The Road to Daybreak
A Spiritual Journey
When Henri Nouwen left the world of academe and headed for the village of Trosly in France, he sought a place that would lead him “closer to the heart of God.” Arriving at L’Arche community in Trosly, he felt as if he had finally “come home.” Indeed, it was destined to change his life forever.
The Road to Daybreak is Henri Nouwen’s intimate diary that records his poignant year at L’Arche, which began in the summer of 1985, a precious time of inner renewal and self-discovery. With simplicity and honesty, he describes how the experience changed his attitudes and enriched his spiritual life. Rich in insights and sparkling with touching and inspiring anecdotes, The Road to Daybreak invites the reader to join this renowned spiritual writer on his journey to a deeper understanding of God and the human family.
More About this Book
This book is Nouwen’s third published journal. The journal was kept from August 1985 to September 1986 and documents Nouwen’s discernment process that led to leaving academia and joining L’Arche Daybreak, an intentional community for and with people with intellectual disabilities near Toronto, Canada. Nouwen felt drawn to record his day-to-day life as he sought answers to his question: How do I follow Jesus all the way?
Themes: Vocation, Discernment, L’Arche, Harvard Divinity School, Henri Nouwen
Doubleday, 1988
"This was the first time I read a book by a Catholic priest. Nouwen genuinely and passionately loved Jesus and this book has only helped me to love Jesus more too." -Josh
"Heartfelt and raw. Ate up every crumb Nouwen dropped as he feasts with the Lord." -C.S.
"An outstandingly honest account of a personal journey through a year of new beginnings. One of the very best biographical accounts of discipleship." -Phil