Love, Henri: Letters on the Spiritual Life

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Brené Brown (Foreword)

Seven million copies of his books in print! This collection of over 100 unpublished letters from the bestselling author of such spiritual classics as The Return of the Prodigal Son and The Wounded Healer offers deep spiritual insight into human experience, intimacy, brokeness, and mercy.

Over the course of his life, Henri Nouwen wrote thousands of letters to friends, acquaintances, parishioners, students, and readers of his work all around the world. He corresponded in English, Dutch, German, French, and Spanish, and took great care to store and archive the letters decade after decade. He believed that a thoughtful letter written in love could truly change someone's life. Many people looked to Nouwen as a long distance spiritual advisor.

Love, Henri consists of over a hundred letters that stretch from the earliest years of Henri's career up through his last 10 years at L'Arche Daybreak. Rich in spiritual insights the letters highlight a number themes that emerged in both Henri's work over the years, including vocation, solitude, prayer, suffering, and perseverance in difficult times. These deeply spiritual letters, sometimes poignant, sometimes funny, ulimately demonstrate the rich value of communicating with God through others.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christian, Faith, Theology, Biography, Christianity

375 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2016

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will take any opportunity to read a book by Henri S J Nouwen. I was introduced to his writing in 2003, and through reading his books, I have grown spiritually, and this book will do that. Henri grew up in the Netherlands, where he entered the priesthood. He passed away in Canada in 1996, but in the intervening years, he wrote prolifically. Now, a collection of his letters have been anthologized in this book Love, Henri. There are many little quotes and little bits of wisdom that taken to heart will help the reader grow spiritually. It's a lovely book, giving the reader insight into the life of a lovely man, too soon gone from us.
I hope that all the misery in the country and the world in general will deepen your hope for the Kingdom of God.

...there is not such a thing as an uncommitted ministry. As Christian ministers we are called to speak and act in the name of Jesus Christ.

Brene Brown wrote a great foreward to the book and really sets up the book with a great background on Henri, and allows the reader to see where Henri came from on a spiritual basis.

This is a Five Star Book

My thanks to Convergent Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Maggie Gust · Rating 5 out of 5]

The publisher gave me an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. In short, I think it is wonderful. The letters are "dense" in the most positive way, and I read this book in bite-size pieces, if you will. I have been a Nouwen fan since I read "The Wounded Healer" back in the early 1970s. He and Anthony Padovano had enormous influence on the young me who was trying to find a spiritual path in the turmoil of the Catholic Church post Vatican II. You do not need to be Catholic to benefit from these letters. Henri was very catholic, universal, in his love for people and his friends included in this collection include strangers moved by his writing, as well as Senator Mark Hatfield, Mr. Fred Rogers (oh, to have been witness to one of their conversations!), as well as the fallen-away Jewish NY Times reporter who interviewed him and became his life-long friend. (And who found his way back to practicing his Jewish faith.)

Henri was a prolific writer, in addition to his priestly work and speaking engagements. The book is filled with references to his own writings as well as the books that influenced him. The reader is given a magnificent bibliography of spiritual writing within these pages. Thomas Merton, Van Gogh (Henri was Dutch after all) were two who had significant influence on Henri.

Near his 50th birthday he was confronted with his same-sex orientation and fell in love with a younger man who came to the community for the mentally handicapped where Henri was living at time. Henri's letters to Nathan show his deep feelings for this young man and his anguish at what to do with these feelings. It was at a time when marriage for Catholic priests was a “hot topic” and many priests and nuns were leaving the church, although not all for marriage. Ultimately, Henri chose celibacy because of his deep love and regard for the priesthood and the Catholic Church. He addresses this several times in different letters, speaking of his love for both the priesthood and the church.

In addition to revealing the stages of Henri's adult life/priesthood, the letters reveal his great love for humanity, his anguish at the brokenness that was so prevalent in many societies at various times. From a wealthy family who gave him all the advantages including a first-class education, Henri's life was a whirlwind of activity. He was on the faculty at both Harvard and Yale Divinity Schools, worked and lived in South America, with L'Arche, a community for mentally handicapped people, in Europe and in Canada. Always finding time to write, no matter how busy he was. Those books are his legacy to the world.

