Seeds of Hope: A Henri Nouwen Reader

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Robert Durback (Editor)

Featuring passages from more than 20 of Nouwen's classic books, as well as previously published material, this "portable Nouwen", explores the major themes and writings that comprise the essence of this man's great life and work. Includes a biographical portrait of Nouwen, highlighting the events that shaped his life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Faith, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living, Christianity

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1989

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Salvador Vivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

¿Cómo conocer de manera general el pensamiento de algún escritor? La respuesta obvia sería: a través de sus escritos. Para muchos, eso tomaría mucho tiempo y un gran riesgo de decepción, pérdida de tiempo, entre otras. En el caso de esta compilación, no es el caso.

Robert Durback hace una selección muy buena de los escritos de Nouwen para tener una idea de a qué se expone uno cuando lo lee. Como editor, ha hecho un trabajo maravilloso que es digno de aplaudir. La profundidad, sencillez, y amor que Nouwen ponía cuando escribía es visible en esta compilación. Es claro que en muchas áreas Nouwen es un teólogo con algunas excéntricas conclusiones. A pesar de ello, el viaje de conocerlo y ser acompañado por sus escritos no es pérdida de tiempo.

Si quieres conocer un poco sobre el pensamiento de Nouwen, sus escritos y determinar si lo quieres leer, este es un libro que debes leer.

[Laura Giessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book worthy of so much contemplation! What a blessing to read and ponder this with special friends at Aldersgate (thank you, Jane, Sarah & Chip). Too many deep and profound thoughts to capture here, but it is the type of book that I could read over and over and continue to glean wisdom and ask questions. A few highlights: the quest and uncovering a masterpiece a la Michaelangelo (p 99); power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love (p 108); "Entering into the suffering of the pool is the way to become obedient, that is, a listener to God...But do I really want to know Jesus?" (p 140); displacement: "A conversion from involuntary displacement leading to resentment, bitterness, resignation, and apathy, to voluntary displacement that can become an expression of discipleship" (pp. 145-56); "...we must continually discern our vocation amidst the escalating demands of our career" (P 148); active waiting means to be present fully to the moment (P 158); "Hope is trusting that something will be fulfilled, but fulfilled according to the promises and not just according to our wishes (160)...let go of wishes and starting hoping; Mary as the ultimate human, the one who has known more suffering and more blessing than any other (p. 166); Suffering and brokenness as a way to reveal the loving face of the One who came to carry our burdens and to set us free (p 180); wounds as teachers; the idol of security; Adam's story (p 253). So so much more; and a book that I need to read again, probably starting tomorrow.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great anthology of Nouwen's writing. He wrote a lot, but in an ever-evolving way so that in this anthology some of the main topics of hope are gathered, each with subheadings and a collection of a wide array of his writing. Some are just sentences, others are paragraphs, and some are a few pages long. Together they make an amazing whole that exemplifies Henri J.M. Nouwen perfectly. I have only read two of his works before, and I could see them both in here. Yes, there is a lot of quoteables, but they are all deep in content for contemplation. The anthology, together with the introduction, can also help you give a great idea of where to look next in Nouwens works.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kolejny raz zatapiam się w tej książce i po raz kolejny odkrywam ją na nowo. Wspaniała wymowa i treści J Nouwena to nie tylko przewodnik po życiu ale cenne źródło treści adresowanych do czytelnika w kategoriach rozwoju życia duchowego. W książce znajdziecie treści nie tylko mówiące o Bogu ale codzienności, próbach znalezienia odpowiedzi na nurtujące pytania o sens istnienia, potrzebie bycia kochanym,powołaniu życiowym. Dla mnie bardzo inspirująca

[Zoe Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography and synthesized excerpts of his writings come together in this portrait summary of Nouwen’s life. Intimate and grand, simple and yet profound, Nouwen was a singular human and writer by whom I am greatly humbled.

[Gracie Frenchfries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nouwen never dissapoints. He speaks/writes to the soul. Wish I read him earlier!

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful synthesis and overview of Henri Nouwen's writings on faith and spirituality, and life and death-writings which have influenced at least two generations of counselors and pastors.

[Ceste Stanly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Henri's writings are a breath of fresh air. Lots of unpublished stuff in here

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the writings of Henri Nouwen and while this isn’t necessarily a book one would sit down and read, it is an excellent collection of Nouwen’s writings by topic.

[Brad Dell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as a daily devotional. Henri’s writings are of course excellent but the organization of this book seemed random, and the selections felt unremarkable and out of place.

[Abby Knoettgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge Henri Nouwen fan. He had such a magically direct worldview.

[Matthew John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a great book if you're wanting, like I did, an overview of Nouwen's work. I haven't yet read any of Nouwen's books, so I thought I'd give this "reader" a try. After reading this collection of excerpts, I'll likely be reading more of Henri Nouwen.

[TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book probably deserves more stars than this, but I don't remember it that well, just some very deserving parts I read following a major surgery. It was a gift from a friend, and I will read it again and never hesitate to recommend it to others.

[Derek Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times this was a great book and at times the writing was a bit generic. The book is a edited collection so the fault may lay in the editing as opposed to the writer. I would recommend reading a full work by Nouwen to get a better feel for his thinking.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

some of the most amazing and profound excerpts from henri nouwen's writings. it messed me up in a good way.

[Gwyneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would give 5 stars to all but the last section on nuclear war.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

He has a way of putting my thoughts into literate sentences. A new way to look at God's love for each of us.

[Dan S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some inspiring insights about the roots of love, peacemaking, and the purpose of life.

[Joy Matteson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great intro to Nouwen's works, taking pieces of the best and putting them together in a cohesive puzzle.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this would be best after reading most of his other works (except Sabbatical Journey, which should probably be last).

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to read cover to cover - which understandably was not the authors intention. Moments where Nouwen get right to the heart of an issue and others that feel like a textbook for seminary. I love the writing most when he is transparent and vulnerable. I struggled with the deep contemplations of faith which I cannot admit to have experienced - at least not at this depth. Eager to read a work that is intended as one piece of cohesive writing.