Wild Child Ministries

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.