We are often asked what resources we would recommend for parents of prodigals. In addition to our book, Wild Child Waiting Mom, here are some recommended books:

Bringing Home the Prodigals by Rob Parsons (Colorado Springs: Authentic Publishing, 2007). The book can be found on Focus on the Family’s web site.

Back Cover: “This book is for anyone who has cried for a prodigal. This is for anyone who has whispered ‘Where did I go wrong?’ This is for anyone who wants to create a home and a church where prodigals will be welcomed.” With practical advice, Rob Parsons stirs our hearts as he urges families and churches to show prodigals unconditional love as we pray them home. Sprinkled with stories, reflections, and prayers, a few of the chapters are: “Always Leave a Light On; Who are the prodigals?; Letting Go of False Guilt,” and ”Stop Judging and Start Sharing,” Josh McDowell states, “This book can help prevent tragedy.” Dr. Rowan Williams (Archbishop of Canterbury) comments, “Bringing Home the Prodigals is both deeply practical and deeply moving; it reacquaints us with the very center of the gospel of Jesus.”

The Prodigal Brother by Sue Thompson (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 2005)

Sue Thompson writes from the view of “the brother” of the prodigal. Sue is the “brother.” As her own brother’s life spun out of control, Sue stood on the sidelines often feeling neglected as the “good” sibling as she watched her parents pour most of their time, energies and resources responding to her brother’s deep needs. Some of the chapters include: “We are All Far from Home; Pharisees Among Us; First We Must Grieve,” and “Climbing the Mountain of Forgiveness.” Back cover: “Recognizing how unresolved anger from the past can carry over into adulthood, Thompson offers ways to heal the pain of feeling second-place in a parent’s affection and attention. She also writes with sensitivity about forgiving a wayward brother or sister, without excusing the behavior.” This book is recommended to families of prodigals and is especially helpful for “the good kid” in the family who struggles with unresolved anger or shame.

Prodigals [and Those Who Love Them] by Ruth Bell Graham (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1999)

Back Cover: “Anyone who knows a prodigal or has a prodigal will benefit from this sensitive, encouraging book. It is not a ‘how to’ book that gives ways to win back a prodigal. Instead, it is a collection of readings one woman turned to for comfort when her children wandered from God. You will be touched by the honest feelings of pain, frustration, and uncertainty Mrs. Graham expresses so eloquently. And you will share in the lessons she learned about God’s sovereignty and ultimate peace.”

In this book, Mrs. Graham recounts stories about five prodigals (i.e., Augustine & John Newton), interlacing them with some of her own poems and diary entries written during the prodigal years of her two sons, as well as hymns and Bible verses that brought comfort to her own soul. Basically, the book feels like a Compilation of Comfort and Encouragement.