I wish the format of the book had been different with perhaps more subheadings within chapters and the main personal story less spread out.

I do not read a ton of non-fiction, but when I do it is usually Christian non-fiction or self-help. This one felt like a combination of both. Emily P. Freeman is the ultimate guide for spiritual direction, and in her newest book (published March 12) she walks readers through the process of decision making by connecting our desires/decisions to rooms. Through practical steps and helpful analogies, Emily describes through a process of memoir-like essays, the ways that individuals can discern if they should stay or leave a situation through assessing various needs and by asking themselves certain questions. I really appreciated the author's vulnerability in this and it is safe to say that while she certainly worked through her own process of walking away from different institutions and beliefs, readers can apply that to their own life in various ways that do not necessarily have to be similar to the author's experiences.

I think this would be an excellent book to give individuals going through a transitional or adjustment period in life, or simply those who are in need of some guidance and struggling with how to make the next right decision for their lives. This felt like a gentle nudge and encouragement to be empowered in our own abilities to discern our next steps and also the power and influence of God and others in our life to assist and act as lamp posts as well. There are so many words of wisdom that I think will resonate with readers and can be helpful sources of encouragement for many.

While I rated this lower than her other books that I have, it may simply be because I was not as invested in this book at the time and may not be in the right season myself to glean that knowledge that the author has for readers. However, I think it is a good book, just not my favorite. Thank you to #NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. This one is out now!

How does one walk into--or out of--a room with grace and wisdom?

Like many who follow EPF, I’ve been looking forward to her latest book, How to Walk Into a Room. When I began reading the book, I realized it was a keeper, a book to reference again and again, a book to study and ponder and parse out its wisdom. For those of us who wonder if it’s time to go, or if we should stay, and how in the world can we ever decide which to do—this book is for us.

I’ve been a fan of Emily P. Freeman’s thoughtful, intellectual, spiritually grounded writing since I first discovered her books ten years ago. This one is different, certainly, but I think with its metaphor of rooms it is much more useful for different interpretations and uses in our lives.

If you know me, you know I’ve spent my whole life moving around—first within my own family of origin due to my dad’s job, then with my husband in his job as a pastor, later within the military. I joke that my teaching career is more widespread and shallow, ranging from one to five years in any given school. I am learning to embrace rather than fight this reality, as much as I am able. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do with work, and ministry, and other opportunities that may or may not come my way. Knowing where and within which opportunities to invest time, energy, and resources is a challenge that often feels more like a struggle—even when those opportunities are good and right.

I found myself nodding and agreeing with so many different things within the pages of this book. Some answers I recognize as something I’ve tried, and others I feel like I should have tried or known already but didn’t think of it in that way before. Emily’s book reframes some of the situations we may know into the metaphor of rooms and hallways, with some personal stories and anecdotes that give us an idea of how she has skin in this game, and reinforcing our belief that her wisdom is well-earned.

I just finished the book with tears in my eyes, and I can tell you now that I will start again at the beginning and read it again, slowly, pen in hand and journal at the ready. Yes, it’s that good, and true, and helpful, and exactly “for such a time as this” for me.

I wasn't sure about this book at first, but was curious. I loved it. So much wisdom shared about how to recognize when a situation had outlined it's usefulness to you. How to let go and move on. How to start something difficult. I found this book very worthwhile and will likely look at it again

I have highlighted so many sentences. I think this is a book I will come back to over and over again when I have decisions to make about leaving or entering a room. There are lots of good reflection questions. Even if you have walked out of or into rooms without thinking much about it, this book will also help you process any emotions or thoughts you might not have considered if it was the right thing to do.

A gentle guidebook about discerning when to leave, when to stay, and when to enter new spaces, this is one you will relate to and learn from. In it, Emily shares her story of leaving her church, and while it is not a faith deconstruction memoir, she describes wrestling with trying to change the system, ultimately leaving, and making peace with theological curiosity, this "gathering without walls." I especially appreciated her chapter on self-leadership, because this process of leaving certainty and exploring the hallways requires a "well-differentiated leader who insists on being okay with or without [others'] consent." Emily is a wise and gentle leader first to herself and then to us in this practical and thoughtful book.

I adore Emily P. Freeman. Her podcast, The Next Right Thing, has been a treasure to me, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting her new book.

