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10th out of 88 books
—
4 voters
Adam: God's Beloved
The death of his friend Adam, a severely handicapped young man, spurred Henry Nouwen to write this book. He discovered that by reflecting on the story of this young man, he had found a way to describe his own understanding of the Gospel message. In "Adam," a book completed only weeks before his own death, Nouwen has left a fitting reflection of his own essential message an...more
Hardcover, 128 pages
Published
October 1st 1997
by Orbis Books
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Apr 29, 2009
D
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of L'Arche, fans of introspection, anyone questioning their own value
Recommended to D by:
TZ's bookshelf, numerous L'Archeans
A beautiful, honest account of a friendship between Adam -- a man whose profound mental and physical handicaps first repulsed then challenged then instructed then comforted -- and Henri -- a world-renown theologian who became Adam's housemate, caretaker, and, finally, friend.
This is in my collection.
Catholic priest, Yale, Harvard professor. Left to be an assistant at L'Arche Community of Daybreak in Toronto, where he cared for and loved and learned from Adam who was profoundly disabled, not able to speak. This man is a soulmate although doctrinal differences, has a personal knowledge of God and the Bible over ritualistic religion. Wonderful description!
Catholic priest, Yale, Harvard professor. Left to be an assistant at L'Arche Community of Daybreak in Toronto, where he cared for and loved and learned from Adam who was profoundly disabled, not able to speak. This man is a soulmate although doctrinal differences, has a personal knowledge of God and the Bible over ritualistic religion. Wonderful description!
Moving account of Nouwen's relationship with Adam, a trans-formative relationship shaped a desire to 'be' in the presence of someone who is truly present with themselves and others. The world is in need of such deep relationships as these.
wow! this book was so touching and real. written by a priest whose charge for over a year at Daybreak community in Canada was to care for the needs of a severely disabled man named Adam. Although he was not trained to care for Adam's physical needs and Adam was non-verbal and thereby unable to return "thanks" or anything like that, Adam touched this man's life forever. I am not an emotional person, but I was so touched by this man's love for Adam, for sharing the lessons that he learned, for par...more
Nov 30, 2007
Gilbert
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
If you wish to understand Nouwen's sacred story with l'Arche
I figure this book is a great reflection of love, in fact it is a love story, an unconventional one.
Henri writes about his journey of growing aware of his brokenness and falling in love with Adam as his dear friend. Henri does an incredible job of describing the emotional battleground this journey takes place.
If you are working with people who have physical or mental problems....if you might even care for a person in any way, this book might speak to some revelations you have encountered along t...more
Henri writes about his journey of growing aware of his brokenness and falling in love with Adam as his dear friend. Henri does an incredible job of describing the emotional battleground this journey takes place.
If you are working with people who have physical or mental problems....if you might even care for a person in any way, this book might speak to some revelations you have encountered along t...more
I loved this beautiful account of Henri's experience working with Adam, and all that Adam taught him. I think we could all do with the same lessons.
This was not for me. I enjoyed the story of Henri and Adam and how their relationship grew, but otherwise did not keep my interest.
Thank you Henry Nouwen for a beautiful story to honor the ministry of a man whom the world may have easily overlooked.
Beautiful reminder that every person, regardless of there abilities or disabilities are created for a purpose.
Very beautiful. I admire Henri Nouwen's work so much and want to read a lot of his books.
See Differently!
Nouwen died after submitting a draft of this manuscript and it was published by his literary executrix after she completed it. The spirit of Nouwen was there, but it lacked his originality, his depth, and naturally, his voice.
A short book but powerful in its simplicity. A must read for anyone who works with or is related to some one that is handicapped, mentally challenged, chronically sick, socially awkward, or marginalized. And a must read for everyone else, too. This is a great story about the value and eternal significance of a human life. After reading this book I have discovered a new love, appreciation, and model for interacting with the people at the retirement center where I work.
A heart-felt read, for sure. Nouwen writes a bit more for the 'normal' reader on this one -- ha. Not quite so theological.
He writes of his disabled friend Adam ... and there are some true emotion-inspired moments, for sure. And the comparisons to the life of Christ are compelling.
A quick read, and worth the time, for sure. Especially if you know or are touched by anyone with disability.
He writes of his disabled friend Adam ... and there are some true emotion-inspired moments, for sure. And the comparisons to the life of Christ are compelling.
A quick read, and worth the time, for sure. Especially if you know or are touched by anyone with disability.
Not Nouwen's best, but he is a superstar even at his most mediocre. And he was dying as he wrote this, although I believe he did not know it at the time. Beautiful memoir of learning Jesus through a "disabled" man. (I put that in quotes because I think our world has backwards who is "abled" and who is "disabled.")
This was a beautiful story! I LOVED it, and will be passing it on to many friends and family. I bought three extra copies from Amazon!
Aug 29, 2008
Kathryn
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone interested in learning about themselves and God
One of the most important book I have read. One needs to read it 2 or 3 times in order to understand the full message.
Nouwen shows an openness to people and recognizes that even handicapped people can teach us.
Powerful, touching, beautiful, simply divine.
one of my favoriate Nouwen books. a beautiful story.
Nouwen's story about Adam changed my life.
May 14, 2013
Katrina Anderson
marked it as to-read
May 05, 2013
Gwendolyn Fortune
added it
May 04, 2013
Fiona Merrick
is currently reading it
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Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (Nouen), (1932–1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books on the spiritual life.
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two decades of...more
More about Henri J.M. Nouwen...
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two decades of...more
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