Book Review: A Kaleidoscope of Life by John Murray
If you want a touching story of love, the heartache of loss, yet the positive aspect found in eternal hope, then this is that story. Losing the love of your life after sixty-three years of a happy marriage is devastating. However, as the caregiver to his wife Rita, who suffered nearly 18 years with Parkinson’s, John reflects on the privilege it was to love and care for her. Grief is real and painful, but happy memories are forever. This is their story – a story of just two ordinary people who trusted God and were not disappointed.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…
“A Kaleidoscope of Life is a tender and courageous book. John writes with unflinching honesty about love, loss, and the long journey of caregiving. His words carry the authenticity of a man who has lived what he describes—sixty-three years of marriage, the long shadow of Parkinson’s, and the valley of grief…”
Dr. Ron Unruh. Author and Artist.
“John Murray shows us what true love is all about…. He is a great storyteller. I value John’s writing gift, his honesty and faithfulness. I commend this book to anyone who is bereaved and wants to experience hope in their grieving…”
Rev. Ed. Hird. Author and Conference Speaker.
“A Kaleidoscope of Life offers a deeply personal glimpse into the shattering finality of death. It tells the moving story of John Murray’s struggle to cope with the loss of Rita, his wife of 63 years. John reflects on a journey of steadfast love made even more profound by the many years he spent as Rita’s primary caregiver during her 18-year debilitating battle with Parkinson’s…”
David Daniels, Freelance Writer & Reviewer
“A Kaleidoscope of Life is a compelling story which genuinely captures the entire spectrum of the realities and emotions of life. Both the good and the hard times are openly shared without downplaying the significance of each respective situation…”
Dr. Norman W. Ickert
“In the midst of the pain of losing one’s Life Partner for whom you have been a full time Caregiver; how do you find new meaning and purpose in life? John shares his journey with Rita, from the caregiving years to her last moments, and the enduring love they shared…”
Deborah Harrison, MSW (Retired)
Julie’s Review
Four years ago, I reviewed John Murray’s book It’s All About Love, his honest account of caregiving for his wife, Rita, as she lived with Parkinson’s. Rita passed away last June, and now John has opened the door even wider. In his new release, A Kaleidoscope of Life: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Eternal Hope, he reflects on their marriage, their journey with disability, and the sacred terrain of grief.
As I read, I found myself pausing often, closing the book just to sit with the moment. The experience felt almost sacred. And more than once, a comment I saw on TikTok echoed in my mind: “We made the right person famous.”
John and Rita Murray were not celebrities. They weren’t wealthy or influential in the worldly sense. But Kaleidoscope of Life is a gift—one that honors Rita beautifully and, perhaps unintentionally, reveals John as a master teacher. His lessons come through story, humility, and a life lived faithfully.
This book should be required reading in high school, then again in college, and again in pre‑marital counseling. It is the marriage covenant lived out in real time. John and Rita embodied the promise we make when we say “I do.”
Til death.
For that, I pray this book goes far and wide and makes them “famous.”
John shares stories from their early years, their parenting, and the eighteen years Rita lived with Parkinson’s. Then he gives even more of himself by inviting readers into life after her passing, including the tender letters he wrote to her in the months that followed. Every word is raw, honest, and crafted with a depth that feels like art.
When I finished, I cried. I’m not an overly emotional person, if anything, I get teased for being an “emotional robot.” But their love story, and John’s transition into this new season, moved me deeply. At 86, he is humble, wise, and someone we would all do well to listen to.
The book isn’t long, but it is beautiful. It’s one you’ll want to take slowly.
And then, in honor of John and in memory of Rita, live a life that honors God and embraces each day you’re given.
I highly, highly recommend A Kaleidoscope of Life.