His responses to inquiries were always loving, never confrontational even when standing firm in his own viewpoint, he did it with love. If you are looking to read about an interesting person, are interested in how people can concretely apply religion and/or spirituality to their lives, or just want to consider some learned insights into leading a spiritual life, I highly recommend this collection of letters. Touch the beautiful spirit of this remarkable man and be touched in return.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a collection of letters that Henri Nouwen sent people over a span of many years. With each letter, we are not able to see what was originally written, but we are given a summary of who each person is and why they wrote to Nouwen.

This book, much like The Inner Voice of Love, is best read in small dosages. The information in the letters does pack a powerful spiritual punch. However, it is the case where if you try to read too much at once, it becomes exhausting.

With this book as well, it nearly serves as an autobiography told through letters as we learn much of the years that Nouwen spent in ministry, the various places he served, what some of the inner conflict he felt actually was in specific terms, and how he came to a place of living his pain well.

If you have ever read and enjoyed a Nouwen book, this book is for you. Again, please read it slowly. It'll be better that way.

[Amanda Rogozinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes only a few letters to see that Nouwen had the depth and sharpness of thought of C.S. Lewis (not surprising since he taught at Yale and Harvard), and the all-encompassing awareness of the sacramental life that G.K. Chesterton had, while having a tenderness to the human condition all his own. The advice he offers is so life-giving because it is fearlessly convicting while maintaining the highest compassion.
I don’t agree with every aspect of Nouwen’s worldview (not that I agree with everything Lewis or Chesterton had to say either), but I am sharpened by the way he refocuses on the centrality of Christ no matter the situation. Working out our faith in companionship with spiritual fore bearers like Henri Nouwen is such a valuable part of the fellowship of the saints. I haven’t read Nouwen’s other works to compare them, but I have the sense that letters provide a unique sense of knowing a person. Rather than a merely cerebral experience of learning from someone’s theological views, you pick up some of their traits. I hope Henri rubs off on me.

This is an excerpt. For the full review visit TheWillowNook.com

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters drenched with remarkable kindness.

"Just long beautiful days in which I am trying to make reading, writing, and prayer just one thing."

"It seems very important for both of you to keep holding on to the conviction that the Lord loves you, that He is active in your lives here and now and that the many pains you are struggling with are not outside of His knowledge and care. Somewhere He is doing something lovingly to you, even when what you experience is only hurt. Is He carving out a cave to dwell in? If so, the cutting away of rocks might hurt very much and you might not be aware of the space He is creating for Himself."

"I keep having the deep sense that you are being tested very deeply. You are asked to cling to your Lord no matter what. You are asked to keep praying even when it might seem absurd. You are asked to enter the darkness of not understanding with an ever growing surrender... This is very much a desert time for you, a time of being lost, of having little to hold on to, a time full of temptations to give up, to become bitter and resentful. Your heart is very deep and wide, and it cannot be just yours."

[Emily Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minus one star for a few theological concerns, and because several letters were "skim-able." I highlighted so many items in this one, so many thought-provoking, encouraging tidbits. Henri was constantly reminding others to pray, seek Christ in every circumstance, and unfailingly pointing them to the redemption and love that God has for them in Jesus. A reminder that no matter what words we offer our friends in crisis or struggle, the ones reminding them of God's character and sovereignty are the best. The vulnerability and transparency Henri offered his friends is inspiring and made me feel like I should be taking notes on how to cultivate solid, loving relationships.

"Over the last few years I have been increasingly aware that true healing mostly takes place through the sharing of weakness. Mostly we are so afraid of our weaknesses that we hide them at all cost and thus make them unavailable to others but also often to ourselves. And, in this way, we end up living double lives even against our own desires: one life in which we present ourselves to the world, to ourselves and to God as a person who is in control and another life in which we feel insecure, doubtful, confused and anxious and totally out of control. The split between these two lives causes us a lot of suffering. I have become growingly aware of the importance to overcome the great chasm between these two lives and to become more and more aware that facing, with others, the reality of our existence can be the beginning of a truly free life. It is amazing in my own life that true friendship and community became possible to the degree that I was able to share my weaknesses with others. Often I became aware of the fact that in the sharing of my weaknesses with others, the real depths of my human brokenness and weakness and sinfulness started to reveal itself to me, not as a source of despair but as a source of hope. As long as I try to convince myself or others of my independence a lot of my energy is invested building up my own false self. But once I am able to truly confess my most profound dependence on others and on God, I can come in touch with my true self and a real community can develop."

