Rating: 
Summary: Fosters Deep Reflection
Review: I am not a deeply religious person, though religion and spirituality have a place in my life and I respect their power in the lives of others. This book, however, with its thought provoking small disertations, has turned me into a much more spiritual person and has helped me partially heal my own emotional wounds. The writing is strong and direct, but not linear. Each short passage should be read and re-read, then savoured and contemplated, prior to moving on to the next entry. If you enjoy Henri Nouwen, this book is essential reading.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite Henri Nouwen book! I applaud his courage!!
Review: I have read several of Henri Nouwen's books, and find him to be a compelling, compassionate, spiritual, and thought-provoking writer. "The Inner Voice of Love" is an autobiography of one period in the life of an exceptional priest! Nouwen's willingness to be completely vulnerable and honest is absolutely refreshing. His courage to speak about his "dark night of the soul" helps us to realize that what seems most personal truly is universal. His lessons can help others transform their lives! This book is an absolute gift!
Rating:
Summary: My favorite Henri Nouwen book! I applaud his courage!!
Review: I have read several of Henri Nouwen's books, and find him to be a compelling, compassionate, spiritual, and thought-provoking writer. "The Inner Voice of Love" is an autobiography of one period in the life of an exceptional priest! Nouwen's willingness to be completely vulnerable and honest is absolutely refreshing. His courage to speak about his "dark night of the soul" helps us to realize that what seems most personal truly is universal. His lessons can help others transform their lives! This book is an absolute gift!
Rating:
Summary: The Wounded Healer
Review: I loved this book, and bought several for those with some struggle they were working through in their lives. This passage so completely touched me and speaks to much of the message in Nouwen's writings: from "Live Your Wounds Through" passage: You have been wounded in many ways. The more you open yourself to being healed, the more you will discover how deep your wounds are... The great challenge is living your wounds through instead of thinking them through. It is better to cry than to worry, better to feel your wounds deeply than to understand them, better to let them enter into your silence than to talk about them. The choice you face constantly is whether you are taking your wounds to your head or you heart. In your head you can analyse them, find their causes and consequences, and coin words to speak and write about them. But no final healing is likely to come from that source. You need to let your wounds go down to your heart. Then you can live through them and discover that they will not destroy you. Your heart is greater than your wounds.
Rating: 
Summary: Honest, soulful
Review: My first journey into the world of Nouwen was well worth the read. Nouwen, the much talked about, often quoted spiritual advisor to millions is worth his weight in gold. Nouwen is beautifully honest, and deep in this book on the journey from "Anguish to Freedom." Nouwen writes in stark contrast to other writers such as Willard, or Foster. Nouwen takes you on a process that allows you to figure out the end of the story. His comments on humility and generosity are poignant and dead on. Where will you go? It is up to you and your relationship with God. Nouwen will point you in the right direction. B+ Joseph Dworak
Rating:
Summary: Honest, soulful
Review: My first journey into the world of Nouwen was well worth the read. Nouwen, the much talked about, often quoted spiritual advisor to millions is worth his weight in gold. Nouwen is beautifully honest, and deep in this book on the journey from "Anguish to Freedom." Nouwen writes in stark contrast to other writers such as Willard, or Foster. Nouwen takes you on a process that allows you to figure out the end of the story. His comments on humility and generosity are poignant and dead on. Where will you go? It is up to you and your relationship with God. Nouwen will point you in the right direction. B+ Joseph Dworak
Rating:
Summary: The Courage to Face Powerlessness
Review: Nouwen calls the 1-2 page preachings in his book "spiritual imperatives". I have used this book daily in the AM as contempletative prayer starters. I have read and re-read the "imperatives" and have found ever deeper personal meaning to understand me and set my day. It demands unflinchable honesty. I may rate it even higher after more time and understanding?
Rating: 
Summary: Voice of Anguish
Review: Nouwen's writings have always been personable, engaging, and inspiring. Without any difficulty, I could easily recommend any of his books except The Inner Voice of Love. Nouwen never intended to publish his journals when he wrote them while undergoing treatment for severe depression. The notes he wrote were a part of his therapy. They are personal and are a written record of the anguish he experienced. This book is a cry of rejection, disappointment leading to dispiriting emotions, where his words of consolation sound empty and insincere. This is how it begins: "There is a deep hole in your being, like an abyss. You will never succeed in filling that hole, because your needs are inexhaustible. You have to work around it so that gradually the abyss closes." Midway through the book he continues: "You have to be willing to live your loneliness, your incompleteness, your lack of total incarnation fearlessly, and trust that God will give you the people to keep showing you the truth of who you are." This book is very depressing. Anyone not familiar with Nouwen should read Seeds of Hope: A Henri Nouwen Reader.
Rating:
Summary: Voice of Anguish
Review: Nouwen's writings have always been personable, engaging, and inspiring. Without any difficulty, I could easily recommend any of his books except The Inner Voice of Love. Nouwen never intended to publish his journals when he wrote them while undergoing treatment for severe depression. The notes he wrote were a part of his therapy. They are personal and are a written record of the anguish he experienced. This book is a cry of rejection, disappointment leading to dispiriting emotions, where his words of consolation sound empty and insincere. This is how it begins: "There is a deep hole in your being, like an abyss. You will never succeed in filling that hole, because your needs are inexhaustible. You have to work around it so that gradually the abyss closes." Midway through the book he continues: "You have to be willing to live your loneliness, your incompleteness, your lack of total incarnation fearlessly, and trust that God will give you the people to keep showing you the truth of who you are." This book is very depressing. Anyone not familiar with Nouwen should read Seeds of Hope: A Henri Nouwen Reader.
Rating:
Summary: His journey is our journey...
Review: Once again, Henri Nouwen brings us closer to his own heart and to the heart of God. His journey, a journey of anguish, leads ultimately to freedom. As he wrestles with the God who formed him, with the inner struggles that shape him, with the world that confines him, he struggles to fuller understanding of self, and in the process, a fuller understanding of God. For this reader, I am fortunate to have spiritual guides like Nouwen who have led me through the valley to the bright morning of renewed strength, of victory over the darkness of the closet, and of freedom in the spirit of Christ. When I read the chapter on 'Bringing your Body Home to God,' I had the most intense spiritual experience of my life, as I brought what I had seen, up to that time, as my imperfect body, the body of a gay man, home to God and had him receive me "Just as I Am," His child, created to enjoy His world and His gifts. There is no question that one of those gifts is Henri Nouwen. I encourage any reader who is suffering the anguish of darkness in his or her spirit -- pick up this little book and let your journey move forward to resolution. Freedom has a price, but the joy far outweighs the costs!
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