Love, Henri

His ability to struggle with his demons and find healing enables him to write comforting and even energising words... Nouwen's profound conviction of his calling to priesthood and the centrality of prayer is evident throughout. * The Church Times * This invaluable collection of over 200 letters by the late Nouwen (The Wounded Healer), a beloved author, pastor, and priest, provides insight into his personal struggles, insecurities, and faith and offers the heartfelt guidance Nouwen shared so generously with individuals to a wide audience. After the introduction by inspirational speaker Bren Brown, Earnshaw, Nouwen's archivist, divides the letters into three sections: 1973-1985, when Nouwen taught at Yale and Harvard's divinity schools; 1986-1989, when he served as pastor at L'Arche Daybreak, a community north of Toronto that's home to disabled people and their assistants; and 1990-1996, during which he published 11 new books, lectured, and traveled extensively until his death. Brief introductions to each letter give context and inform the reader of Nouwen's relationship with his many correspondents, who include personal friends, colleagues, students, clergy, scholars, critics, readers of his books, grieving parents, and politicians. The courage and kindness with which Nouwen shares his vulnerabilities and honest feelings, combined with his willingness to provide direction, advice, companionship, and affection, ensure that Nouwen's legacy as inspired spiritual guide will continue, enhanced by this testimony to his sincere desire to live with gratitude, faith, and love. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) * This month sees the long-awaited posthumous publication of Henri Nouwen's new book Love, Henri. The Roman Catholic priest was a favourite author of Protestants and evangelicals in the '80s and '90s when his books The Return of the Prodigal Son and The Wounded Healer were huge bestsellers. * Christian Today * Henri Nouwen continues to be a spiritual writer who speaks to people today. * The Church Newspaper * He writes with deep compassion and empathy... He had the rare gift of being able to say so much in a few carefully chosen words that came from his heart. * The Irish Catholic *

Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) is widely recognised as one of the most influential spiritual writers of the twentieth century. A Dutch-born Catholic priest, professor and pastor, he gained international renown as the author of over forty books on the spiritual life, including such classics as The Wounded Healer, The Inner Voice of Love, The Return of the Prodigal Son, and Life of the Beloved. Nouwen's books have been translated into more than thirty languages and have sold upwards of seven million copies worldwide, resonating with people across the religious, spiritual, cultural and political spectrum. Since his death in 1996, ever-increasing numbers of readers, writers, teachers, and seekers have been guided by his literary legacy.