What do you think?
Rate this book
Verloren zoon,
nan
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
149 people are currently reading
1162 people want to read
About the author
Brennan Manning
73 books924 followersRichard Francis Xavier Manning, known as Brennan Manning (April 27, 1934 – April 12, 2013) was an American author, friar, priest, contemplative and speaker.Born and raised in Depression-era New York City, Manning finished high school, enlisted in the US Marine Corps, and fought in the Korean War. After returning to the United States, he enrolled at Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upon his graduation from the seminary in 1963, Manning was ordained a Franciscan priest.[2]
In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.
In the late 1960s, Manning joined the Little Brothers of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, a religious institute committed to an uncloistered, contemplative life among the poor. Manning transported water via donkey, worked as a mason's assistant and a dishwasher in France, was imprisoned (by choice) in Switzerland, and spent six months in a remote cave somewhere in the Zaragoza desert. In the 1970s, Manning returned to the United States and began writing after confronting his alcoholism.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
November 7, 2013
I like it when a book sounds worth reading, and when I read it, it does not disappoint. And that it didn't disappoint is an understatement.
For a long time, I have been a firm believer that God can use Christian fiction to speak to people, to move them, and even help change them. Not all Christian fiction is light fluff and romance. There is a lot that is not. Such as this book.
There have been a few times when I read a book and it hit home with me so much that I felt it was written for me. This book may fall into that category more than any I have read. Yes, the book is fiction, but man does it pack a powerful message. I was moved, convicted, felt hope, and gained some new insights into God and how He works. From reading a fictional novel.
I really liked and identified with the main character. No, I didn't go on a drunken rampage and cheat on my wife - I'm not even married. But like the main character, I have had such a performance based religion instilled in me that I missed the whole message about God loving me. That He would love me no matter what I did, no matter how far I could stray. There was a scene in the book that echoed my own thoughts and feelings that I have had, that I started crying. The main character had just been dealt a major blow and was ranting about God still punishing Him even though he had repented and was trying to do right, and his friend did a great rebuttal of that wrong thinking.
This is an excellent book. Anyone who struggles to believe God loves them, and feels they need to strive harder to please Him, needs to read this book. Its more than a fictional story. Its a powerful message a lot of people need to read and take to heart.
The authors created a terrific main character, and spun a great plot around him. It is intended to be a modern retelling of the prodigal son story from the Bible, and I would say the authors accomplished that, and opened up the idea of the story in a whole new and fresh way. I loved the book, and devoured it in the same day I got it in the mail.
I did have one big issue with the book. I still firmly believe Christians should not drink alcoholic beverages. I've heard all of the arguments, and don't even get why it is an argument.... its something that anyone is better off not doing, especially Christians. The book has a LOT of beer drinking going on. The pastor in the book even worked on his sermon while sitting in a bar, drinking beer......
That said, and as strongly as I feel about the issue of alcohol, the whole idea and message of the book is so powerful, I am still giving the book 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads, and am highly recommending it. It is an awesome read.
For a long time, I have been a firm believer that God can use Christian fiction to speak to people, to move them, and even help change them. Not all Christian fiction is light fluff and romance. There is a lot that is not. Such as this book.
There have been a few times when I read a book and it hit home with me so much that I felt it was written for me. This book may fall into that category more than any I have read. Yes, the book is fiction, but man does it pack a powerful message. I was moved, convicted, felt hope, and gained some new insights into God and how He works. From reading a fictional novel.
I really liked and identified with the main character. No, I didn't go on a drunken rampage and cheat on my wife - I'm not even married. But like the main character, I have had such a performance based religion instilled in me that I missed the whole message about God loving me. That He would love me no matter what I did, no matter how far I could stray. There was a scene in the book that echoed my own thoughts and feelings that I have had, that I started crying. The main character had just been dealt a major blow and was ranting about God still punishing Him even though he had repented and was trying to do right, and his friend did a great rebuttal of that wrong thinking.
This is an excellent book. Anyone who struggles to believe God loves them, and feels they need to strive harder to please Him, needs to read this book. Its more than a fictional story. Its a powerful message a lot of people need to read and take to heart.
