The Hidden Beauty of Everyday Life (Hardcover)

by Kent Nerburn (Author) "Years ago I was traveling across the great Saskatchewan prairies - a young man, alone, with a love of the road and a dream in..." (more)
Key Phrases: hidden beauty

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Following up on the inspirational messages of his earlier books (Small Graces, etc.), Minnesota writer and sculptor Nerburn shares the lessons he has absorbed through ordinary experiences. Whether listening to bird calls on a trip to Oxford, England; observing a man without legs in a wheelchair flying a kite"; or engaged in conversation with an elderly man in a gym locker room, the author feels the presence of God in every encounter. Nerburn's gentle spirituality and strong religious faith carry him through the many difficult moments he shares. When an adolescent asks him for change for something to eat, the author overcomes his initial resistance by recalling the gospel passage, "I was hungry and you gave me to eat." Although Nerburn initially waves away the beggar's thanks, he comes to realize that it is important for him to accept in return. As the only white person at a Native American funeral for a former student killed in an accident, the author becomes immersed in cultural traditions that, while not his own, unite him with the mourners in a moment of shared comprehension. These reflective writings should appeal to those who share Nerburn's values and beliefs. (July)
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Product Description
Kent Nerburn completes the trilogy he began with his inspirational works Simple Truths and Small Graces. This beautifully written collection contains some of his most touching stories yet. By examining the seemingly insignificant incidents of life — a chance encounter with a boy on a bicycle, a visit to a local school to watch a young girl’s graduation — he shows readers how to look below the surface and find deeper meanings. He calls on readers to listen for the quiet spiritual messages of everyday existence that he calls "God’s whispers." Crafting stories from common experiences, Nerburn reveals lessons for the soul and opens windows to the heart. Few writers are so capable of moving gently over deep waters. And few give such poignant glimpses into the hidden grace of ordinary days.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (May 5, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577315308
• ISBN-13: 978-1577315308
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #183,637 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant, Thought-provoking, and moving..., July 4, 2006

By	A. Saperstein (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've loved the first two books in this trilogy of non-fiction essays and eagerly awaited the third. What I look to in these books is support to live a life of conscious attention and gratitude. As someone who struggles all too often with myself, I have found that his books are sources of wisdom, support, and strength in my life. They help to ground me. They serve as companions with me as I set about to live with intention, honesty, and courage. His books are like window washers for the soul, helping me to see my own life more clearly and wisely. You won't be disappointed. These are slim, sometimes deceptively simple, sharings of a life spent connecting with himself and everyone he crosses paths with. They serve as a wake-up call too to not live without meaning, love, and much kindness.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and Uplifting, June 14, 2006

By	Janet Boyer "JanetBoyer.com" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"Our lives are filled with ordinary moments when the hidden beauty of life breaks into our everyday awareness like an unbidden shaft of light. It is a brush with the sacred, a near occasion of grace. Too often we are blind to these moments. We are busy with our daily obligations and too occupied with our comings and goings to surround our hearts with the quiet that is necessary to hear life's softer songs." - From the book

In his 122-page book The Hidden Beauty of Everyday Life, Kent Nerburn shares heartwarming stories and observations about the wonder and meaning concealed amidst ordinary moments. Author of other inspirational books such as Simple Truths and Small Graces, Nerburn unveils the splendor of the mundane, gently prodding us to look closer, deeper at the people, places and things that surround us. From decoding the sermon of birds in England to the abashed, mentally challenged boy who repeats the author's name like a magical incantation, The Hidden Beauty of Everyday Life conveys heart-tugging wisdom with poetic simplicity.

While it's all too easy to miss these profound moments, Nerburn writes, "There is no shame in this. We are only human, and the demands of life make a raucous noise. But we must not let those demands drown out the quieter voice of the spirit. We must take the time to stop and listen, knowing that they voice of spirit speaks more often in a whisper than a shout."

One of the stories that brought tears to my eyes was The Visit, which chronicles a polite, shabbily dressed youth on the streets of England asking for spare change for food (and his heartfelt thanks "You have to let me thank you. It's all I have to give you in return."). Upon his return to America, Mr. Nerburn visits an elderly shut-in friend. While he had other things on his mind, such as a busy morning filled with stops and responsibilities--she offered him a plate of artfully arranged cookies. Initially, he had hoped to make a quick exit, and his host seemed to sense his restlessness for her "unless you're in a hurry" was tinged with sadness. However, remembering the grateful young man in England, he shoved his to-do list deep into his pocket, settling in for a visit with his elderly friend.

Poignant and uplifting, The Hidden Beauty of Everyday Life helps us see beyond the surface to spiritual dimensions that offer profound lessons if we but have ears to hear and eyes to see. Nerburn notes:

"This is a book for those who believe that God speaks as surely in the murmurs of the trees and the laughter of the children as from the pulpits of churches and the synagogues, who know that a mother tucking a child in bed is offering a prayer of joyful praise as surely as the cantor or the minister or the monk at evening vespers."

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring & Serene!!, July 17, 2006

By	Michelle S-Boyd "Soul-Felt Words, Inc." (Rocky Mountains, USA) - See all my reviews

"The Hidden Beauty of Everyday Life" warmed my heart. Each page contains inspirational messages that will fill your soul. Each story speaks of a spiritual journey. Each word, so captivating, you feel you are at the author's side. From seeing things through the eyes of a child to cherishing each magical moment, each story convenes a message of meaning and of hope. Beautifully packaged and easy to read, this book will appeal to anyone who is open to seeing a higher purpose in all things... Highly recommended, Michelle Skaletski-Boyd, author.