This book was everything I needed and then some. Emily has such a gentle way of sharing wisdom, and she brings that magic to this book tenfold. If you’ve ever struggled to discern when to make changes in your life, Emily will help. Each chapter is packed with gentle guidance, personal experiences and biblical wisdom that will help inform you in your decision making. And the great thing is that these ideas can be used to help leave any “room,” whether it be big or small or anything in between. Emily’s calm and thoughtful questions help you to ponder if and when it’s right to leave a room behind, and for someone that struggles to make decisions, I really appreciated it.

This book will be one that I treasure and will definitely be coming back to when life throws me a new room to enter.

Thank you to Emily P. Freeman, HarperOne and NetGalley for an early e-copy of the book for an honest review.

I completely missed that this book was based in Christianity but that doesn't necessarily turn me off reading a book.
I liked the author's posit that endings don't have to be sad. That this may just be a place that we shouldn't be any more. This book is really about finding those times that it's time to leave a place and head to a new one. I have read almost all of the books that Freeman references and enjoyed the way that she wove in the lessons that she had learned from each and why those stories worked with what she was trying to build in her book.

Four stars
This book comes out March 12, 2024
ARC kindly provided by HarperOne and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Emily Freeman did it again! I love her writing and fell in love with her books after reading Simply Tuesday. This book speaks volumes to reader's about trusting God and the Spirit as it leads us through life. Whether it be rooms we must leave or rooms we must refurbish, Emily Freeman breaks down the simple next right thing for Christians to do as the move to the rhythm of their lives. This book touched my heart and gave me comfort as I move through a season of life with much change on the horizon. I believe whoever picks this book up will feel the love and comfort of Christ through Emily's words, and be encouraged as they make choices to close doors and open new ones in their life!

I love Emily Freeman's approachable writing style and would recommend if you love this book to read her other ones and listen to her Podcast "The Next Right Thing!" It's just as amazing as this book!

oooof. this one really hit me hard. emily has a way of saying the things i need to hear & still do it with such grace. walking away, staying, it’s always a complicated relationship when you don’t know how to move forward. but this is such a resource for all of us as we navigate what to do now

This book was just tremendous. I could only read about a chapter at a time because the content is so rich. It needs to be savored not devoured. Anyone who is in the midst of change or pondering a change, will glean something from this book.

I've heard it said that those who collect books are akin to wine connoisseurs - you enjoy a broad selection to have the right one at the right time for the right event.

This is one of those books, and like a fine wine is meant to be savored, so it is with this peek into Ms. Freeman's life and experience. I didn't want to read it quickly as there were so many deeply thought-provoking questions and other ponderable things she wrote about.

I highly recommend this book if you're in a transition place in life. Doesn't matter if it's a planned or unplanned transition - this book is certainly worth the time to engage with!

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

Once again, Emily Freeman is here as the calm voice of encouragement you need when trying to decide how to take the next best steps in life.

My favorite chapter of this book is “peace or avoidance”, especially as an enneagram 9.

She writes “there is a difference between the peace that comes from doing the deeply right thing and the relief that comes from avoiding discomfort. True peace is not the absence of discomfort or conflict. True peace is an inner okay-ness and wholeness. True peace is an alignment with what we know and what we do, living in congruence with our personal core values, our true identity, the common good, and our life with God.”

Whether you are trying to decide if now is the time to leave behind a room you’ve loved, or how to walk into a new room as your true self, this book will be your trusted guide as she shares questions to ask yourself every step of the way.

Grab your girlfriends together because this is THE book you need for your 2024 book club!

Emily P. Freeman, THANK YOU for writing this book. It arrived in my hands the very month I needed to make a major employment decision.

Emily’s latest book is about what transpires in the “rooms” of our lives to signal that an ending is imminent and then takes us through the discernment process of whether it is time to go or time to stay. She cautions that the process of discernment is inefficient, taking time, self-awareness, and patience. She talks about different kinds of endings -- anticipated (e.g. retirement) or forced (e.g. fired) – and the luxury of closure. She gives practical tools for discernment tied to the acronym PRAY: Point & call; Remember your path; Acknowledge presence; and Yield to arrows. I also appreciate her distinction between peace that comes from doing the right thing versus relief that comes from avoidance.

An older book, “Transitions” by William Bridges, covers similar territory, but I found Emily’s more helpful to me personally because it’s intended for an audience with a faith orientation. I took 16 pages of notes on my first read through and know I will be returning to “How to Walk into a Room” soon.

In "How to Walk Into a Room," Emily P. Freeman masterfully guides readers through the intricate process of recognizing when it's time to gracefully exit a room in life, offering profound insights and practical wisdom for those standing at the crossroads of change. Freeman, known for her bestselling book "The Next Right Thing," brings her podcast host perspective and spiritual direction expertise to deliver a thoughtful and compelling exploration of navigating life's transitions.

One of the strengths of "How to Walk Into a Room" lies in its ability to guide readers through navigating endings, even when closure is elusive. Freeman provides insights into finding peace in preparation for change and summoning the courage needed for new beginnings. This comprehensive approach equips readers with the tools to transition with grace and confidence.

Highly recommended for individuals navigating life's transitions, facing decisions about leaving familiar spaces, and seeking a thoughtful and spiritually grounded guide to discernment. "How to Walk Into a Room" is a beacon of wisdom and comfort for those ready to step into new chapters with courage and grace.

Emily P. Freeman does it again. Her analogy of entering and leaving rooms brings a sense of clarity to our unclear decisions. Her personal stories connect the reader to her and make you feel seen.

I selected this book because I found myself stuck in an unwanted transition. I thought that this would be a book about balancing business and personal life book. That is not wrong, but it's incomplete. I was not familiar with the author, Emily P. Freeman or her podcast, So I came to that conclusion based on the Amazon description.
I like the metaphor that she is using, that our lives are buildings with different rooms. I thought she did a good job of talking about the layout, the importance of the hall, and how to know if it's time to stay or leave. What I didn't expect, even with the title spiritual director, was the Christian ties and influence in the book. I don't mind that personally, but I think many people will not be expecting it and maybe offended if they are not Christian.

I don't know how many people outside of Christian circles are familiar with what a spiritual director does. That is where I think they have done themselves up disservice in the book packaging and marketing. Spiritual direction is a wonderful topic to talk about when it comes to making life changes. I would have liked the copy to focus on what I think the author does best, spiritual direction and coaching. She goes a little long in parts, but I suspect that's the way she does her coaching. Having studied with some spiritual directors, being with them is like being wrapped up in a warm hug of advice and direction.

Because of the absence of spiritual direction on the title, subtitle, and copy for people like me who are unfamiliar with her work, I knocked off one star. As the second focus of the book, that needs to be pointed out more in the copy, or you will alienate some of your readers.

I hate to be so negative, but I really hate the cover. Harper Collins lost an opportunity to put rooms or blueprints or something on the cover, anything that was relevant to the book. I know this cover style is popular, but it's just boring.

I am also not a fan of the title. This book is just as much about entering, waiting, contemplating, etc. as it is leaving.
Once again, I felt led astray by the title and blurb, I deduced it was a business book. A book about coming into a room with full confidence, what I wanted going into my next room.

I do recommend people who are interested in spirituality and you are going through transition periods to read this book. They will get help they need and the considerations they need to bring into their decision making, when they're contemplating walking into or out of a room. Please consider changing the advertising and marketing for this book to reflect Ms Freeman's amazing, spiritual direction talents.

I received an advance copy for review purposes. This review is my honest opinion. I thank NetGalley for the chance to read this book. If you're stuck and would like to do the work too and figure out your next move and have more confidence and going into a different direction and a different room, you should read this book.

Let me begin by saying I'm a long-time admirer of EPF and her work. I enjoy the concept of finding your next right thing, as she calls it, and this book is meant to take this topic a layer deeper. However, the "room" analogy really didn't work for me. It felt forced, clunky, and quite odd. I remember hearing the title for the first time and being confused—and I could never shake that confusion throughout the book. It also lacked scripture and theological reasoning, which I expected more of with her growing work as a spiritual director.

The one part of the book I liked was her chapter on Arrows and Answers, where she vulnerable shares her family's journey in deciding to leave their church. I wish there were more stories like this instead of returning to the odd analogy. I'm so bummed this fell flat for me. I'll still enjoy her podcast!

This is the first book I have read by this author. I will say that I was intrigued by the title alone but I did have some trouble keeping my attention on the book. The premise of the book and the real-life stories told by the author helped to keep my attention.

Disclosure: I received this book free via NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

I read this book in two days I was so fascinated and relieved as I read it. I have integrated "point and call" into every part of my life. Just being able to explore and name where I am to maybe where I am going (and all the conflicting feelings that come with it) gave me such a relief.