The authors created a terrific main character, and spun a great plot around him. It is intended to be a modern retelling of the prodigal son story from the Bible, and I would say the authors accomplished that, and opened up the idea of the story in a whole new and fresh way. I loved the book, and devoured it in the same day I got it in the mail.
I did have one big issue with the book. I still firmly believe Christians should not drink alcoholic beverages. I've heard all of the arguments, and don't even get why it is an argument.... its something that anyone is better off not doing, especially Christians. The book has a LOT of beer drinking going on. The pastor in the book even worked on his sermon while sitting in a bar, drinking beer......
That said, and as strongly as I feel about the issue of alcohol, the whole idea and message of the book is so powerful, I am still giving the book 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads, and am highly recommending it. It is an awesome read.
July 12, 2020
Wanting to clear my kindle as that is one of my goals for 2020, I came across an older book from 2013. It is also a Christian fiction that I have in the last few months wanted to get back into reading as I have felt lately called back to reading that particular genre. One of the popular stories in the bible is that of the Prodigal son - the wayward son that goes out on his own but when life falls to pieces and there looks like no way up, he reaches back to his home roots where his father welcomes in with arms wide open and a heart filled with forgiveness. In The Prodigal we meet Jack Chisholm who founded a church that raked in millions, he has become a successful TV pastor, author, and reaching the lives of others. However, his values dropped and when a night out turns into a PR nightmare - his church fires him as their pastor and his family are whisked away under the church's hidden protection. Life has hit rock bottom for Jack and soon he turns to the bottle. Enter his father whom with arms wide open takes him back to his hometown. Jack is about to rediscover what it means to be part of a community and why he got into missionary and preaching the word of Christ. As Jack starts to get back to his roots of happiness, what will happen when the church offers his job back? Will he go back to living a life of riches and comfort or will he have learned what it means to be a man of God and walk in his ways? Find out all this and more in this inspirational and powerful tale by Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett today -a modern twist of the story of The Prodigal Son.
June 12, 2017
Although at times it was predictable, this book was a pure joy to read from start to finish. Brennan Manning alone would have led me to pick this up, but it was a phenomenal book.
May 28, 2014
Book seemed geared to high school reader. Was too simplistic for me. Book was 288 pages would have been better at 150 pages. Jack too quickly returns to father to whom he had spoken to in more than 10 years. A nice story, but not very realistic, too predictable. Small town people seemed very small, still calling each other by high school nicknames years after leaving high school.
July 17, 2017
This story of a fallen pastor of a mega church is thought provoking. It is a gentle reminder of our human frailties and God's unlimited grace.
May 25, 2022
A 4 star book!!
Jack is a famous pastor running a mega church until one weekend he goes with his assistant to Mexico. After many drinks he finds himself in bed with her. The Church finds out and fires him. His wife and daughter leaves him. With no money and no job his Father comes and takes him home. The problem is they haven't spoken to him in 10 years. Now back to face his family he starts a new spiritual journey and now puts Christ first and not his success. Will his wife take him back and can he get his job back or does he wants to stay with his father and the town that he has grown to love again. I loved this story. When you become a Christian it doesn't mean you won't ever make a mistake again. Jack is an example of this. This story is heartwarming and just a wonderful story for all who had made a mistake in their lives knowing that Christ will forgive. Highly recommend this wonderful story!!
Jack is a famous pastor running a mega church until one weekend he goes with his assistant to Mexico. After many drinks he finds himself in bed with her. The Church finds out and fires him. His wife and daughter leaves him. With no money and no job his Father comes and takes him home. The problem is they haven't spoken to him in 10 years. Now back to face his family he starts a new spiritual journey and now puts Christ first and not his success. Will his wife take him back and can he get his job back or does he wants to stay with his father and the town that he has grown to love again. I loved this story. When you become a Christian it doesn't mean you won't ever make a mistake again. Jack is an example of this. This story is heartwarming and just a wonderful story for all who had made a mistake in their lives knowing that Christ will forgive. Highly recommend this wonderful story!!
