Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir. . . of Sorts in Q&A with Ian Morgan Cron

Jun 16, 2011 Tina rated it it was amazing

Lethal Combination: Astute Observations on Life's Poignant and Devastating Moments with a Generous Dollop of Wit and Tenderness

Franz Kafka summed it up well when he said,"I think we ought to read only books that bite and sting us. . . . What we need are books that hit us like a most painful misfortune, like the death of someone we loved more than we love ourselves, that make us feel as though we had been banished to the woods, far from any human presence, like suicide. A book must be the axe for ...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Jennifer Jensen rated it it was amazing

What a good read! I downloaded it and read the ebook in a matter of hours. Ian’s “sort of” life story is touching, sad, funny, and spiritual. An authentic tale of his life as the son of an alcoholic part-time “Company” man, Ian weaves together the pieces of his past into a tapestry of a quest – one that every believer finds himself in the middle of, at one time or another – the search for an authentic father and a true connection to the perfect Father.
The book has the optimism that only those wh What a good read! I downloaded it and read the ebook in a matter of hours. Ian’s “sort of” life story is touching, sad, funny, and spiritual. An authentic tale of his life as the son of an alcoholic part-time “Company” man, Ian weaves together the pieces of his past into a tapestry of a quest – one that every believer finds himself in the middle of, at one time or another – the search for an authentic father and a true connection to the perfect Father.
The book has the optimism that only those who have successfully navigated a dysfunction of the highest order can honestly claim. Ian’s father was an alcoholic who had lost a good paying job that had kept the family very well. Ian had a spiritual upbringing in the Catholic church, and felt his first connection with God at his first communion. Unfortunately, to a young boy, God’s love is relevant in the immediate of his current situation or it doesn’t resonate. For Ian, the ultimate disappointment he felt in God was based on the consistent failings of his earthly father.
As Ian’s life continued, he had many desperate and difficult moments, along with an epiphany or two. One of my favorite comments in the book has to do with a college professor, who answers a student who asks about the meaning of a classic: “Sometimes it’s wiser to reverence than to parse”. Another great moment is when he asks a friend a question about God, and she replies “Son, love always stoops”.
Ian’s story is unique and interesting, with plenty of humble reflection, wise reverence in the glory of God, and in the final analysis, the continuing journey of a Christian who is trying to live up to his calling. In the words of Ian’s therapist: “I want to sit quietly for a moment to honor the story you’ve just told. It was sacred.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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Jul 27, 2011 Christina rated it it was amazing

This book is a very compelling and true story about the struggles of growing up in an alcoholic/abusive home and the impact it has on every part of your being. It is a story about anger and forgiveness, hatred and grace, and ultimately, healing. It is NOT a book about how God makes everything better. It IS a book about how God is ever-present and reaching out to help us, even when it seems as if He doesn't care at all. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, this book will speak to your heart i ...more

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Dec 10, 2011 John Martindale rated it it was amazing

Shelves: biography, favorites, audiobook

I absolutely LOVED this book, I saw a little ad on Facebook that mentioned Donald Miller thought this to be the best book of the year, so i got it and I am sooo glad i did. I found Ian Cron's writing style seemed a bit of a mix of Donald Miller and a modern G.K Chesterton. Ian Cron is a wonderful story teller, he totally pulled me in, several times I laughed out loud and few times tears formed in my eyes. I highly recommend this book to all. ...more

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Dec 12, 2011 Shanna rated it really liked it

What a well written memoir of this guys life journey and his moving forward from disfunction to life. Great, easy read.

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Oct 25, 2011 Diane rated it really liked it

another memoir I read... It was not what I expected (not as much about the cia as I thought), but it was his faith story, and there were some unexpected resonances, even though his story is so much different than mine.

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