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 A captivating book. It causes you to reread passages to insure you get the true meaning. We all have played the parts. Now we can know why and the value that comes from each part, which is our life.
Nouwen has an amazing ability to pull emotional garbage out of thin air and apply that to the Christian life. I'm sorry, Nouwen, have you perhaps read the Bible? The Bible is not based on emotion. The Bible and the Christian life are based on truth. Speaking of reading the Bible, Nouwen says on page 107: "but now I realize that the real sin is to deny God's first love for me, to ignore my original goodness." Romans 3:23 pretty clearly says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Looking for a worthwhile read? Don't waste your time. More helpful, intelligent, Bible-oriented books have been written by many fine Christian authors. Nouwen isn't one of them by any definition of the phrase.
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After reading this book and then checking the reviews here on Amazon[.com], I have to say that I'm very disappointed. I'm disappointed that so many people find this book worthwhile. I had the hardest time working through this book because of unfounded ideas, extreme extrapolation, and emotional "gushiness." I'm glad that some people find value in this book, but I have read tremendously better "spiritual classics" (as another reviewer commented). If you are looking for spiritual classics, try C.S. Lewis, Francis Shaeffer, R.C. Sproul, and even Max Lucado. These authors base their ideas on truth (gasp!) and logic (gasp, again!) instead of extrapolation from a painting and the feelings resulting from viewing the painting. 
Best part: the chapter on the elder son, the one stayed, the one who demands penance from his little brother, the one who doesn't understand his father's tremendous compassion and forgiveness
