![You Are the Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living by [Nouwen, Henri J.M.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51qwKfjORzL.jpg)
You are the Beloved by Henri Nouwen. This book was published in October of 2017 by Convergent Books.
This is a daily devotional written by the much-loved author of numerous spiritual classics such as The Return of the Prodigal Son and The Wounded Healer. It is intended to empower readers to claim the truth that "we are the beloved" and features the best of Nouwen's writing from previously published works.
The Amazon write-up says, "It will appeal to those familiar with Nouwen's work as well as to new readers looking for a devotional to guide them into a deeper awareness of their identity in Jesus."
My thoughts:
I wanted to fall in love with this book or this author. As someone who's encountered Nouwen quotes in countless other books of Christian nonfiction, I was sure I would become a fan and that after tasting the sampling here, I would want to read many of his books.
It didn't happen. Each sampling was taken so far out of context, and nearly always without an accompanying scripture reference, that the daily devotions were nearly meaningless to me.
However, I did leave many, many highlights, which is my custom, so it must've spoken to me to some extent. But it did not speak to me like others I have read that employed the same format.
Maybe it's just a difference in author personalities and voices.
For example, after reading Dear Abba: Morning and Evening Prayer by Brendan Manning, I went on to devour several of Manning's books. How I love this man's thoughts.
Although I did not fall in love with You are the Beloved, I am not giving up on Nouwen, however he has dropped a little lower on the list of Christian authors whose works I intend to read.
I was provided a free copy to read and review by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a daily devotional written by the much-loved author of numerous spiritual classics such as The Return of the Prodigal Son and The Wounded Healer. It is intended to empower readers to claim the truth that "we are the beloved" and features the best of Nouwen's writing from previously published works.
The Amazon write-up says, "It will appeal to those familiar with Nouwen's work as well as to new readers looking for a devotional to guide them into a deeper awareness of their identity in Jesus."
My thoughts:
I wanted to fall in love with this book or this author. As someone who's encountered Nouwen quotes in countless other books of Christian nonfiction, I was sure I would become a fan and that after tasting the sampling here, I would want to read many of his books.
It didn't happen. Each sampling was taken so far out of context, and nearly always without an accompanying scripture reference, that the daily devotions were nearly meaningless to me.
However, I did leave many, many highlights, which is my custom, so it must've spoken to me to some extent. But it did not speak to me like others I have read that employed the same format.
Maybe it's just a difference in author personalities and voices.
For example, after reading Dear Abba: Morning and Evening Prayer by Brendan Manning, I went on to devour several of Manning's books. How I love this man's thoughts.
Although I did not fall in love with You are the Beloved, I am not giving up on Nouwen, however he has dropped a little lower on the list of Christian authors whose works I intend to read.
I was provided a free copy to read and review by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gee, it's too bad that this book didn't touch you deeply, as you had hoped. I've heard of Nouwen myself, but have never read anything by him. I've also heard of Manning, and would like to read his books, as well.
ReplyDeleteI have just purchased a copy of "God Loves You", by David Jeremiah, on Amazon. It hasn't arrived yet. I'm looking forward to reading it! I also want to read "The Search for Significance", by Robert S. McGee, which is already on my physical bookshelves. Both of these look really good!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! <3 <3 :) :)