This book is now on my "top ten books every Christian should read more than once" list.

Nouwen writes with amazing insight into all three players in the parable: The prodigal son, the elder brother, and the Father. He paints a beautiful picture of the all-forgiving, all-compassionate love of God. We can all learn and be inspired from what is written on these pages. Will I come home to the all-accepting love of God that doesn't want or need my excuses? Will I rejoice with Him without being jealous when God gives sinners love and grace instead of the punishment and exile they deserve? Can I someday be like the Father who can not only forgive, but also be generous to those who have grieved him? Or will I continue to be addicted to performance and live my expectation-laden Christian life like an earner?