Befriending Life: Encounters with Henri Nouwen

by Beth Porter, Susan M. Brown (Editor), Philip Coulter (Editor)

A beautiful collection of reminiscences celebrating the life and works of the bestselling author of The Wounded Healer , The Return of the Prodigal Son , and The Inner Voice of Love .

Henri Nouwen (1932-96) was a Catholic priest who taught at several theological institutions and universities in his home country of the Netherlands and in the United States. He spent the final years of his life teaching and ministering at the L'Arche Daybreak Community in Toronto, Canada. His writings have touched millions of readers around the world, and since his death, recognition of their enduring value has continued to grow. Oprah Winfrey, one of Nouwen's many admirers, ran an extensive excerpt from The Return of the Prodigal Son in her magazine, O , with Hillary Clinton contributing an introduction revealing the profound effect Nouwen had on her own life.

Nouwen's influence was not limited to the printed page. His one-on-one encounters as a lecturer, teacher, and spiritual guide, and as a leader at the L'Arche Daybreak Community, a home for people with mental and physical disabilities, enriched the lives of a wide variety of people. Now, Befriending Life brings together thoughtful, heartfelt remembrances of Nouwen by those who knew him best, from members of the L'Arche community to such prominent figures as Joseph Cardinal Bernardin of Chicago and Hillary Clinton. Their personal reflections on his life both on and off the page magnificently capture his spirit, compassion, and wisdom. With a wealth of quotations from Nouwen throughout, Befriending Life , like Nouwen's own great books, will inspire readers in all walks of life.


From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Spirituality

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I embark on reading the work of a particular theologian or historical figure, I always like to begin by reading a biography of that person. Such is the case with Henri Nouwen, whose work I have only recently discovered - and as such, Beth Porter's collection of memories and stories about this remarkable man was a logical place for me to begin.

I can only say that it is an absolutely amazing portrait of the animated Dutch priest who has made an impact on millions of men and women around the world. The real beauty of this book, however, is not found in book sales totals and best seller rankings; it is found in the stories of men and women whose lives and hearts were touched and changed by Nouwen's friendship, love and concern. More than any biography of Nouwen could do (and I haven't read one yet, so this is a naturally slanted opinion), this book gave me a heartfelt and authentic impression of what Nouwen was like - not necessarily as a lecturer or professor or author, but as someone I would want at my dinner table, swapping stories, sharing a meal, and exploring my journey through life.

Whether you are new to Nouwen or a long-time reader and admirer, I highly recommend this book.

[Mary Goodwillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read several of Henri Nouwen's books years ago, and had forgotten how much I had loved his writing. Befriending Life moved me to tears, the way a long awaited reunion with a loved one would. The book is a collection of memoirs written by those who knew Nouwen best. Each one offered a little peek into the relationships that Nouwen so uniquely and so beautifully cultivated in his life, all pointing to the divine relationship of God's love that belongs to all of us. It is not a book about the Catholic religion, as much as it is a book about love, longing, and dignity. It is not a book about ritual, but it is a book about celebrating life and being willing to share it deeply with others. Nouwen was a master at the art of radical loving, and I felt challenged, inspired and encouraged by the message of this book.