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Life of the Beloved  By  cover art

Life of the Beloved

By: Henri J. M. Nouwen
Narrated by: Henri J. M. Nouwen
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Publisher's summary

How does one live a spiritual life in a secular world? Henri Nouwen responds from the depths of his heart to this dilemna posed by his friend Fred Bratman. Nouwen's own interpretive reading of the text lends a sense of immediacy to the audiobook.

©1992 Henri J.M. Nouwen (P)2002 St. Anthony Messenger Press

Critic reviews

"Nouwen uses Jesus' experience in baptism, 'You are my beloved Son,' and Jesus' life example of living as God's beloved, chosen, blessed, broken and given for the whole world to help readers see themselves as God's beloved." ( Christian Living)

What listeners say about Life of the Beloved

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This book is incredible

This is one of the most intimate and loving reading of a book by the author. The message of this book is truly life changing. I highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking deeper spiritual connection with God or in a recovery program.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A beautiful book

Inspired. As a non-religious person who has spent a lifetime asking, my thanks to you, Fr Nouwen, for insights that are compassionate, Illuminating, and deeply moving.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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Grateful for the message

I thoroughly needed and enjoyed this book. It was exactly what I needed to hear in this exactly moment in my life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very good "read"

If you could sum up Life of the Beloved in three words, what would they be?

1. beloved 2. joyous 3. inspirational

What was one of the most memorable moments of Life of the Beloved?

The view of people as God views them, and the view of myself as God sees me!

Have you listened to any of Henri J. M. Nouwen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is my first.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It was addictive. Each chapter built upon the previous one. It was hard to take a break.

Any additional comments?

I gave this 4 stars in performance, simply because Henri Nouwen's accent can be difficult to understand at times. He is very articulate, but there are a few instances, that needed to be reversed and listened to again.
That being said, It is an inspirational and joyful book, filled with Nouwen's understanding of a loving God. There's something about his voice, though difficult to understand at times, that is like having your grandpa read to you. His voice is soft but firm, educational yet very friendly.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wow.

This is a great book even without the audio but it makes it so much more personal when you hear Nouwen himself.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

4 aspects of being beloved.

Outstanding. Beautiful. Radiant. Highly recommend to read. One of the best short books that I have read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful!

A real treat that this is written by the author. one is drawn deeply into that place where the Beloved lives and gets a sense of the preciousness that love.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I haven't finished yer

I can't get this off my iPad to get back to book
Perhaps if I submit this it will let me return to reading

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A deeply personal and encouraging work

I am very thankful to have come across this work, particularly with Henri Nouwen's rare narration. It really helped me to see the many blessings in life I had not been attentive to. The challenge to see the ups and downs of life as the chance to claim my belovedness, and even to offer my weaknesses to God for purification are messages that I hope will stick with me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A balm to a broken heart!

Henri Nouwen reading his own Life of the Beloved spoke to me in a season of grief after losing our youngest son. His words about life and death and our journey toward love and being God’s beloved began healing my fractured heart. It is a book that needs to be savored.

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