September 8, 2020
This was a really sweet story actually. And not sappy. I liked it
December 19, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A lot of religious fiction isn’t that great, but as someone who loves Brennan Mannings books, I knew I would not be disappointed.
September 8, 2014
"America's Pastor." That's what they call Jack Chisholm, founder and leader of Seattle's Grace Cathedral. Jack is a high-profile preacher and an organizer of good works. He's also human. When a lapse in judgment leads to sin and disgrace, his image shatters and his life falls apart.
Despite the name of his megachurch, Jack's best-known phrase is "We have got to do better." His focus on humanity's shortcomings and our need to work harder for God's approval comes from his father, a man Jack walked away from years ago without looking back.
A man who now comes to rescue Jack from the pit of misery he's dug for himself.
With nowhere else to go, Jack goes home to small-town Texas, where everyone knows everything about everybody else. Some people will forgive him, some won't. He needs to learn to live with himself, to reconcile with his family if they'll have him, and to decide what to do with the rest of his life.
Churchless, is he still a pastor? Does he even still believe in God?
Jack learns about grace from the townspeople, especially from his much-changed father and from the local priest, Father Frank. I don't know much about Brennan Manning, but Father Frank seems to be the voice of Brennan himself speaking into Jack's pain. It's not always an easy voice to hear, because it speaks truth and it challenges Jack with that truth.
It's a novel for anyone who knows the bitterness of failure, men and women both. It's a novel of hope—not for glitter and rainbows and happy endings, but for the strength to go on and to find our true selves in the ruins of what we've tried to be. It's a novel that affirms the love of God the Father and the fundamental goodness that lives in most people's hearts—a goodness that may need some digging to find.
The Prodigal is a heart-warming, soul-encouraging read. My one regret is that I'd like to have seen some closure between Jack and his former assistant, Danny. [Jack. Daniel. Does anyone but me find this funny, given that Jack tries to find the answer to his problems in a bottle?]
Brennan Manning, who died in 2013, was best known for his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel. Greg Garrett is the author and co-author of many books, both fiction and non-fiction. The Prodigal is available in paperback, electronic book and audio formats. I highly recommend it.
[A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.]
Despite the name of his megachurch, Jack's best-known phrase is "We have got to do better." His focus on humanity's shortcomings and our need to work harder for God's approval comes from his father, a man Jack walked away from years ago without looking back.
A man who now comes to rescue Jack from the pit of misery he's dug for himself.
With nowhere else to go, Jack goes home to small-town Texas, where everyone knows everything about everybody else. Some people will forgive him, some won't. He needs to learn to live with himself, to reconcile with his family if they'll have him, and to decide what to do with the rest of his life.
Churchless, is he still a pastor? Does he even still believe in God?
Jack learns about grace from the townspeople, especially from his much-changed father and from the local priest, Father Frank. I don't know much about Brennan Manning, but Father Frank seems to be the voice of Brennan himself speaking into Jack's pain. It's not always an easy voice to hear, because it speaks truth and it challenges Jack with that truth.
It's a novel for anyone who knows the bitterness of failure, men and women both. It's a novel of hope—not for glitter and rainbows and happy endings, but for the strength to go on and to find our true selves in the ruins of what we've tried to be. It's a novel that affirms the love of God the Father and the fundamental goodness that lives in most people's hearts—a goodness that may need some digging to find.
The Prodigal is a heart-warming, soul-encouraging read. My one regret is that I'd like to have seen some closure between Jack and his former assistant, Danny. [Jack. Daniel. Does anyone but me find this funny, given that Jack tries to find the answer to his problems in a bottle?]
Brennan Manning, who died in 2013, was best known for his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel. Greg Garrett is the author and co-author of many books, both fiction and non-fiction. The Prodigal is available in paperback, electronic book and audio formats. I highly recommend it.
[A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.]