[Ulvis Katiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Henri,
Thank you for leaving such an honest and affirming legacy. I am grateful for this collection of letters that allows others to look in a little deeper into your soul and find there a connection, a familiarity.
Your words to people that you knew, and sometimes didn’t even know, very easy to take to heart and imagine that you meant them for me and others as well because we knew and we felt that you love us.
May we be willing to live a fulfilled and joyous life as you did, in spite of suffering and pain.

Warmest greetings,
Ulvis

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henri Nouwen wrote letters, lots of them, to his friends mostly, but he also faithfully answered letters sent to him from all over the world. This book records his inner life through the lost art of letter writing. He encourages others, he is grateful for love and support, he shares his innermost struggles, and his chronic depression. For those who love his books, this is a reminder that he, like all of us, was vulnerable. His great faith overcomes.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital Advanced Reader Copy of the book Love, Henri, in exchange for an honest review.
Henri Nouwen was a Catholic priest who lived from 1932-1996, and was well known for his many books, but he also wrote letters to thousands of people over the course of his life and ministry. Having completed the organizing and cataloging of the vast collection of letters that Henri left behind, the archivist Gabrielle Earnshaw has done a masterful job of choosing a sampling of letters for this book, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of Henri’s death. The letters which are included span several decades, beginning in 1973 and ending with one of the last letters he wrote before his death in 1996.
While Nouwen was not a traditional priest serving a specific parish, the letters convey the heart of a pastor addressing his widespread congregation one person at a time. The book also felt like a journey through Nouwen’s life, as he recounts trials, joys, health challenges, and his long search for a specific location in which to serve. As the letters progress, he becomes more insistent on the message of God’s love and presence, perhaps reflecting his grasp of that in his own life.
Nouwen’s letters as presented in this book cover themes both essentially human and Christian, letters of friendship, consolation, guidance, yet full of affirmation and hope. They are addressed to priests and nuns, close friends as well as mere acquaintances, leaders in other denominations, and some well-known people such as Joan Kroc and Fred Rogers. He writes from many locales and places where he serves (such as L’Arche in Canada, where he served in the midst of a community of disabled adults), while travelling or on spiritual retreats. He often mentions a book that he is writing, or a book he had already written that could be helpful to a letter topic or life event. And over and over, he reassures people of his prayers and love for them.
This would be a great book for someone who is familiar with Nouwen and has read many of his books, to gain greater insight into his personal journey and his faithful interaction with many different people. It also would be a good primer for someone who is not at all familiar with him, acquainting them with his work, his pastoral heart and his desire that people seek to grow in their intimacy with God. The format of the book, which includes a brief description of the context of each letter or recipient’s relationship to Nouwen, was very helpful.
There is much in this volume of letters to ponder, augmented by an insightful foreword by inspirational writer Brené Brown, and an epilogue by Nouwen’s good friend Sister Sue Mosteller. Nouwen lives on through this lovely collection, and gives instruction and hope to us in times both very different and very much the same as when he was alive.

[Cynthia Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of Henri Nouwen's letters is not only faith filled, but full of common sense and wisdom. One of the things that struck me when I was reading this book, was the evolution of faith and thought in Henri Nouwen's own life that was evident in his letters. The book is divided into 3 time periods and arranged chronologically. As I began the collection of letters, I was not terribly impressed by Nouwen's responses. That changed as I read further, and I began to recognize the changing view and experiences that came to him as he matured. Since I am now in my late 50's, I appreciate some of the same growth and maturing in faith Henri exhibited through his letters.
Nouwen's book on the Prodigal Son is a favorite of mine. I found out that it was one of his later books. This makes a lot of sense as it shows much of this growth too. His experiences allowed him the ability to look at the story from such an interesting perspective and draw so much meaning from the beauty and passion of DaVinci's painting.
These letters bears witness to Henri's desire to anyone in need, and his great love for his fellow man. He was a humble and simple servant, but he was blessed with kindness and an eye for the heart of God that shines through in his life and words.
I thank the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHAT I LIKED: I’ve been a fan of Nouwen for awhile now, but this brought him into another light for me. He is very open and vulnerable about his struggles and also gives very humble and wise advice to his friends. I can tell through reading this that he was a loyal and loving friend.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: I only ended up actually reading around 2/3 of the letters for various reasons. Some were just boring (more factual than anything) and I didn’t feel like they needed to be included. Others because they seemed redundant. And others because they didn’t apply to me. While this was the case, I still liked the book which is why I give it three stars.

