This is a collector's item and a must read for everyone who gives (and want to give) themselves the permission to open, and feel, and bleed "all over the place" (if you have to) - to really live. It invites you to God's place inside you.

I love it.

As a product of a profoundly legalistic upbringing (20 years at a very condemnational fundamentalist Christian university in SC), with tremendous wounds that remained hidden and denied for 45 years, I was given this book by my godly and wise counselors during the most significant crisis of my life. To the legalists who read this review, I just want to offer that there is no other way to freedom in Christ than Truth. It is the Truth that will set you free. And if you find this book offensive, I can assure you, you are not free. Please set aside your preconceived notions about the "acceptable" ways God chooses to heal His children and RUN to get this life-changing, prayer-bathed, wisdom-filled and HEALING book. Although I ADORE The Bible and have experienced firsthand its power to heal, strengthen and bless throughout my lifetime, God personally used THIS book to speak to me at a time when nothing else could speak to my specific pain. (Yes, He does use unexpected people, events and means to get through to His hurting kids ... just read the book of Judges if you don't believe me.)

The five-star rating that I give this book would go on into infinity if it were an option. For all you sufferers out there, if you choose one "secular" book to get you through the valleys and dungeons of life, let it be this one!

I read one or two as meditations in the morning. They are so insightful you can feel the anguish.

A friend of mine has recently "relapsed" into depression and so I have sent this link as a resoure for his reference, which I believe will help. I'm sharing here since I want to arm more people against not the agony, but the decapacitating debilitation, of depression.

While struggling to walk out of my depression, I gained immense strength once I had received Henri Nouwen's The Inner Voice Of Love as my companion.

As a popular spiritual author and Catholic priest, he was supported not only by his spiritual training but also by personal guides who accompanied him every day throughout his months of anguish --- and so I can understand why he had only had 8 months of anguish :)

I am truly grateful that we can now have his book and CD as our companion.

He was someone who truly understood the Past (the triggers, grief, guilt, unforegiveness, regrets, disappointments, rejections, exhaustion ), the Present ( the love & agony, shamefulness & authenticity, helplessness & generousity, despair & conviction, fear & courage, worthlessness & worthiness, tears & humor ) and the Future ( Freedom, Clarity, Purity/Nothingness, Power & Serenity, Centredness/Wholeness, Grace & Compassion ) of "Being" in and through the depression.

This is probably one of the best, if not the best book I've read in a long time. Henri Nouwen's journey through anguish and depression--straight from the heart and every single chapter illuminating!! His words helped me to change the way I look at others, myself and God. I highly recommend this profound book!

An author friend of mine sent me a copy of this book a couple of days ago - she thought it might be of some use in my life or if not mine then I would know someone who might get something from Nouwen's words. Both cases proved true - as with any book that looks inward at the spirit there is always something to feed your search. I found that this book would go well at our new spiritual retreat center along the Russian River (CA) where veterans coming back from the wars against terrorism can come and heal. This might be a good resource for those emotionally and spiritually wounded by battle.

There is a huge group of "fans" for all of Henri Nouwen's books - perhaps there should be a better word to use than "fans" - perhaps more appropriately "devotees" is closer to what has happened. Obviously his thoughts and words have reached into the hearts and souls of many people.

This is book is like his own "dark night of the soul" as he explores the meaning of love, life, devotion, helping others, pain, suffering and even friendship. If you or someone you know is going through your own "dark night" then maybe this book will help. It is honest and naked of ego as it explores darker issues of the spirit.

If you have read the authors' other books you will find this one different but it will also serve as a key to understanding what you read with more insight. This book is one that should be best read slowly - just a few pages a day.

This is a wonderful book that it is better if you read it little by little so that you can meditate on it. This is the second I buy because the first one I lent it to a friend and never saw it back. It is the kind of book you can read again and again.

Of Nouwen's books, this one has a deeper vulnerability than the others. I have always appreciated his organic spiritual depth and relational intimacy with God, but this book is different. It's raw, personal and vulnerable - and therefore very helpful. Not many men (males) would come out and say the things he says, and that's part of what makes it refreshing. His search for love and affirmation is more honest than I've read from any other writer and his gift to readers is his willingness to put these expressions in print. The book speaks most powerfully to the inner struggles of doubt and emotional need. If you've never been in that place I doubt the book will mean much, but if you have, you might find it to be water for your desert place.

Henri Nouwen gives an insightful, raw, emotional response to his "dark night of the soul". This book is a perfect for anyone who is at a cross-roads in thier own journey.

This book came to me at a perfect stage in my healing. One reads whatever one feels drawn to instead of just reading the book through page by page. It really added a depth of understanding to my journey and what I was truly going through. How refreshing! I was able to stay in some difficult places with God because of Henri's insight into spiritual things. I've bought the book for several friends who also love it!

This book came to me at a perfect stage in my healing. One reads whatever one feels drawn to instead of just reading the book through page by page. It really added a depth of understanding to my journey and what I was truly going through. How refreshing! I was able to stay in some difficult places with God because of Henri's insight into spiritual things. I've bought the book for several friends who also love it!

This short book tells the story of my life. It has been a great comfort to me. Drawn from Nouwen's own experiences of breakdown and collapse, the book is his private journal - written in brief entries of "spiritual imperatives" it reads like a daily devotional.

Filled with profound insight and a deep sense of love and compassion. Highly recommended for anyone who is struggling or wants to feel the presence of God's love in a more intimate way.

One of Nowen's best books, coming from a highly personal experience. His sharing of intimate thoughts during a stage of intense suffering and loss and the process by which his relationship with God slowly lifted him from his dispair is a great source of comfort. The structure of the book, divided in individual "spiritual imperatives" makes it very powerful. One of the most moving and soul-nourishing book I have read.

This simple, readable book is an excellent treatise on discovering more about God's embrace. I have read it and highly recommend it to anyone seeking to find your place in God's world. It is awesome!

I think those who haven't been where Henri Nouwen was, and weren't introduced to this "book" then will have a difficult time truly appreciating its gravity.

Thank God for Henri Nouwen.