Love, Henri

Starred review from August 22, 2016
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 Brené Brown, Earnshaw, Nouwen's archivist, divides the letters into three sections: 1973â1985, when Nouwen taught at Yale and Harvard's divinity schools; 1986â1989, when he served as pastor at L'Arche Daybreak, a community north of Toronto that's home to disabled people and their assistants; and 1990â1996, 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.