Spiritual Direction is a series of lectures based on Henri Nouwen's classes and articles he wrote about...so in that sense it is not necessarily a Henri Nouwen book.

But any chance to go through Nouwen's wisdom on spiritualty is a good one. This book is divided into three sections: looking within, looking for God in the Word and looking for God in community. He explores each of these sections with biblical knowledge, personal stories, and a deep insight into the nature of people.

The book is designed for a quick read, but then provides an opportunity to go back and to re do the book with spiritual practices.

Nouwen's writing is very clear and very accessible. This is a good beginning to an understanding of Christian spirituality.

The title is misleading, because one might think the book is about the acutal art of spiritual direction...when it is not.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Spiritualty

Grade: B

This book is a collection of essays and writings put together after Nouwen’s death. And you can tell- it lacks the feeling of wholeness that comes from an intentionally structured book project by one author. This isn’t to slight those who put it together; they did a great job. It simply is what it is.

As always, Nouwen has wisdom to share. Much of it you have likely read in other places if you are familiar with him. But I still found myself grateful for his voice.

I read this over a span of 9 weeks with three other women, discussing a chapter at a time, which I'd recommend. It's well done considering it's a compilation of his thoughts on spiritual direction, not actually a book that he sought to publish himself as one volume.

I appreciate Nouwen for his personal vulnerability and thoughtful questions. The word "authentic" has become so overused and nebulous that it's almost not worth using, but it's perfectly apt for this man.

This book was fantastic to read.

A lot of questions I have about my own stage in life and what I’m becoming had light shed on them from this book. The book is divided into three parts: Looking within, Looking to God, and Looking to others.

Looking within asked questions such as, “where do I begin?” “Who am I?” “Where have I been and where am I going?” While the answers (and others I have personally) weren’t *completely* answered, they did provide a roadmap for me to travel.

Each chapter ends with a spiritual practice of some sort. They are meant to be done in a group, alone, or with a spiritual director.

The book is meant to be read twice: once through quickly and the next time slowly and allowing the chapter to soak into you. I look forward to go back and let the chapters speak to me once again. Would recommend.