October 5, 2015
Two things to make clear right from the start: firstly, the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) is pretty much my favourite parable; secondly, I am a great fan of the writings of Brennan Manning. With those things said, I can say that I enjoyed this book as a work of light fiction while having some reservations about the ambitious claim to b 'a powerful contemporary retelling'. It courageously challenges the realities of American-style celebrity church and graceless teaching. Frankly, I found the idea of a man rising to lead a 'growing mega-church' without really understanding God's grace a little far-fetched at first, but then I guess it happens. Perhaps a lot more commonly than I might like to believe. But I think it was a pretty loose retelling of the parable of the prodigal son. Yes, posing the prodigal as a 'successful' clergyman was innovative and confronting. Yes, the circumstances of his fall from grace were believable. Yes, his gradual acceptance and adoption of grace in the weeks and months following that was remarkable and at times moving. However, some important elements seem lost in the adaptation. For example, the prodigal in this story never resolves to return to his father and live humbly in his house (not really till after the work of redemption is done). Rather, when the son loses everything he initially runs even further from those he loves. Furthermore, the father, rather than waiting and watching for the return of his son, goes to extraordinary lengths to find and retrieve his lost son, which is a lot more like the parable of the lost sheep. Still, I enjoyed reading this book and found a few gems buried in there, not least of all the key message: "... there's nothing as powerful as knowing your father loves you ..." (p.226)
November 19, 2014
Brennan Manning died last year. Writer extraordinaire and grace addict. For those who love the message of grace, his books have been a rich source of sustenance. The Prodigal: A Ragamuffin Story (2013) co-authored by Greg Garrett was the last book of Brennan's before he died.
The authors tell the story of Jack, a megachurch pastor, who has built a church and a huge following on a message of door more, try harder. At the beginning of the book, we discover that he has been caught in a moral failure. The rest of the book tells the story of his ailing father bringing him back home to small town Texas.
Although I suspect the text itself was largely constructed by Garrett, the story has the unmistakable fingerprints of Brennan, particularly in the character of Father Frank, the aging Catholic priest. If you have enjoyed Brennan's works, this book is for you. If you have lost hope in the church, this book is for you.
The authors tell the story of Jack, a megachurch pastor, who has built a church and a huge following on a message of door more, try harder. At the beginning of the book, we discover that he has been caught in a moral failure. The rest of the book tells the story of his ailing father bringing him back home to small town Texas.
Although I suspect the text itself was largely constructed by Garrett, the story has the unmistakable fingerprints of Brennan, particularly in the character of Father Frank, the aging Catholic priest. If you have enjoyed Brennan's works, this book is for you. If you have lost hope in the church, this book is for you.
October 22, 2014
First, I'm not sure how much of this book was written by Brennan Manning, and how much by co-writer Greg Garrett. Manning died before the book was completed. That said, I will tell you that this is an absolutely must-read story. It's fiction, loosely based on Jesus' parable of the prodigal son and written to explore what could have happened (in a modern-day setting) after the prodigal was rescued by his father. Manning's hero, Jack Chisholm, is a good ol' boy from a small Texas Hill-Country town (possibly Leakey, disguised as "Mayfield") who has become a powerful megachurch pastor and televangelist. Jack's meteoric fall makes up the first two chapters or so and is hard to read. His redemption, though, quickly becomes a can't-put-it-down story. It's beautiful.
February 14, 2014
Well, this is a book released by my FAVORITE author after his death. There is no way this book can be anything less than perfect because i am blinded by my love for Brennan. I loved the story and fell in love with the characters. Total tear jerker, left me crying on my couch when i finished it overwhelmed with gratitude that my God is such a loving God who loves me as I am... not as I should be. This book is a beautiful tribute to the grace that Brennan gave his life away to tell us about. The mercy that is water when we are in the desert. Great, quick read. I'd recommend it for any Brennan fan! What's not to love about a Ragamuffin story?
September 27, 2014
This may be the best book I have read this year. It might even be the best book I have read in the last several years. It is absolutely in my top 10!
I found myself deeply moved several times during this story, during both high and low points in the main character's journey. It didn't end the way I thought it would, nor is it wrapped up in a neat little bow. And I have never liked a book such as this before! I can't say much without spoiler alerts, so suffice to say, I will own this book, I will give away copies of this book, I will recommend this book. Read this book!
I found myself deeply moved several times during this story, during both high and low points in the main character's journey. It didn't end the way I thought it would, nor is it wrapped up in a neat little bow. And I have never liked a book such as this before! I can't say much without spoiler alerts, so suffice to say, I will own this book, I will give away copies of this book, I will recommend this book. Read this book!
January 23, 2015
I really wanted to read this, it being Brennan Manning's last book. I tried to like it. I believe in the grace of God and I am hardcore thankful for it everyday as I fall on it continually. That being said, I feel like too many people use grace as an excuse for their sinful lifestyle. There are so many things in this book that are wrong. In the questions at the end of the book it asks if you want to hear more about Jack. I wouldn't mind but I know that will lead down a road that I am going to disagree with, so better not.
August 27, 2014
Wonderful story with truth woven throughout. I have always loved Manning's heart and compassion for those who believe they are too far gone for grace, and his lifelong pursuit to preach otherwise. This is fiction that preaches, teaches, and loves. Can't wait to see the Ragamuffin Preacher in heaven. "We are all paupers at the door of grace."
May 23, 2020
Brennan Manning has spoken so much truth to my soul over the years, but I didn’t love this novel. I loved the message of the book, and the storyline was fine (although fairly predictable), but the writing style felt somewhat cheesy and not believable. I much prefer Manning’s nonfiction works over this novel.
December 29, 2019
Predictable and silly with insincere sentiments and a silly plot.
October 9, 2024
I appreciated the author taking on some hard subjects, a fallen-from grace pastor who had an affair. I've suffered from spiritual abuse since I was saved at 18 and appreciate authors that are willing to talk about what is going on in the church.
SPOILER ALERTS: Don't read further if you plan to read the book.
However, I was very disappointed in the way the topics were handled. The pastor (Jack) almost seemed to blame the woman because she made the hotel arrangements, plied him with drinks, then they woke up together. It was his choice to drink, his choice to sleep together.
When his infidelity is revealed, his wife and daughter immediately leave he is devoid of emotion. He doesn't think about them, recall memories, or miss them. He also shows no remorse. Part of it is his character, who reacts with denial and refusal, but he barely moves into true repentance. On page 85 he is calling his lover, but only gives her up because her lack of interest. The only remorse is in the next paragraph. "Because now, stone-cold sober, he could face the reality that what he-they-had done was wrong."
I liked how his dad showed up and brought him home, despite the fact he hadn't talked to him in ten years. His dad is a fine man, and a model of true Christianity.
The timetable is rushed, and relationships are fixed so quickly, unlike in real life.
By page 116 he is fixing a neighbor's roof and has all the pure motives. We don't see him reading the Bible and weeping in prayer over his sin and how he's failed his family and his congregation, he's suddenly doing good works, and everything is fine.
When he meets his wife for the first time post the affair (p. 157) he yells at her. He almost demands forgiveness. This is also the first time the grandfather meets his granddaughter, Alison, and I would've loved to see some tender interactions as the godly grandfather gets to know his daughter, but there was a lot of detail about food choices.
The restoration of the relationship with his former best friend was also a warm-fuzzy as they gradually came together despite failures on both their sides, but mostly Jack's. What I didn't appreciate is that this pastor, just weeks after sleeping with another woman, is back in the pulpit and making the news. This is why sexual sin continues to grow in the church today. The elders should've been counseling him and helping his to restore his relationship with his family and make it right with his former congregation, not welcome him to preach. That was very hard to read.
Also, prior to the affair his leadership style in the church bordered on abuse and narcissism. While he changes his preaching style, these issues are only lightly touched on.
By page 257 he is drunk and finally realized it is all his fault. Yet he's been preaching and doing good works and has become the town's sweetheart. Again, not encouraged to make things right, but to live one day at a time.
And meanwhile, there are a few women that are hinted as love interests, which was not tasteful to me at all.
