Review of “The Invisible Soul” by George W. Beasley

Score: 93+/100 (9.3+ out of 10)

The Invisible Soul: Rise Up by George W. Beasley is an extraordinary and heart-wrenching memoir that takes readers on a raw and emotional journey through trauma, spiritual battles, and ultimate redemption. Beasley’s writing offers in-depth reflections and personal experiences that lay bare the depths of his suffering and the triumph of his faith. A powerful testament to the human spirit, this book provides hope for anyone struggling with emotional or spiritual wounds.

In the late 1960s, George Beasley, a young foster child abandoned by his mother, endured unspeakable abuse at the hands of his stepfather, John, and within the flawed foster care system. The daily trauma, torture, and starvation he suffered left him feeling invisible, unwanted, and unloved—an existence he captures vividly in this memoir.

Beasley's story is not just one of personal pain but of broader societal issues, as it highlights the failings of the foster care system, much like books such as The Power of Being Seen by Roger Saillant and Fostering by Carmen Maria Navarro.

One of the most striking themes in The Invisible Soul is the idea of being “invisible.” This concept resonates throughout the memoir as Beasley reflects on how his trauma left him feeling unseen and unworthy. The invisible soul represents the pain that so often goes unnoticed or unspoken, not just in his own life but in the lives of others who suffer in silence. Beasley also draws parallels to the invisible souls of people he loved, such as his late girlfriend Elaine, who tragically committed suicide after enduring her own unspoken battles.

Despite the harrowing nature of his early years, The Invisible Soul is ultimately a positive and uplifting story of hope and redemption. After decades of struggling with his invisible soul, Beasley experiences a profound spiritual awakening. A pivotal moment occurs when he happens upon a Billy Graham sermon on television. Graham’s words, “It’s never too late” and “Jesus can save anyone,” hit Beasley deeply. For the first time, he realizes that he is worthy of salvation, redemption, and love—a revelation that shifts the course of his life.

Beasley’s narrative is as conversational as it is deeply personal. He often engages the reader directly, asking poignant questions like, “Do you know someone like me?” This approach makes the memoir feel not only like a recounting of his life but also an invitation for readers to reflect on their own invisible souls. His conversational style creates an intimate connection, making the memoir feel more like a dialogue than a monologue, which only enhances the book’s impact.

One of the book’s defining features is its emphasis on spiritual healing. Beasley’s journey toward healing is not portrayed as easy or instantaneous. Instead, he describes the hard-fought battles with his inner demons—his anger, despair, and self-doubt—that nearly destroyed him. He explains how mastering his emotions and surrendering to God’s grace allowed him to unlock the invisible soul that had been holding him captive. The book contains several powerful passages where Beasley reflects on this spiritual battle, such as:

“At each victory there was a great defeat, through each defeat there was a great victory. God was conquering my greatest fears and allowing me to see myself every day in the mirror of reality.”

Beasley’s writing is vivid and poetic, filled with moments of intense emotional reflection. His descriptions of his traumatic childhood, in particular, are haunting and memorable. Some of the standout passages include:

“I was the one with a face, but no expression, the one with fingers, but no fingerprints and the one with a name but no identity, an address, but no home.”

“I could no longer hear the screams but knew they were still there. I could no longer feel the pain of the beatings, but my memories held them close to my eyes.”

These passages beautifully convey the depth of Beasley’s pain while simultaneously underscoring the isolation and invisibility he felt for much of his life. Yet, amid the darkness, there is always a glimmer of hope, a belief that healing is possible through God’s love.

The second edition also includes additional stories and memories that offer readers a more comprehensive look at Beasley’s journey. His exploration of different religious institutions, including Catholicism and Mormonism, and his passion for water skiing—both as a distraction and an evangelistic tool—add depth to his story. But it is his encounter with Billy Graham and his realization that Jesus offers salvation to all that becomes the most transformative part of his narrative.

While the book has some formatting issues—lacking indentations between paragraphs—the writing itself is beautiful and exceptional. Beasley’s ability to describe both the pain of his past and the joy of his spiritual rebirth is compelling and uplifting.

The Invisible Soul is not just a memoir, it is a guide for those struggling with their own invisible souls. It is a book that seeks to enlighten, encourage, and uplift readers, particularly those who may be battling similar traumas. Beasley’s story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how deep the wounds or how invisible one feels, healing is possible through faith, perseverance, and love.

Check it out on Amazon!