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Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life Paperback – April 16, 2004
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With more than 400,000 copies in print, Out of Solitude by Henri J. M. Nouwen offers a timeless reflection on the sacred tension between our longing for quiet communion with God and the unrelenting pull and noise of daily life. Drawing on three pivotal moments in the life of Jesus―his retreat to a lonely place to pray, the feeding of the five thousand, and his promise that, after going away, he would return to them―Nouwen shows how Christ himself turned to solitude to receive the Father’s love and to discern his will.
Nouwen names the truth we often sense but rarely articulate: “Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our lives are in danger. Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure. Somewhere we know that without a lonely place our actions quickly become empty gestures.”
With pastoral insight and deep compassion, Nouwen reveals how time alone with God grounds our identity in divine love rather than self-reproach, deepens our compassion for those who suffer, and renews our hope as we await Christ’s return. He reminds us that authentic service and generous love can only flow from a living, personal relationship with the Lord.
Beautifully written in Nouwen’s signature simplicity and depth, Out of Solitude remains a fresh and moving guide for everyone seeking to root their lives in prayer, solitude, service, and joy.
- Print length64 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherAve Maria Press
- Publication dateApril 16, 2004
- Dimensions4.8 x 0.2 x 6.8 inches
- ISBN-100877930724
- ISBN-13978-0877934950
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Review
“In very succinct yet poignant language, Nouwen reframes suffering and frustrating interruptions as gateways to joy! He masterfully serves up hope and meaning to every soul passing through the dark night. Highly recommended!”
Nick E., Amazon review
“Sometimes you read something, and it feels as though someone is taking the feelings from your very soul and putting them on paper. This is one of those reads. A lot of great wisdom in here. I’ll be buying multiple copies to give as gifts. Also, even though it is a Christian book, anyone can find solace in it. Read it!!”
Humaira C., Goodreads review
About the Author
Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996), one of the most popular spiritual writers of our time, was ordained a priest in 1957 in Holland. He wrote more than forty books, among them the bestselling Out of Solitude. He taught at the University of Notre Dame as well as at Yale and Harvard Universities. From 1986 until his death in 1996 he was part of the L’Arche Daybreak community in Toronto, where he shared his life with people with mental disabilities.
Product details
- ASIN : 0877934959
- Publisher : Ave Maria Press
- Publication date : April 16, 2004
- Edition : 30th Anniversary ed.
- Language : English
- Print length : 64 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0877930724
- ISBN-13 : 978-0877934950
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 4.8 x 0.2 x 6.8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #105,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #204 in Christian Faith (Books)
- #691 in Inspirational Spirituality (Books)
- #1,419 in Christian Inspirational
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Henri Nouwen was born in Holland in 1932 and ordained a Catholic priest in 1957. He obtained his doctorandus in psychology from Nijmegen University in The Netherlands and taught at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard. He experienced the monastic life with Trappist monks at the Abbey of the Genesee, lived among the poor in Latin America with the Maryknoll missioners, and was interested and active in numerous causes related to social justice. After a lifetime of seeking, Henri Nouwen finally found his home in Canada, as pastor of L'Arche Daybreak - where people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers live together in community.
Henri Nouwen wrote over 40 books on spirituality and the spiritual life that have sold millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages. His vision of spirituality was broad and inclusive, and his compassion embraced all of humankind.
He died in 1996. His work and his spirit live on.
Henri Nouwen pronounced his name "Henry Now-en." For more information on his life and work, please visit www.henrinouwen.org .
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseEasily read in one sitting and impactful to leave you to thinking about what he communicated. One of the bigger ideas I got out of this reading of this book was the difference between care vs cure. He advocated for care and how important that is in our interaction with each other. So very good of a little, thin, book.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseLove this book! Great book for Christians; Henri Nouwen is a very clear and well thought out writer. Love his thoughts on how solitude brings out care and patience. Divided into 3 chapters. Easy to read, and understand, and apply! Love how applicable this book is to my life. Helps me connect to God without being so tied up in scripture/"the law"
- Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2022Format: KindleVerified PurchaseWish it was more, but the points were made and as in most of Henri's works, every word, every sentence packs enough for you to pause and reflect, to pose questions your heart and mind fail to ask but should!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2020Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseIncredible, thought provoking, and a classic. I return to this book often and have given it to countless people. This book offers a beautiful perspective on faith. I sincerely recommend it to anyone in need of a little faith refresh - or simply a nice easy read!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2000It is one of Nouwen's finest works and one I frequently givemy business clients who are struggling with success driven life stylesand non-caring work environments.
I am an older (64) counseling/industrial/ organizational psychologist and currently specialize is exceutive coaching. Books like this help me create and sustain the most fulfilling work I have ever done.
The book is simply three short mediations on solitude, action and community. I have read it many times, given it to my children and family, and highly recommend it to all who need to pause in the midst of life to focus on what their life is all about. I will use it this year at a retreat for men in April.
A few other books I currently recommend to clients and friends along with Out of Solitude are: Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer; The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle; and Stopping by David Kundtz.
Nouwen was a gifted priest, healer, and shining light of faith, hope and love in a time of confusing worldwide transitions. He will be missed and he left a great legacy.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2019Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThis is three sermons, and while they connect they have different focuses. Each as important and refreshing and challenging as the last. A much needed reminder to stop and be still, to listen to God in the stillness; a call to care for others before curing them etc. Be refreshed!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024In very succinct yet poignant language,Nouwen reframes suffering and frustrating interruptions as gateways to JOY!
He masterfully serves up hope and meaning to every soul passing through the dark night!!
Highly Recommended!!!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGreat short read on solitude. You could read it in a night of 2. Would read again. As a counselor Nowen does such a great job of applying the heart. I don’t do well with legalism. This book is far from that.
Top reviews from other countries
Rivergurl1Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseSimply written yet profound. Beautiful promptings to examine the heart and make room for increased compassion. Works well as a short couples devotional as well.
Tim McCowanReviewed in Australia on November 14, 20185.0 out of 5 stars Healthy Integration
Three gifts for our active lives that arise out of that inner solitude, and that are reflected through the earthly life of Jesus
nev00Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 20225.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThree very nice reflections on living and experiencing the gospel in our lives. Nicely written and a joy to read. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a deep interest in their faith.
BrightstarReviewed in Australia on August 15, 20194.0 out of 5 stars Short but meaningful
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis is the first book of H. Nouwen that I have read. A bit too short for the theme presented.
The abrupt ending left me with a sense of wanting.
Wanting to find more about this inner place.
I've liked to find more about how to get there particularly when my life is surrounded by noise.
I also have the wanting to search for answers to the questions that were triggered by concept of “the lonely place”, to find an reasonable “ending” of what was truncated.
liz toyReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 20175.0 out of 5 stars Thanks
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThanks

