While there were some beautifully restored relationships, and moments of confession, I felt the issue of his affair was taken way too flippantly. I've seen too many affairs in the church and the devastation that it brings.
The timetable should've been slowed way down to bring the pastor to true repentance.
SPOILER ALERTS: Don't read further if you plan to read the book.
However, I was very disappointed in the way the topics were handled. The pastor (Jack) almost seemed to blame the woman because she made the hotel arrangements, plied him with drinks, then they woke up together. It was his choice to drink, his choice to sleep together.
When his infidelity is revealed, his wife and daughter immediately leave he is devoid of emotion. He doesn't think about them, recall memories, or miss them. He also shows no remorse. Part of it is his character, who reacts with denial and refusal, but he barely moves into true repentance. On page 85 he is calling his lover, but only gives her up because her lack of interest. The only remorse is in the next paragraph. "Because now, stone-cold sober, he could face the reality that what he-they-had done was wrong."
I liked how his dad showed up and brought him home, despite the fact he hadn't talked to him in ten years. His dad is a fine man, and a model of true Christianity.
The timetable is rushed, and relationships are fixed so quickly, unlike in real life.
By page 116 he is fixing a neighbor's roof and has all the pure motives. We don't see him reading the Bible and weeping in prayer over his sin and how he's failed his family and his congregation, he's suddenly doing good works, and everything is fine.
When he meets his wife for the first time post the affair (p. 157) he yells at her. He almost demands forgiveness. This is also the first time the grandfather meets his granddaughter, Alison, and I would've loved to see some tender interactions as the godly grandfather gets to know his daughter, but there was a lot of detail about food choices.
The restoration of the relationship with his former best friend was also a warm-fuzzy as they gradually came together despite failures on both their sides, but mostly Jack's. What I didn't appreciate is that this pastor, just weeks after sleeping with another woman, is back in the pulpit and making the news. This is why sexual sin continues to grow in the church today. The elders should've been counseling him and helping his to restore his relationship with his family and make it right with his former congregation, not welcome him to preach. That was very hard to read.
Also, prior to the affair his leadership style in the church bordered on abuse and narcissism. While he changes his preaching style, these issues are only lightly touched on.
By page 257 he is drunk and finally realized it is all his fault. Yet he's been preaching and doing good works and has become the town's sweetheart. Again, not encouraged to make things right, but to live one day at a time.
And meanwhile, there are a few women that are hinted as love interests, which was not tasteful to me at all.
While there were some beautifully restored relationships, and moments of confession, I felt the issue of his affair was taken way too flippantly. I've seen too many affairs in the church and the devastation that it brings.
The timetable should've been slowed way down to bring the pastor to true repentance.
August 4, 2017
I would have given this a 4.5 if that were possible. I started reading this book because a good Protestant friend was recently talking about a great retreat he had attended years back that was given by Brennan Manning. This was Manning's last book and only novel. But I also read this book because it had been a NY Times best seller and that intrigued me--given our secular culture and the message of the book.
The writing was excellent, what I call silky. I suspect that the writing style was mostly Greg Garrett. (I do not know for sure as this is the first book I have read by either of the two authors.) The story was semi- predictable but I read the book in less than a week. That speaks well of the book given my busy schedule. I have other books I've been plowing through for months as I often am reading several books at a time.
I loved the Fr. Frank character, who was modeled after Manning according to Garrett, and was portrayed as a loving, wise, and kind-hearted priest who had his own share of public failures in life. There were a couple of non-orthodox (and very unlikely) priestly practices in which Fr. Frank engaged but perhaps that represented Manning's more liberal views of the priesthood.
I think this would be a healing book for those who have great sins that they are lugging around or for those who think they are unlovable. And for those who have freed themselves from such a heavy yoke, I think you will enjoy the humility and authenticity that Brennan Manning brings to this story wrought through his many self-acknowledged failures. May his soul rest in peace.
