I am drawn to autobiographies of the broken. In reading such books the grace of God glows brightly. Henri Nouwen's books are an example. Nouwen was a Catholic priest who worked as an academic at Notre Dame University in the USA. Feeling like his faith was being shrivelled by the academic world he accepted an invitation to be a pastor at L'Arche, a Christian care facility for the mentally unwell.
In his first year or so there, Nouwen suffered a nervous breakdown and took an extended absence. After three years he had recovered and written a book called 'The Return of the Prodigal Son', in which he recounts his discovery of the Rembrandt painting of this gospel parable, and his personal insight from God into Jesus and God's amazing grace through both the parable and painting.
The book above is actually a collection of Nouwen's notes from conferences he spoke at, in which he relates the story of his breakdown and recovery experience.
There'll be a couple of moments where you go 'hmmm, not sure I agree with that', however the book is still quite moving in parts and, again, a powerful witness of the grace of God. Along the way are practical exercises to slow yourself down and meditate on God and his word. Recommended.
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