Rating: 
Summary: Convicting, inspiring, transforming.
Review: Fr. Nouwen's book was recommended to me by a counselor whom I was seeing about inability/unwillingness to break free of bitterness and forgive past and present hurts. I believe that Fr. Nouwen's tale of his spiritual progression, from seeing himself only as the "prodigal son;" to recognizing himself as the "elder brother;" and finally to recognizing God's desire that he become "the father" describes the "journey home" to which God's calls all His children: to come to the "place" of being forgiven and reconciled to God; to move on to the "place" of forgiving others based on our security in being loved by God; and finally to provide the "place" in our own hearts into which others may come to experience God's forgiveness and reconciliation. Had I not read the convincing "portrayal" of this truth by Fr. Nouwen, I would not have believed it. This truth puts a whole new meaning to "being a member of God's household" - to be fully in the Father's house is to be a living extension of the Father's home, which is always welcoming! This is indeed a "high calling," and one that inspires me to strive even harder to cease allowing self-centeredness to hold me back.
Rating:
Summary: God we need this
Review: God's love is unconditional is real that is the message. I loved the book. I would also recommend An Encounter With A Prophet for the same message
Rating:
Summary: Nouwen's spirtual experience with Rembrandt's painting
Review: Henri Nouwen chanced upon Rembrandt's painting of
the well-known bible story. In his book, he writes
of how the 3 characters in the story, the father,
the prodigal son, and the elder son, are representative
of his life journey. He also discusses Rembrandt's
life and relationship to the painting.
Nouwen takes Christianity to the level above the
fray of issues that seem to dominate the Christian
life. In this book, he again focuses on what is
truly important.
Rating:
Summary: Return of the Prodigal Son
Review: Henri Nouwen has a way of making us look into the places that we would rather not look. When we are drawn into this study of the Rembrant painting we find a darkness that leads us to an illumination of our own lives. In this book it is with great joy that we discover love and forgiveness as well as hope. This book is a must read for all Christians. In going to the place that I did not want to go I found the place that I needed to go. This is the best spiritual book that I have read in years. I wish we had published this book.
Rating:
Summary: Great for all prodigals, especially those who stayed home.
Review: I am not a Catholic, so I was somewhat skeptical in reading this book. I'm so glad I did. I identify so well, as did Nouwen with the older son in the story. His advice and counsel to the "good sons" is unparalled. We are all prodigal sons and we all need the grace of God.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite of this late spiritual master's works.
Review: I enjoyed this account of how a masterpiece of art affected a spiritual man. Nouwen's insights are clear and true. I, too, find that I am the elder brother, but that I must learn to love the wild, attention-getting, money-wasting little brother. It is God, in the father, who makes this happen. A great read for Lent!
Rating:
Summary: The clearest, truest explanation of what God is really like.
Review: I hadn't cared for Nouwen's books particularly before this one. This one is, I believe, inspired, touching the heart and very Spirit of God. The whole of God's message, really, all from a single poignant story originally told by Jesus. This is a book for everyone, but most especially it's for men. For all of us underachievers and overachievers, screw-ups and good boys, with wounds so deep (and often father-inflicted) that they aren't spoken of but usually carried to the grave. This book describes with rare clarity and wisdom (and no BS) the beyond-human love that alone can bind up all those wounds. It came at a pivotal time for me and became an important touchstone in my faith walk. I have given several copies to friends in need (buying two more today). I hope it can be a similar lifeline or burst of sunshine for you or your loved one.
Rating: 
Summary: 1/2 New Insight and 1/2 Recycled Themes
Review: I have read about 6 books by Henri Nouwen so far, and this one was probably the hardest one to stay focused on and get through. However, there are also a couple of chapters in the book that were real gems and shouldn't be missed. The first couple of chapters about Henri's fascination with Rembrandt's painting of the prodigal son are average. Even when he goes through the two brothers in the painting (the elder brother and the prodigal), there is nothing here that is extraordinary or newly insightful. Anyone who has done a group study or personal meditation on the passage likely already thought through the implications of being both the young son who is welcomed home, and the obedient elder son who is resentful of the father's welcome to his younger brother. These are certainly wonderful things to ponder, but Henri is far from the first to explore them; so that section of the book is a bit laborious. However, if you have never really thought a lot about the story of the prodigal son, the beginning and middle sections of the book should prove quite interesting. However, what I found very insightful and compelling in this book was the way Henri explored how we are to become like the father. It is a powerful exhortation to accept our homecoming as the younger son, but also to become welcomers ourselves. This book may not hold your attention as well as many of Nouwen's other books, but in the end, it's worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: A Much Needed Book
Review: I highly recommend the audio version of this book. To hear Nouwen in his own voice, as well as his own words, is profoundly moving. His authentic Christian spirituality is deeply refreshing. His words are much needed, in our world of lost younger sons and perhaps even more lost older brothers. I hope one of our older brothers in the list of reviewers might give Nouwen--but especially the parable itself--a fresh hearing.
Rating:
Summary: The Return of the Prodigal Son : A Story of Homecoming
Review: I read this book 2 years ago and it is still challenging me. Through Nouwen's honesty and depth of understanding, he expressed part of my own longings and struggles which I had not been able to articulate.
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