I’m a new fan of Ian Cron’s writing. Brilliant is all I can say. His latest novel was a page turner I couldn’t get enough of which led me to his first book, a memoir (of sorts, as he calls it), Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from Thomas Nelson through the Booksneeze program in exchange for my review.)
First of all, how do you resist a title like that? It sounds like the setup to a great joke when in fact, it’s major components of Cron’s life as the son of an alcoholic who seemingly couldn’t hold a job but was really working for the CIA. Cron chronicles his journey of faith from childhood through his own bout with alcoholism and beyond. Though he offers the disclaimer that he might not remember things exactly as they happened, the story still comes across as honest. Cron pulls no punches when he talks about his drinking or his spiritual life or what it’s like to reconcile the father you thought you knew with the man others knew him to be, and to do it after he died.
Though painful to read at times, Cron’s humor comes through, making the book a journey with ups and downs, just like real life.
I wouldn’t call it a “feel good” book but you don’t come away discouraged, either. Cron’s story offers hope for those who struggle with absent or abusive fathers, addictions and doubt, among other things. His is an “I’ve been there, too” kind of story–the kind we need to hear more often from our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Add this one to your “to-read” pile. You won’t be sorry you did.