RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY

Give Me a Word: The Promise of an Ancient Practice To Guide Your Year

by Christine Valters Paintner
Broadleaf. Sept. 2025. 197p. ISBN 9798889831266. pap. $22.99. SPIRITUALITY
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The tradition of asking “Give me a word” is a spiritual and meditation practice rooted in early third-century Christianity, which Paintner (Journey to Joy: A Fairy Tale for Thresholds and Transitions) seeks to reintroduce to modern audiences. The practice is Christian in its genesis, but Paintner also pulls from other religious traditions to illuminate and guide readers through slowing down their lives and connecting with the divine via meditating on a word. This book is not meant to be read quickly and then set aside. Paintner recommends reading the book slowly and following the process over an extended time, ideally a year or more, to savor and reflect. Each chapter presents a particular point in the meditation process, illustrates that aspect with pertinent examples and occasional quotes from practitioners, and ends with a simple exercise.
VERDICT An excellent book for readers interested in finding a new meditation technique or nonsectarian spiritual practice or who simply want to slow down and give more depth to their lives. Recommended for all types of libraries.
Reviewed by Marjorie Mann , Jun 01, 2025
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