Henri Nouwen: His Life and Vision

by Michael O'Laughlin

Through more than fifty books Henri Nouwen, the Dutch priest and writer, touched countless people with his compelling interpretation of Christian faith. His immense impact came in part from his willingness to draw deeply on his own experience, inviting readers to share his spiritual journey. Nouwen's life was itself a spiritual text that reflected the very themes he shared in his the struggle between intimacy, community and solitude; the gospel challenge to follow Christ in "downward the question of how to make our life and death a gift to others; discovering the face of Christ in the world; and realizing our own identity as God's beloved. Richly illustrated with 140 photosmany never before publishedHenri Nouwen provides a many-faceted portrait of one of the most beloved spiritual writers of our time.

Genres: Biography, Christian

172 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2009

Reviews

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the thought and spirituality of Henri Nouwen. For those who read some of Nouwen's works, this book provides flesh to his ideas, giving one a glimpse of how profound ideas germinate in the life and times of a spiritual genius, and for those who have yet to read Nouwen's writings, this book provides the best teaser to a transforming discovery of a mystic of modern times.

[Louisa]

learned a lot about catholic dutch history but not a lot about nouwen himself i couldn’t have gotten from a 2min scan of his wiki page. can find better biographies out there, i believe

[Ben Clouston · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overall, this book is dull. It’s written as a brief history with some bias commentary. Would not recommend it or reread it.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Nouwen's life.

[Claudia Osmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the kind of person I wish I'd have had the privilege of knowing. Especially since discovering his affinity with vanGogh!