I RECOMMEND THIS IF: You enjoy memoir/biographical books or you are a fan of Nouwen’s work and want to learn more about him.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Cj Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of beautiful thoughts, comfort and encouragement from a man well acquainted with loneliness.

He calls us to trust that we are unconditionally loved by God. When we accept that, "it becomes possible to love without demanding love in return."

He understands the pain of relationships. "The risk of loving is always great because everyone you deeply love will also become a source of grief and pain for you at times during their life or by their death."

When counseling a friend on coping with depression, he send a card with a photo of "a lake encircled by mountains and fog." He writes, "the mist has its own beauty. It calls us to prayer, to interiority, to trust."

Oh, to have a friend like Henri! I'm grateful for this book of his letters so he can be a friend to me too.

[Ivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Nouwen’s letters is a crash course on the art of friendship. But I would have had a hard time being Nouwen’s friend. I think we’re a lot alike in temperament, but he was too demanding a friend—and he needlessly pushed people away in the process. There are numerous theological concerns I have with Nouwen, but I appreciated reading these letters nonetheless.

[D.A. Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely book of spiritual writings but I found it a bit too old time antifemale to continue with. It's not a message I am comfortable with in the current environment and I'm too stressed to take on the mental arguing I would do while reading it. Recommended for firm Catholics, not wobbly ones like me.

[Annie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this collection of letters. I have enjoyed Nouwen's writing for years, but getting this window into the way he nurtured other people was a blessing. This book gave me spiritual encouragement, and the only negative thing about it was that I wanted to be able to read the letters from the other side!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some amazing insights in some of these letters about struggles with loneliness, faith, death, anxiety, doubts within the church. It was a very insightful read. I highlighted quite a few quotes and will continue to read through them over and over.

[Jp Perkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm disappointed in this book. Most of the letters were mundane lists of what Nouwen was doing. I'm puzzled by why anyone thought that the majority of these letters would of interest to anyone.

[E.M. Welcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Henri,

Thank you for the very good letter.

You are God's beloved Child.

Please pray for me.

Love, Evan

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Note: This book was provided by Blogging For Books/Convergence Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

While the thought that my own letters would be compiled with personal commentary after my death for readers would cause me to loose at least a night's worth of sleep in horror and expectation of shame and personal ruin [1], this book is a warm and intimate work that tends to make one think better of Henri Nouwen than one does already, especially to the extent that one sees the graciousness of his writings [2] and his struggle with intimacy and belonging in evidence in gracious letters as well. Reading this book, I am convinced that for all of the distance in age between the late Nouwen, who died in 1996, and myself, that I would have been able to consider him a friend had I known him and had I enjoyed the privilege enjoyed by others as diverse as former Oregon Republican Senator Hatfield, Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood fame, and many others in being able to send and receive thoughtful letters from a man who was both intensely honest as well as immensely gracious in his written correspondence with others during an extremely busy life as a prolific reader and sought-after speaker. Perhaps many other readers will feel the same as I did, feel Nouwen as a kindred soul, a flawed but genuine man who sought to encourage others even as he was sensitive to the ruptures in communication and intimacy that hounded his own life, and even as he wrestled with his own wellspring of unfulfilled longings.

The content of these letters is immensely varied, and combined they make up a solid book of slightly more than 200 pages, divided into three sections by chronology, the first part going from December 1983 to the end of 1985, the second part going from 1986 to 1989, and the third part going from 1990 to his death in 1996. The letters are written about the author's struggles with same sex attraction, are written in response to letters to him, are about matters of faith and practice, are gracious but sometimes challenging, include the author's insistence on seeking to explain himself where he is misunderstood and also to accept whatever of value can be found in sometimes intense personal criticism directed at him, and demonstrate him as a loyal friend as well as an insanely prolific writer. His letters are sometimes short and sometimes long, sometimes a bit perfunctory in being written for people he did not know, and at times deeply intimate in their discussion of the author's own well-known sensitivity to the suffering of others, and in all points reveal the author to have been a person of great worth as a friend in time of need and as someone who encouraged gratitude among those for whom life was going well. Anyone receiving a letter like those included in this book should feel a certain sense of pleasure that a very busy man nevertheless took the time to write so thoughtfully and kindly to them--and any letter writer would hope that gratitude and a benefit of the doubt to the contents of those letters would be the way that one's letters would be read in, something that is not always the case and something that Nouwen talks explicitly about in one of these letters to a critical reader of one of his own books.

