Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me
By Ian Cron
Published by Thomas Nelson
The book description was intriguing.
The cover had a kind of cute coolness.
I was hooked.
Then … I was disappointed.
Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me is the “mostly true” story of Ian Morgan Cron’s life growing up within an affluent, roller-coaster ride of a family. Ian’s father, an unpredictable alcoholic, is not only the center, albeit generally absent, of the family, but leads a secretive life as an agent for the CIA. Beginning in his early teenage years, Ian’s life spirals out of control through alcohol and drug abuse. His alternating “bad-boy” vs. “good-boy” lifestyle portrays a confused and hurting young man. As his partying lifestyle continues into adulthood, Ian is forced to face his childhood past. He must make the decision of whether to deal with his ghosts, or allow them to continue to control his life.
Once the reader finally gets to the actual story, it is a good tale. However, from a Christian viewpoint, it presents some very questionable theology. From a literary viewpoint, I also found way too much extra content and general “fluff” to recommend this book. I ran across a number of unnecessary “big words” that I had to actually look-up. (Note: Thanks to reading it on my NookColor that was feasible.) This certainly presented a distasteful ostentatiousness (yes, ironically ostentatiousness is not found in my dictionary … ).
Recommend? Maybe, if it is on the bargain shelf. I would not spend much money on it. That said, it does have some read-worthy content … after the literary fluff is sorted through.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
See a preview of this book here.