Rating: 
Summary: From one Prodigal Son to a world full of others
Review: I read this book last winter, and must say that my life view has been altered. Not only are the spiritual implications mighty, but artistically the book is fantastic. Nouwen uses language beautifully, and it is his language that makes one able to see aspects of each character in his or her own character. Literally and spiritually a masterpiece. Grace abounds.
Rating:
Summary: I haven't read another book that changed my life so much.
Review: I was given the book as a gift. I would not have thought to buy it on my own. I was surprised and amazed at the ability of the author to speak so easily and personally to the reader. The flow of the book was so natural that it was easy to lose track of the time spent reading. It touches on parts of personality that are inherent in all people, which makes it relevant to all people. It is a terrific book that takes you on a tour of your conscience and characteristics, good and bad. I see the potential for everyone in my life to benefit from this book, from my husband to my parents to my boss to my friends.
Rating: 
Summary: thought provoking then; will be more so now
Review: I will begin to journey again with Henri Nouwen via the book "Return of the Prodigal Son". That journey can take me nowhere but further within myself.
I heard that there is an audio of this book read by Henri himself. Is that audio available anywhere
Rating:
Summary: One of Nouwen's Best
Review: I've read several of Nouwen's books and they are all thought provoking. This is one of his best. He takes the painting by Rembrant and analyzes it in a spiritual context. He looks at the story from the view of being the younger son, then the elder son and then the father. It gives a lot of insight into what it means to be the one receiving (or rejecting) love and the one giving (or witholding) it.
Rating:
Summary: The book on living a Christian life
Review: If one was only going to read one book about Christianity, I would recommend Henri J.M. Nouwen's "The Return of the Prodigal Son." It's sounds terribly cliche, but this really is a life changing book. Nouwen's reflection on Rembrant's painting The Return of the Prodigal Son and the parable itself is the most powerful testament to what the Christian life -- our relationship with God -- is suppose to be about. Not only does he help place us as both the younger and elder son in the parable needing to return to the Father and accept his love, but he also explains how we are suppose to become the Father, living lives of compassion. This book is our spiritual journey.
Rating:
Summary: Response to Mr. Landrum
Review: In spite of what he (Mr. Landrum) may say, I think he may have possibly missed the entire point of Mr. Nouwen's book. Forgiveness. Even if you didn't agree with Mr. Nouwen, why rip the man in half? If you read the Bible more often, you might realize Christ's point is forgiveness, and love. No where does Christ tear someone down in the way you have done. Use Christ as your model please.
That being said, I feel this book is good, however, I feel many Nouwen books are good for teaching us new ways to apply old classic stories, as he has done in this book with the story of the podigal son. This was my first introduction to Henri J.M. Nouwen. I use Nouwen as a quick read to introduce new thoughts into my spiritual life, and this book does just that. I recommend it as a great introduction to Nouwen, use it. I only rate it as a four b/c I couldn't give it a five, there are minor problems with it, but those problems are just that, minor, hardly worth a rating of 1.
Rating:
Summary: Brings understanding and meaning to the Prodigal Son
Review: It is well written and very interesting. It showed me the story of the Prodigal Son in a new light. How each of us are trying to find home and that we can go home again and be welcomed by our loved ones especailly God. It also shows how we each can be like the elder son jealous of others because we feel that we deserve so much more. Also, it shows that we can be like the father and have compassion for all no matter who they are and what they have done. It is a story of forgiveness and love and how we should forgive and love those all around us. It brings us back to the question Jesus asked about who is your neighbor? The book is well written and shows an understanding of the story and only much praying and faith wrote this book. I would recommend it to all who want to gain an understanding of human nature and how we can move through different levels in our lives.
Rating:
Summary: A treasure
Review: Much like Father Nouwen stumbling on the painting of the Prodigal Son during his life, I stumbled on find this book about four years ago. Father Nouwen shares the many times in his life were he was the Prodigal son, the older son or the forgiving father. I was able to relate to many if not most of the personal examples shared. My spiritual life grew from the years of reading and rereading this book. This book is a personal favorite to share with friends seeking God's wisdom on the journary. Father Nouwen rest in peace, you have served the world well.
Rating:
Summary: This book broke open my heart
Review: My spiritual director recommended this book to me. Knowing me well, he admonished me to read it "slowly...and meditate on it frequently". For once I followed directions. This is a short book, but I took a full two months to read and digest it. It is a breathtaking book. At times, I wept during passages that spoke to me in a special way. My heart would ache with the feeling of oneness with God our Father and Mother. Mostly, I was astonished and overwhelmed with a feeling of Our Father's/Our Mother's deep love for us. The realization of Father Nouwen that we are all called to become the Father/Mother is burned into my heart.
Please pass along this book to others, as I have.
Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent source for inspiration!
Review: Nouwen is always great, but in this book he takes you into the world of spirituality AND art, together. It's a wonderful exposition of what art can do for spirituality. The focus on reconciliation and God's mercy is felt on every page. I recommend this for anyone who who would like to use art as a means of enhancing his or her spiritual life and also for those who need to know the love and mercy of God.
| 
