BEYOND THE MIRROR Reflections on Death and Life

Religious author and speaker Nouwen finds spiritual instruction in the everyday; he is even enlightened by the experience of being hit by a car. As his injuries progress to the life-threatening stage, Nouwen's insight expands even further. It's almost trite to use life traumas as a doorway to personal growth, but the author manages to maintain both his dignity and his spiritual innocence. Count on Nouwen for compassionate, hands-on storytelling, fortunately through reader Brian Patrick, as Nouwen's heavy accent and speech habits can make for tough listening. In this modest production Nouwen traces his progress from invalid to health and spiritual realization, as he gains wisdom in the process. D.J.B.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 04]