The chief and lasting benefit of this particular work is to allow the reader to gain a better sense of what the author was like as a person, as a human being struggling to do and to be right with God and with other people and live as an example of Jesus Christ and His ways to those around him. Among the more touching letters in this book are the author's gentle way of handling with criticism and misunderstanding of his writings, his loyal friendship to those in floundering marriages, his expressions of his own resolution to be loyal to his oaths and also to be loyal even to those friends who abandoned their devotion to canon and biblical law, to their responsibilities as priests, and who were unfaithful to their vows of fidelity to spouses, even as he continually encouraged them to obey God and accept the authority of even imperfect religious institutions like the Roman Catholic Church. Anyone who takes this book seriously will gain a greater appreciation for Nouwen as a man, and hopefully seek to develop graciousness and kindness and also honesty in dealing with others in their own lives and in their own interactions with others to as great an extent as Nouwen himself did. As such, this is yet another worthwhile posthumous book to be added to Nouwen's impressive body of work.

[1] See, for example:

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[2] See, for example:

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[James Klagge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. It must have been a real undertaking to select these letters from among the tens of thousands that Nouwen wrote. The letters are addressed to a wide variety of people covering a huge variety of topics--almost always offering thoughtful graceful meaningful words of encouragement or comfort. The man had an enormous spirit. He several times wrote to people who had lost a loved one, and he invariably included some version of this (p. 299):
As a Christian I often think about the words of Jesus, who said just before he died, "It is good for you that I go, because unless I go I cannot send you my spirit." I hope that somehow you can hear that **** is saying something like this to you: although I am leaving you, I am not leaving you alone. I am sending you my spirit of friendship and love. I hope that you can really believe that although **** died, his spirit, his love, his joy, his peace will remain and will continue to nurture your heart.
I liked that.
This could easily be a daily reader, as each letter has something spiritually uplifting about it. If you are a Nouwen fan, as I am, you will want to read this.

[Joshua Steen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate encounter with a man whose Spirit has traveled alongside me much on my Journey lately. Henri Nouwen is (is, not was) above all else, a healer. A healer not because of his tremendous healing abilities, but because he was radically transparent to the crucified One who Heals through brokenness and suffering in solidarity. "Cruciform love" has been on my mind lately, and Nouwen encapsulates this more than almost anyone else I have read. His Spirit speaks powerfully beyond the grave, a testimony to his own strongly held conviction that Love is stronger than death.

[Colleen Jantzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was healing and instructive to read these wise, loving, honest, compassionate letters.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGHHHHHHHH. okay yeah

[Chris Woznicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years I’ve read a lot of Henri Nouwen books. The reading of nearly everyone of these books is associated, in my mind, with some really important even or series of events in my life. To say that Henri Nouwen was there for some of these life changing/ministry changing moments of my life is something of an understatement. However, most of what I have read from Nouwen hasn’t been especially personal. Yes I know he has several “journals” or “memoirs” of certain seasons in his life and ministry, but really, who is Henri Nouwen? And is he really like the person that we meet when we read his published books? Well, if you want the answer to that question, you are in luck because a collection of his letters to friends, disciples, and just generally interested people has been published by Gabrielle Earnshaw.

Earnshaw has provided those who are interested in the works of Nouwen a fine window into a previously unseen part of Nouwen’s interior life. In this collection, we see Nouwen, not pontificating and giving abstract advice, but rather we see him giving wisdom to ordinary people about how to live an authentic spiritual life.

Earnshaw notes that prior to his death Nouwen had received more than 16,000 letters. “He kept every postcard, piece of paper, fax and greeting card that arrived in his mail. And he responded to each of them. His response to these letters was an often overlooked part of his ministry. In these letters we see him dealing with such pastoral issues like:

Loss
Sickness
Injustice
Finding and losing Love
Discerning a career path
Handling conflict
Managing one’s emotions
Coping with self-doubt

If you can identify with any of these issues, this book might be for you.

