This collection of writings by Henri Nouwen is very personal, challenging, and deeply thought-provoking. Although it is laid out in a one-reading-per-day format, I couldn't help but to read through several at a time. The writings are taken from several of Henri Nouwen's books, but the common theme is the deep, unconditional love of God. I highly recommend this book!

I received an advanced reader copy of You Are the Beloved from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Very good devotional book that keeps one things to think about and help with your daily walk with God. I really enjoyed this book and did purchase copies for a few friends. Thanks to NetGalley, the publsiher and the author for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

I wanted to fall in love with this book or this author. As someone who's encountered Nouwen quotes in countless other books of Christian nonfiction, I was sure I would become a fan and that after tasting the sampling here, I would want to read many of his books.

It didn't happen. Each sampling was taken so far out of context, and nearly always without an accompanying scripture reference, that the daily devotions were nearly meaningless to me.

However, I did leave many, many highlights, which is my custom, so it must've spoken to me to some extent. But it did not speak to me like others I have read that employed the same format.

Maybe it's just a difference in author personalities and voices.

For example, after reading Dear Abba: Morning and Evening Prayer by Brendan Manning, I went on to devour several of Manning's books. How I love this man's thoughts.

Although I did not fall in love with You are the Beloved, I am not giving up on Nouwen, however he has dropped a little lower on the list of Christian authors whose works I intend to read.

A selection of daily readings from this noted theologian. There's lots of food for thought here. At the end of each reading is the name of the book where it occurs..

Two helpful tools come at the end of the book. First, there is a list of the books cited. Then there is a list, day by day telling you exactly where in each book you can find each reading.

I loved this because it makes it so easy to read more or find the books that really speak to you.

You are Beloved by Henri Nouwen is a book of daily devotions dedicated to help you realize just that, that you are beloved by God, a wondrous child of God, and that nothing you do will ever change that or cause God to separate from you.

Nouwen speaks simply, but from the heart. His meditations give the reader something to think about each day.

For those who use daily devotionals, this is a good one to have in your rotation.

Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

You Are Beloved is a daily devotional that empowers readers to realize this truth in their own lives. Featuring Nouwen’s writing from previously published works, it appeals to a diverse set of readers and it will guide them into a deeper awareness of their identity in Jesus. It is an invitation to walk with Nouwen through your own heart, to where the soft, gentle voice of God can be heard.

If you know me then you probably already know that I'm a fan of Nouwen's reflective and insightful writing. This new devotional is good, but it is honestly much like some of the other collections of Nouwen's writings. I've only looked at a month's worth of entries so far, but I've yet to come across a reading that I'm not familiar with. So, if you are already familiar with Nouwen's works you might enjoy this book while finding that it's nothing particularly new. Also, I had trouble seeing the connection of a number of the entries to a deeper awareness of our identity in Jesus. They are all good for reflection, but maybe not as closely connected to the title as I would have hoped.

On the other hand, if you aren't familiar with Nouwen's writings, this book might be a reasonable choice, but honestly, it's not where I'd recommend you start. If I was making a recommendation for daily readings I'd say start with The Only Necessary Thing and read one quoted section a day. That will give you a much broader and more well rounded context for Nouwen, how he thinks and how he writes. Then if you are looking for another Nouwen devotional you might move on to this book and other books like Life of the Beloved, With Open Hands and Show Me The Way (which is a particularly excellent Lent devotional).

All in all, I'd say this book, You Are the Beloved, is a good choice for an in-between Nouwen reader. It's a nice collection of quotes to spark reflection. But it isn't my favorite collection.

Confession. There are some Christian authors who are terrific thinkers and I know I'd benefit from every word they've ever written. However, if I try to read a lot of their words at once, it goes over my head and I feel like I'm only a semi-capable swimmer in the deep end of a swimming pool. Take Henri Nouwen for example. I was so excited to come across this collection of devotionals from him. I can read a paragraph or two and meditate for some time on the deep well of truth. So good.

Henri Nouwen NEVER disappoints. I have read most all his books and I am always challenged, always encouraged, always desiring to go deeper with Jesus because of what Nouwen writes.

This daily Nouwen devotional is a gift to those seeking a contemplative Christian practice that reflects a commitment to social justice. I had no idea this book was in the works and I am delighted to have Nouwen as a companion for the upcoming year. I am especially excited that it feels perfectly natural to jump into these daily reflections at any time inthe liturgical and calendar year. There is no need to wait to begin the journey!