the truly marvelous future that God has prepared for those who love him - you will find no better portrayal than this book!
December 23, 2020
While all of life and all of literature has something to teach us, a moral tale is a straightforward teaching device designed to combine entertainment with information and instruction.
I would put Room of Marvels clearly into this category alongside other works of literature like Pilgrim’s Progress, A Christmas Carol and Dante’s Inferno. To be honest, it is not a genre of literature that I particularly enjoy. I prefer a subtler story that, as C.S. Lewis puts it, sneaks past the watchful dragons.
A Room of Marvels does have value within its genre and it is born out of the author’s own journey with God. If you appreciate a straightforward teaching tale, Room of Marvels could be a book that would challenge you to think deeper about the love of God and His good eternal plans for His children in the light of grief and loss.
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I would put Room of Marvels clearly into this category alongside other works of literature like Pilgrim’s Progress, A Christmas Carol and Dante’s Inferno. To be honest, it is not a genre of literature that I particularly enjoy. I prefer a subtler story that, as C.S. Lewis puts it, sneaks past the watchful dragons.
A Room of Marvels does have value within its genre and it is born out of the author’s own journey with God. If you appreciate a straightforward teaching tale, Room of Marvels could be a book that would challenge you to think deeper about the love of God and His good eternal plans for His children in the light of grief and loss.
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 24, 2021
This story of visiting heaven in a dream is half Lewis’s The Great Divorce and half Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. The focus of the tale is the narrator’s (and the author’s) experience of grief, depression, and anger at losing a best friend, his mother, and daughter in a three-year span. While the storyline and dialogue can be a bit stilted and one-dimensional, maybe that is partially due to its nature as an allegory.
Several insights are helpful and some encounters are moving, but I felt the answers and changes in the main character came a bit too easily. The problems of pain, doubt, loss, and how God fits into the picture frequently require more struggle than is presented here. Partial resolution and mystery (“I believe; help my unbelief”) are often what God leaves us with in this life (as he did with Job), asking us to trust him in the face of unanswered questions. There is no shame in believing while still being puzzled, confused, or even doubtful. Faith, after all, isn’t faith if we have total certainty. Then we have knowledge. Yet many can find hope in this imaginative parable that seeks to make at least some sense of the trouble we’ve seen.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
Several insights are helpful and some encounters are moving, but I felt the answers and changes in the main character came a bit too easily. The problems of pain, doubt, loss, and how God fits into the picture frequently require more struggle than is presented here. Partial resolution and mystery (“I believe; help my unbelief”) are often what God leaves us with in this life (as he did with Job), asking us to trust him in the face of unanswered questions. There is no shame in believing while still being puzzled, confused, or even doubtful. Faith, after all, isn’t faith if we have total certainty. Then we have knowledge. Yet many can find hope in this imaginative parable that seeks to make at least some sense of the trouble we’ve seen.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
March 16, 2025
Easy read. I was kinda confused at the beginning of the book as the prologue was missing in my book and some other book club members had missing sections. Even though not everyone got all of the reading pages and some got a book with the printing upside down on some of the pages we worked together in discussing the book and enjoyed the book together.
It is a book with many great stories that one could identify with people in your own life. There is one story that I truly identified with as my nephew was born with only this stem of a brain and people would say he was not very functional. His eyes sparkled and he smiled like my father. He was rememberable, and I can see him sitting on a cloud with my dad, his grandpa who is pointing at me and they are laughing.
Great stories to walk you with God.
It is a book with many great stories that one could identify with people in your own life. There is one story that I truly identified with as my nephew was born with only this stem of a brain and people would say he was not very functional. His eyes sparkled and he smiled like my father. He was rememberable, and I can see him sitting on a cloud with my dad, his grandpa who is pointing at me and they are laughing.
Great stories to walk you with God.
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August 8, 20252025-08-08
Review 2025.07.001
Reviewers Note: It is the middle of 2025 and I am not doing a good job of keeping up with this desired goal of mine to write book reviews. I do not want to lower my expectations but I am going to so that I can catch up. This will mean short reviews on the books I read.
Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith
193 Pages
I am not the biggest fan of books like this - allegories. I normally do not even pick them up but this was recommended by an author I really enjoy so I grabbed it on sale. I was good the first few chapters and then I was like “nope” and almost put it down but it is so short that I pushed on and finished.
I am still not a fan but I did enjoy the book and I did cry. If you are a fan of allegories then I recommend it. I will do my best to avoid another one.
Review 2025.07.001
Reviewers Note: It is the middle of 2025 and I am not doing a good job of keeping up with this desired goal of mine to write book reviews. I do not want to lower my expectations but I am going to so that I can catch up. This will mean short reviews on the books I read.
Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith
193 Pages
I am not the biggest fan of books like this - allegories. I normally do not even pick them up but this was recommended by an author I really enjoy so I grabbed it on sale. I was good the first few chapters and then I was like “nope” and almost put it down but it is so short that I pushed on and finished.
I am still not a fan but I did enjoy the book and I did cry. If you are a fan of allegories then I recommend it. I will do my best to avoid another one.
March 3, 2021
Eins vorweg: auch liebe dieses Buch!
Ich habe mit dem Protagonisten gelacht, aber vor allem habe ich mit dem Protagonisten geweint. Es ist eine herrliche Botschaft dahinter. Prinzipiell geht es um das Verarbeiten von Schicksalsschlägen - hier speziell den Tod von den Lieben und wie man aus der Trauer herausfinden kann. Es ist ein Buch, dass mir auch 12 Jahre nach dem Tod eines lieben Menschen nochmal geholfen hat das weiter zu verarbeiten.
Mann muss sich jedoch auf die christlichen Werte einlassen können. Wer das nicht kann, dem wird das Buch auch eher weniger gefallen.
Ich habe mit dem Protagonisten gelacht, aber vor allem habe ich mit dem Protagonisten geweint. Es ist eine herrliche Botschaft dahinter. Prinzipiell geht es um das Verarbeiten von Schicksalsschlägen - hier speziell den Tod von den Lieben und wie man aus der Trauer herausfinden kann. Es ist ein Buch, dass mir auch 12 Jahre nach dem Tod eines lieben Menschen nochmal geholfen hat das weiter zu verarbeiten.
Mann muss sich jedoch auf die christlichen Werte einlassen können. Wer das nicht kann, dem wird das Buch auch eher weniger gefallen.
February 27, 2023
I am grateful for a book on grief that compassionately addresses loss, disappointment, endings of any kind that produce a profound sense of doubt and emptiness. While the author experienced deep grief from multiple losses, his words touch my soul as I live a life of scars and loss from cancer that became metastatic. I am grateful for the specific encouragement in this book that reminds my heart and soul of God’s love deeper, greater and always present to guide each thought into strength and hope for today; to see His goodness that overcomes and transforms despair into beauty, joy, love.
March 15, 2025
Such a beautiful story. I highly recommend reading it in one or two sittings if you can, it’s not a difficult read by any means, but it’s one that will really make you think deeply. Very emotional and heavy. I teared up a couple times. I’d also highly, HIGHLY recommend reading the epilogue and afterword, as those were both really insightful and impactful to the experience of this book.
Rating: 8.25/10, four stars!
Rating: 8.25/10, four stars!
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