The writing was excellent, what I call silky. I suspect that the writing style was mostly Greg Garrett. (I do not know for sure as this is the first book I have read by either of the two authors.) The story was semi- predictable but I read the book in less than a week. That speaks well of the book given my busy schedule. I have other books I've been plowing through for months as I often am reading several books at a time.
I loved the Fr. Frank character, who was modeled after Manning according to Garrett, and was portrayed as a loving, wise, and kind-hearted priest who had his own share of public failures in life. There were a couple of non-orthodox (and very unlikely) priestly practices in which Fr. Frank engaged but perhaps that represented Manning's more liberal views of the priesthood.
I think this would be a healing book for those who have great sins that they are lugging around or for those who think they are unlovable. And for those who have freed themselves from such a heavy yoke, I think you will enjoy the humility and authenticity that Brennan Manning brings to this story wrought through his many self-acknowledged failures. May his soul rest in peace.
January 22, 2025
DNF simple and well written, but I could not stand the main character Jack. He drowns in his self pity and only seems to care about the loss of his church over the people he has hurt.
I had expected him to have a character arch when returning to his family however, they also reinforce his inability to claim responsibility for his actions. I quit reading when his father said something to the effect that “no one deserves to be abandoned by everyone they love”. This completely disregards the people who has he betrayed. He is facing the consequences of his own selfish actions. Reminded me of many Reddit stories about their cheating and their self victimization when facing the consequences.
I was raised Christian and it has always bothered me how forgiveness was prioritized over the hurt. In my experience I was taught that forgiveness was always the right thing to do and it seemed rushed. This idea seems to be portrayed in this book.
Maybe if I had kept reading he would have changed and accepted his actions, but based on the writing before I had little faith. I was too bored to continue anyway.
This is my humble opinion, take it with a grain of salt after all I have an anime girl as my pfp.
I had expected him to have a character arch when returning to his family however, they also reinforce his inability to claim responsibility for his actions. I quit reading when his father said something to the effect that “no one deserves to be abandoned by everyone they love”. This completely disregards the people who has he betrayed. He is facing the consequences of his own selfish actions. Reminded me of many Reddit stories about their cheating and their self victimization when facing the consequences.
I was raised Christian and it has always bothered me how forgiveness was prioritized over the hurt. In my experience I was taught that forgiveness was always the right thing to do and it seemed rushed. This idea seems to be portrayed in this book.
Maybe if I had kept reading he would have changed and accepted his actions, but based on the writing before I had little faith. I was too bored to continue anyway.
This is my humble opinion, take it with a grain of salt after all I have an anime girl as my pfp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2022
I've had this book in my Chirp app for some time but hadn't listened to it. I thought I needed to read Manning's other book I have first ( The Ragamuffin Gospel); however, this one actually reads as a stand-alone story, although it does refer to some characters as ragamuffins.
Despite the obvious ties to the traditional prodigal story, this one puts a modern spin on it with themes of adultery, addiction, etc. It also highlights the power of community and the need to rely on others.
Reading/listening to this makes me eager to finally read Manning's other book and to, perhaps, learn more about Manning himself since the introduction to this one discusses his life and the struggles he went through as well.
Although this book was not as compelling as many of my five-star recommendations, I still gave it a full five stars because of how easy it was to listen to and the strength of message provided.
Despite the obvious ties to the traditional prodigal story, this one puts a modern spin on it with themes of adultery, addiction, etc. It also highlights the power of community and the need to rely on others.
Reading/listening to this makes me eager to finally read Manning's other book and to, perhaps, learn more about Manning himself since the introduction to this one discusses his life and the struggles he went through as well.
Although this book was not as compelling as many of my five-star recommendations, I still gave it a full five stars because of how easy it was to listen to and the strength of message provided.
April 23, 2018
I am a huge fan of Brennan Manning's. I have read his classic "The Ragamuffin Gospel" three times and this is the one book that I give away the most and after the Bible itself, the one book that I think exemplifies grace and mercy the best. In The Prodigal, Brennan keeps his themes of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, but weaves it into a modern day retelling of the Prodigal Son. In this book, Megachurch pastor - Jack (known as "the People's Pastor") falls from grace and lands himself in a scandal. But when his estranged father, Tom (who is dying of cancer), takes him back home, he turns his life around. It is truly a powerful novel infused with the strength and love only a father can give. Brennan keeps his priestly tone, but you never feel like he is preaching at you. This is one book I will likely return to again and again.
