Customer Reviews

Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life

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This is a small book, almost a pamphlet, so it works very nicely for readings during a quiet retreat. Nouwen reminds us of the importance of solitude for service. The book is composed of a few sermons he gave at Yale and is one of those books where you'll find yourself wanting to excerpt quotes to stick on the wall by your computer. I'll give you one as an example: "It is in this solitude that we discover that being is more important than having, and that we are worth more than the result of our efforts." The book is an affirmation.

This was a very informative and a very simple read. In a nutshell, it defines how important solitude is in terms of how we can't get caught up impressing life judges. Also, "It teaches us", not to become restless of our actions for our only way of aquiring self pride.

Henri also shows people how to be glad by applying the example of jesus to your life. Also, to deal with the challenges which God applies for you, only to make youself stronger.

I find it amazing that he could put all this very enlighting material into this very short read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about life. To various people who want to find the ticket to extreme happiness, this book is for you!

I read this book at age 20 while training for the ministry. It set the course for my own spiritual life and I have revisited it time and again over the years. To use Nouwen's language, the book's message has kept me centred. It has reminded me that all that matters in life is a solid relationship with Our Father in Heaven.

I have purchased and given this little booklet to dozens of people over the years and have always gotten excellent feedback. For the one who is serious about pursuing a life centred in Christ, this book is a great primer.

This book spoke deeply to me. As a parent with young children, I have often felt guilty for needing "my space." Nouwen removes my feelings of guilt and selfishness by explaining this need for time alone as being a spiritual need where growth and connection with God are possible. Contains few pages, but a big message.

Without getting the reader distracted by or caught up within his own life and story the author concisely brings us back to a spiritual balance with God.

Without getting the reader distracted by or caught up within his own life and story the author concisely brings us back to a spiritual balance with God.

A life changing book for me. A must for people who are in ministry. Nouwen shares thoughts on how caring for others and the vital importance of solitude...being alone with Jesus. Most of the book talks of the pressures that we face in life and in ministry...the pressures to be successful...to produce results...to do something significant. It addresses how do we deal with these pressures and how are we to be ministers of Jesus Christ in a world that grades our success by the number of people we have coming to "our thing"?

I've read it 20 or more times in the last year. It's an easy read...30 minutes to read the whole book. I have bought if for friends of mine who are in ministry and friends who are looking for a closer relationship with the Savior. Words can't give this book justice. Tremendous book from a guy who knows and loves Christ.

It is one of Nouwen's finest works and one I frequently givemy business clients who are struggling with success driven life stylesand non-caring work environments.

I am an older (64) counseling/industrial/ organizational psychologist and currently specialize is exceutive coaching. Books like this help me create and sustain the most fulfilling work I have ever done.

The book is simply three short mediations on solitude, action and community. I have read it many times, given it to my children and family, and highly recommend it to all who need to pause in the midst of life to focus on what their life is all about. I will use it this year at a retreat for men in April.

A few other books I currently recommend to clients and friends along with Out of Solitude are: Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer; The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle; and Stopping by David Kundtz.

Nouwen was a gifted priest, healer, and shining light of faith, hope and love in a time of confusing worldwide transitions. He will be missed and he left a great legacy.

This book stands as a beacon that sings the praises of solitude, quietness, tranquility and finding God (and yourself) in a world that has long ago decided to lower its head and charge into an unknown future, without map or guide, not listening, not looking and not thinking. Three images are presented, taken from sermons by Nouwen, images that suggest that we were made to know who we are and how we are meant to live, to act, to love and to be, connected to God, but that this knowledge is perhaps most accessible when we are quiet, listening, contemplating. That we find God amidst the folly speaks to our need to find quiet, to enter the desert, not to thirst but to drink. In such circumstances, the loudest storms will not shake us and we will continue to hear that still, small voice, helping us be stable and pointing us to higher ground. A book that comforts the soul, the heart and the mind.