Jean Vanier has devoted his life to serving and loving some among us who we might think have every reason to throw in the towel on hope and joy. In his work at L'Arche, and in his Christian faith he has found the hope and blessings of community. Of all the books I've read, I have never read anyone who expresses as deep a grasp of the actual meaning of Christ's teaching as Jean Vanier. I am so thankful for him: his written work has always treated me gently, and has always called me to serve Christ more radically. I cannot, in fact, praise his work enough. ( )