January 20, 2018
The Prodigal: A Ragamuffin Story was for me the best book I have read in years. I am usually not much of a fiction reader—but this book hooked me. This novel was Brennan Manning’s last book before he passed away in 2014. He was the author of the best selling book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, a book I have frequently recommended for anyone who has any difficulty getting that God loves them. This moving tale, a contemporary retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son, will deeply move any ragamuffin who screwed up Act One, who is searching for or has found redemption. Authentic, raw, redemptive, moving are a few words I would use to describe the story—-I cried in part because I will miss the characters like old friends.
April 21, 2018
Good Book- The merits of a second chance
I really enjoyed this book, it reminds me of the grace of God , God's willingness to forgive me when I find it hard to forgive myself . How many times have we judged people for making a mistake , focusing on the mistakes they make and not on who they are : How many times have we beat upon ourselves because we made a mistake,one we assume is too big for God to forget.Thank God for his grace . This book reminds me that there is life after failure ,if we recognize we are all human and we find it in our hearts to give people a second chance
I really enjoyed this book, it reminds me of the grace of God , God's willingness to forgive me when I find it hard to forgive myself . How many times have we judged people for making a mistake , focusing on the mistakes they make and not on who they are : How many times have we beat upon ourselves because we made a mistake,one we assume is too big for God to forget.Thank God for his grace . This book reminds me that there is life after failure ,if we recognize we are all human and we find it in our hearts to give people a second chance
August 14, 2017
Themes of grace, forgiveness, love, mercy and service weave throughout this novel. It gently balances God's holiness with His grace and teaches a message I personally need to hear more often. In addition to this book's message, I really like the writing - it is engaging and easy to read. In fact, I read it in a single afternoon! I highly recommend The Prodigal to anyone who feels beat up by life, feels hopeless in your calling, failed in a big or small way, or needs a reminder of how much you are loved!
January 15, 2018
Great story of grace and a father's love. This is a story that doesn't promise that there won't be consequences when we make mistakes, there will be. Some of those things are very difficult to live with and most often change the course of our lives. It is packed full of heartache and regret but also love, friendship and forgiveness. Something most of can relate to in some way or another. I love the small town atmosphere with deep roots. Excellent book!
April 22, 2019
It has been a long time since I knocked off a book in one day! The novel is a modern-day retelling of the prodigal son, and puts the theory and theology of Manning’s “Ragamuffin Gospel” into a real world context from the perspective of the prodigal, in an updated guise. What a hopeful novel; we can do nothing to earn God’s grace...and don’t have to! God runs towards us while we are all still a long ways off.
September 27, 2019
Just finished this today. This book grabbed me from the beginning and never let me go. Great characterizations, clear lead character issues at the beginning, large and believable character arc, enchanting supporting cast, fast paced, nuanced humor. This is so good, it invaded my plan for today, and I was compelled to finish it. Very satisfying. My emotions went from laughs to tears to smiles. God bless the author for this work. The core issues are central to today's Christianity. Wow! And amen.
April 5, 2025
The most Gospel-centered Novel I've ever read! Excellent!!!
Perhaps the book Brennan Manning wanted to be remembered by the most! To English his "Gaga's muffin Gospel" in a real to life story so that beaten down, beleaguered saga if find might hear God's great Gospel of grace applied to forgive real sin in God's abundance!
Truly one of the best novels I've read!! I shall return to it again and again and recommend it highly!!!
Perhaps the book Brennan Manning wanted to be remembered by the most! To English his "Gaga's muffin Gospel" in a real to life story so that beaten down, beleaguered saga if find might hear God's great Gospel of grace applied to forgive real sin in God's abundance!
Truly one of the best novels I've read!! I shall return to it again and again and recommend it highly!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews