Review: Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me by Ian Morgan Cron


When you have been waiting for something for as long as I have been waiting to read this book, there is always the chance that the pages will not live up to the expectation.

From the very first chapter, this book far exceeded all expectations.

In Ian Morgan Cron's second book, Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: A Memoir of Sorts, the author takes us on an unforgettable journey through his life, his quest from childhood to become a man without the true north of having a present, sober father in his life.

The discovery of a black and white photograph of himself as a child begins the author's story, and serves as an anchor of sorts through the book. Mr. Cron takes us from that blonde-haired little boy, through a childhood with a larger-than-life, alcoholic father, who skewed not only the author's self-esteem, but also his relationship with God.

The main characters, those who have had the most impact throughout his life, are people that I will not soon forget. Most notably, his Nanny, whom in such few pages, I grew to love, and want to hug when I get to heaven, simply for her kindness to this little boy needing love.

One of my very favorite parts of the book are the brilliant ways that Ian ends each chapter. So many last sentences or paragraphs left me speechless, or in simple amazement at the beauty of it. My favorite is the last paragraph of chapter five, which Nanny features predominantly...
Minutes after Nanny died, my mother removed her cat-eye glasses and gave them to me. I've kept them in the top drawer of my bedside table for twenty-five years. I suspect they will remain there for the rest of my life. (pg. 58)
I could go on gushing about this book, as well as Mr. Cron's first novel, Chasing Francis, a work of wisdom literature, a balance of fiction and historical fact. But let me simply say, even if you do not usually read biographies and memoirs, get this book, and read it. Let yourself feel the purity and heartbreak of a child, and the unrelenting love of a God who, while at times is seemingly silent, but never stops loving and pursuing His children.

* * * * *

Win a copy of Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications have awesomely provided me with a copy of this book to give away to one reader. All you need to do to win the book is leave a comment on this post, answering the question below, then shoot me an email at misunderstood {at} sympatico {dot} ca so I will know how to contact you if you are the winner. Here is the question:

If you were to write a memoir, who is one significant person
that
your story would not be complete without?

Of the comments received, I will randomly pick a winner at 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 16, 2011.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

6 comments:

Ian said...

Hi Suzi,

Thanks for your super kind review. It means a lot to me when people take the time to read my book and make comments about it.

The passage you mentioned about my Nanny's glasses really got to me when I wrote it. It was one of the few places I cried while writing.

Cheers,

Ian

Anonymous said...

What a great review, Sue. The book sounds fascinating, one I can't wait to read. Thanks!
-Angie

Angela said...

My story would not be complete without several people, my mom for one. My daughter for two. My grand daughter for three, and Jesus for four. :) I found you through your link on Ann Voskamp's Holy Experience blog. The book sounds very interesting.

Drumszee said...

My Memoir would have to include my sister. In the middle of a winter storm, I made her walk with me so I could rant about not wanting people to depend on me, stop looking to me for advice or leadership. Let me be irresponsible and carefree

She listened and then casually said these words that changed my path..."Your a leader and always have been. Accept it and deal with it. Stop complaining. It's just the way it is."

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! Without even trying I can think of so many including my husband, daughter, Mom, Dad, mother-in-law, but I think I want to pick my father-in-law who taught me that a man can and does say "I'm sorry". What a hero he became to me that day and how much respect and admiration for him I had from that day forward - not for anything else but that.

—Mom

Joan said...

Although there are many people I could have chosen, I narrowed it down to three people that were very significant when I was growing up.

First would be the family matriarch "Ma", my great grandmother. A hardworking, humble, and selfless farm women who raised my other two choices, Grandpa Carl & Great Aunt Idie. These individuals were the most hardworking, humble, and caring people I have ever known.

These wonderful individuals were amazing role models and have long passed on leaving many fond memories.

~Joan