Gentle and wise writing from the late Henri Nouwen, a Catholic priest who spent his later life working in a community in Canada for the mentally disabled.

This volume contains two of his works: 'Life of the Beloved', and 'Our Greatest Gift'. In the first, Nouwen attempts to explain the amazing knowledge of being God's beloved child. He gives an introduction, describing a close friendship with a young Jewish writer, and addresses the bulk of the book to him.

Nothing really new, but I like Nouwen's writing style, and his way of looking at aspects of belief and God's love.

The second book is about caring for the dying, and preparing to die. I found this somewhat thought-provoking, if a little strange in places. The author manages to avoid being morbid, yet I couldn't quite come to terms with his suggestions that in our release from this world we effectively give the greatest gift we can to those who come after us.
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