Personally, I was encouraged by his insistence to “be very faithful to a regular prayer life” and his encouragement to “spend silent time in your prayer room… and allow yourself to taste already now the peace that comes from this [Christ’s] victory.” I was encouraged by his advice to those in ministry. For instance,

It is so important for the people around you to see that peace of Christ reflected in your eyes, your hands and your words. There is more power in that than in all your teaching and organizing. That is the truth we need to keep telling eachother. (88)

Your special task as superior is to keep Jesus, the crucified and rise Lord, in the heart of your people and in the center of your community. Keep speaking about him and keep his words calling you and your sisters to faithfulness. (151)

And another piece of advice to a young minister,

One thing I would like to ask you is to keep faithful to a life of prayer. Without prayer, confession, anger and frustrations may become unbearable for you, but when in prayer you connect them with the struggle of Jesus himself, I trust that your vocation will deeper…I would also like you to stay faithful to the church, even when you see its tendency to be self indulgent…In the long run, living in Christ without being connected with the church is impossible. I have seen this over and over again.

These pieces of advice stick out to me, given that I am working in ministry. However there is plenty throughout the book that will speak loudly to anyone who is pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ.

If you are looking for a seasoned, deeply spiritual, voice of wisdom to point you to Jesus, I would recommend that you find someone in your church and go through this book with them, because in Nouwen’s writings you will find the voice of someone who is seasoned, deeply spiritual, and will point you to Jesus.

Note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an impartial review.

 

[Katherine Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I requested this book to review, I had no idea what a treasure I was about to receive. I asked for it because (dare I admit this?) I’d not read any of Henri Nouwen’s books, though of course his reputation is vast and I have often read excerpts of his writing. Based on what little I knew, I wanted to know more. So glad I chased that instinct.

Given that his last letter was written twenty years ago, its relevance came as something of a surprise. Although why should it? Many of the social issues, and I daresay all of the spiritual ones, are those saints throughout the centuries have wrestled with.

I found Henri Nouwen’s wisdom both soul nourishing and personal. He (with apparently very little effort) conveyed deep human connection alongside expansive thinking. He mentored me as he spoke honestly about busyness and balance. In every instance, he is forthright and honest, but always kind. He also displayed a reassuring confidence in his own wisdom and experience as he apparently — like the apostle Paul — well understood the benefit of sharing what he himself had learned. His life-giving words are gracious and generous as he imparts brilliant insights with humor and humility.

I found myself anticipating moments during my day when I might sit down with Henri’s letters, in the same way I look forward to an afternoon cup of tea. These times provided both respite and nourishment for my soul. They also fueled my desire to grow into a better communicator — kinder and less egocentric while maintaining a disarming directness.

I envision Love, Henri as a coffee-table book without the pictures, one to keep at the ready for convenient, casual perusal. Although to this I must issue a warming: you’ll find it a bit addictive. The letters tend to be short, bite-sized morsels, rendering a great compulsion to read “just one more.”

With Christmas mere weeks away, I would also recommend this treasure of a book as a considerate gift to any man or woman who welcomes thoughtful, civil discourse on all matters spiritual. Or who simply welcomes the opportunity to have his soul enriched, her mind enlarged, by one of the great spiritual thinkers of our time.

Thanks to Convergent Books and Blogging for Books for providing me this copy free of charge. All opinions are mine.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many Interesting Letters

[Joel Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her epilogue to "Love, Henri: Letters on the Spiritual Life" Sue Mosteller states, "Henri's letters reveal the ever-evolving, ever-deepening, ever-struggling heart of my strong yet vulnerable friend." This statement, which also appears on the back of the book, certainly encapsulates this collection. Through the careful hand of Henri Nouwen as presented in these letters the reader is exposed to a man of passion, a man of integrity, a man of deep feeling, a man of love, and man of God.
Each letter has the potential to touch the heart of someone seeking after God. Henri's advice given to friends struggling with divorce, spiritual malaise, job transition, and any number of issues always comes from a gentle spirit that guides people toward Christ's cross. The heart felt emphasis on prayer throughout the letters guides readers to discover what it means to commune with God. Henri both offers his heartfelt prayer and encourages his friends to pray. This is a constant theme throughout the letters.
In addition, Henri touches on many spiritual issues such as life and death, restoration and redemption, forgiveness and grace, reconciliation and rekindled friendship, care for the poor and compassion for the outcast.
This collection of letters gets into the heart of Henri Nouwen. As with many letter collections, it often gives an intimate window into a precious soul. That is the richness of the collection even though it sometimes seems a little too raw.
Unfortunately, while most often the editorial comments added between letters are insightful, every so often they break into the meditation that the letters encourage. The biographical information is insightful, but sometimes causes disruption.
Nonetheless, those who appreciate Nouwen and those who need fresh insight into living from a passionate and loving man should dig deep into these letters. Many will return to read them again and again.
I received this book as part of the blogging for books program connected with Convergent Publishing.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prolific author, spiritual guide, many descriptors can be applied to Henri Nouwen and none of them would fully capture the life and impact he had on others. In Love, Henri: Letters on the Spiritual Life readers are given a glimpse into the life and thought of Nouwen as seen in letters he wrote to friends, students, and many others.

Highlighted in these letters is Nouwen's focus on ministering to others bringing them encouragement and spiritual direction. It would seem in today's world of pastoral priorities we evangelical pastors could learn a thing or two from Nouwen. One can't help but bemoan the absence of letter writing in our current society. Rare it is do we ever slow down to write someone a letter. We see in Nouwen's letters the importance and impact letters can have when used to minister to others. In Nouwen's letters he provides a helpful corrective to our impersonal society focusing on people as individuals rather than as tasks.

Nouwen while a Catholic does have something that we can learn. It seems like the cool thing for people to do today is blog, tweet, or write a book. Nouwen's letters show the high value letters have in pastoral ministry. Our letters can be read and drawn on for support, comfort, and counsel when we cannot be there. Several of Nouwen's letters address the issue of providing comfort in the aftermath of the death of a loved one, an aspect of ministry often lacking in our day of ministerial business.

I hope this book finds its way into the hands of pastors and that it will serve as a motivation for them to consider the importance of people and the value writing letters can have in pastoral ministry.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a major Henri Nouwen fan. I've read several of his books (browse through all the reviews of them here!) and always adore the thoughtful, humble, honest way he writes about life and faith. He never pretends to be without struggles, but instead vulnerably shares them and in doing so, beautifully points people to the cross and to Christ. Reading this book of letters was such a fascinating insight into more of Nouwen's life, struggles, feelings, and journey of faith. This book was so thoughtfully arranged and so thoroughly researched-- every letter came with a preface about the context of who he was writing to, what his relationship with them was, where he was and what he was doing in life when he wrote it, etc. It's broken into three sections by chunks of time, and it flowed effortlessly. I never found myself lacking in context as I read these letters, although I often wished I could read the other side of things and see what people had written to him, just because the responses from Nouwen were so intriguing! There were so many segments and sentences that I highlighted and wanted to memorize-- Nouwen has such a way with words and I loved discovering that his voice is truly his voice both in his books and in his conversations with dearly loved friends. This is a gem for all those who have read and appreciated Nouwen, and a great read even for those who haven't and who just want to dive deeper into the background of a the life of a wise and humble believer. High praise for this one!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon his death in 1996, Henri Nouwen left behind a vast collection of personal letters. Archivist Gabrielle Earnshaw spent many years identifying, sorting, and cataloguing these letters and eventually collected thousands of letters from the original recipients. She compiled these letters into this first volume released in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of his death. Spanning 23 years and covering a wide range of topics, these letters are introduced with a brief description to put them into context. The book is divided into three sections, each covering a certain period of time. It is an intensely personal look into the life of Henri Nouwen and an absolute treasure to have a collection such as this.

I do not typically write in my books, but I made an exception for this one. There were so many beautiful thoughts and passages that I want to remember and be able to come back to over and over again. While I don't agree with everything that he shares, his wisdom is profound and his love and concern for each person he writes to is obvious. This is not a book meant to be read through quickly; rather, it's one that is meant to be savored and pondered over slowly. It's an absolutely beautiful book that I will certainly re-read.

(I’ve received this complimentary book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)