With over a million copies sold, The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen is essential reading for all who ask, “Where has my struggle led me?” Are you currently in the Father role or one of the two sons of the prodigal story? Read this classic book with the Bible Cafe Book Club.

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About This Book: The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on an unforgettable spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell.

As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion.

The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.

So what are we reading? Here is the June (nonfiction) book for our Book Club:

June Nonfiction:  The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen