The Boy Who Cried Abba

by Brennan Manning, Amy Grant (Foreword by)

Willie Juan, a young orphan and social outcast, learns the lessons of forgiveness, self-acceptance, and happiness, as he realizes the unconditional love of God.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Faith, Spirituality

85 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1996

About the author

Richard 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.

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking all over the Internet to see if anyone has discussed the similarities between Manning's The Boy Who Cried Abba (orig. 1996) and Thomas Klise's classic The Last Western (1974). Both novels share a young, red-headed, implausibly multiracial protagonist named Willie who grows up in Mexico/New Mexico. In both, Willie's father is a migrant worker and his grandmother is a wise woman named either Cool Dawn or Calm Sunset. In both, Willie attempts to offer a drink of water to a painted Christ in his local church, causing the paint to run and angering the priest. The plots differ fundamentally, but the similarities do not end here. I would be very curious to hear whether Manning has ever mentioned the influence of Klise's novel on his works. If anyone can point me to a relevant discussion, I'd be most grateful!

[Ben B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book a little on the simple side. That is not a bad thing, but it left me wanting more. Which is great, because it led me to read, Abba's Child. Anyway: this book, like the other Brennan Manning books I've read, has the power to change your life. Read it if you want your life to change. But only if you're prepared to allow Jesus to make the changes he wants, as opposed to the changes you think you want.

[Rosalyne Arceneaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet with some very powerful messages in there!! 5 stars towards the end of the book, but giving it 4 because didn’t LOVE the context/character line as much. Still highly recommend & thankful for its power!

[Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very touching story about a boy who felt abandoned and outcasted by his community. With time the boy gains the courage to accept himself for who he is; to forgive those who wronged him; and to find joy wherever he goes. It was a very moving story that made me feel heard.

[Jennifer Harshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ended the book a snot-faced mess. I wish Brennan written more children's stories. Loved it.

[Maddalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book inspired me to be more thankful for what I have, this story is spellbinding and wholesome.

[Chara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Brother, if I speak to you in any language, human or angelic--but do not love you, I am not your friend, If I share all my knowledge with you so that you understand everything in the whole wide world--but do not love you, I am no friend at all. If I give all my food to feed your family and give all my money to take care of all your needs--but do not love you , I am no friend at all. If I give all my food to feed your family and give all my money to take care of all your needs--but do not love you, I am not your friend. Wille Juan, because I am your friend, I will always be patient with you. I will always be kind to you. I will never act stuck-up with you. I will never be rude to you, I won't befriend you just to get what I can from you. I won't lose my temper when you disappoint me, Nor will I rejoice when you do wrong things, but I will celebrate when you are true to yourself, There will be no limit to my forgiveness of your failings, to my trust in you, to my power to endure all the difficulties of being your friend. Willie Juan, I will never fail you." (33)

Ah, my little child I must tell you with a heavy heart that so many who claim to know El Shaddai do not long for Him(45,46)

I am most known as Danger, Wille Juan, I make my presence known in water,wind, and fire. I am Spirit, without shape, form, or face. Those who seek safety try to summon me like a tame lapdog. They crave security instead of growth. They have no tolerance for mystery, certain that they can know everything knowable. The weak-kneed do not love Danger, They are afraid I will call them to become what they are not. They call me Comforter for all the wrong reasons and are surprised when no comfort comes to them." (54)

"One whose smile, like lightning, will set free the song of glory that now sleeps inside you soul.(55)

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A teased, abused crippled boy finds unconditional love in his grandmother and in the Medicine Man, who helps him to forgive, accept himself, love the Medicine Man above all else and find a life transformed into joy.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short book with a great message. After reading, I felt more calm and trusting. I loved the narrative. The story is about a boy who is teased and picked on but is filled with compassion. I would have preferred to see the back story of his parents more developed.

[Eben · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent parable. I saw Manning speak, and he used illustrations from this book. His personal trials really shine through this parable. It is well worth the purchase and time to read it!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, very quick read. This was the first Brennan Manning book I ever read after being introduced to his writing while on a mission trip in Austria. Great parable!

[Alden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. We all carry the hurt and brokenness of the boy and can find that same kind of love from our Abba.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful little book about the power of faith and learning to love yourself as Jesus does. It's a super quick read and I would recommend it and read it again.

[Tracy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my altime favorite books