Flying, Falling, Catching: An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom

Carolyn Whitney-Brown's book "Flying, Falling, Catching" provides a poignant and accurate account of Henri Nouwen's inner feelings, hopes, wishes, and despair. It brings Henri close to the reader and showcases his relationship with the traveling circus troupe The Flying Rodleighs, which inspired his creative non-fiction writings. The book combines autobiography and spiritual writing, offering a unique perspective on Nouwen as a spiritual adventurer and someone transformed by diversity. It encourages readers to embrace their vulnerabilities and find meaning in their lives, reminding them to avoid despair by reflecting on the significance of their experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2022
Publisher: SPCK Publishing

I am incredibly thankful for Carolyn Whitney-Brown's poignant portrayal of my brother Henri's inner emotions, aspirations, desires, and despair. Your work has once again brought Henri closer to me.

Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Henri, whether through his writings or in person, will immediately recognize the exquisite manner in which he has been brought to life in this book.

Gary Donohoe, Professor and Chair of Psychology at the National University of Ireland, aptly describes it as a "beacon of hope."

Marina Nemat, the acclaimed author of the international bestseller "Prisoner of Tehran," also praises it as a "beacon of hope."

During the final five years of his life, Henri Nouwen, a renowned spiritual leader and teacher, formed a close bond with a traveling circus troupe known as The Flying Rodleighs. The insights he gained from his relationship with the troupe inspired Nouwen to explore a new genre of writing, creative non-fiction, which is presented for the first time in Flying, Falling, Catching.

With meticulous care and profound insight, Nouwen's colleague and dear friend Carolyn Whitney-Brown skillfully weaves Henri's material into a dramatic narrative that imagines his life flashing before him during his first heart attack. Through this narrative, we gain a deeper understanding of Nouwen's perspective, as he sees his own experiences reflected in the artistry, exhilarating successes, crushing failures, and unwavering forgiveness that were fundamental to the act of The Flying Rodleighs.

Flying, Falling, Catching is a captivating blend of autobiography and spiritual writing, offering a unique and extraordinary perspective on a man who has inspired countless individuals. Through his own writings and Whitney-Brown's narrative, we see Henri as a spiritual adventurer, someone who was transformed by diversity as he learned to view the world from multiple perspectives.

Nouwen's remarkable story, encompassing his involvement in the Civil Rights movement, the friendships he forged during the 1990s AIDS pandemic, and numerous unexpected encounters, is intricately woven throughout the book. It is a testament to his unwavering commitment to empathy, compassion, and personal growth.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 470 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780281086948