Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir... of Sorts

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir... of Sorts by Ian Morgan Cron is - just as the title suggests - a memoir, mostly. The author tells the story of his upbringing, and his struggle with his faith, his self identity and his self worth as he grows up with an alcoholic and often absent father, and a mother who was just doing the best she could. Both funny and extremely poignant, he weaves the story back and forth through time, ultimately completely the circle by recounting his observations and relationship as a father to his own children.

It took me some time to actually get through the beginning of this book. To be fair, it was the first time I had read an e-book on my computer, and it could have simply had something to do with the format. Once I got into the second chapter however, Cron had me utterly hooked, and I very nearly finished the entire rest of the book in one sitting. It was in turns a fascinating, heartbreaking, and hilarious journey inside one man's head, heart, and past. It had all the elements of a blockbuster movie... Intrigue, tragedy and addiction? Check. Childhood buddy shenanigans? Check. Crazy but true stories of ER visits, jumps from moving vehicles, and the guilt of stealing from church? Check, check, check. When it wasn't making me laugh or shake my head in disbelief, it was pulling at my heart and making me root for him: this man who was simply trying to find his place in the world.

Ian Morgan Cron is an excellent writer, one who draws you in with his warm, conversational style and narrative. It is a compelling story, and a quick read. What makes this book so great though is Cron's raw honesty, and his ability to recount an experience in such a way that you feel you could have been there yourself. This book makes you feel for him, through both the good moments and the bad. Nearly everyone can relate to his story, especially those with less than ideal childhoods, and those who have ever struggled with finding their way back to God.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

Unsinkable, by Abby Sunderland & Lynn Vincent

Unsinkable tells the amazing true story of a 16 year old Abby Sunderland, who in January 2010 attempted to become the youngest person ever to sail solo, nonstop, around the world. It is told from three different perspectives: that of Abby herself, a third-party narrator, and eventually a rescue team. It chronicles Abby and her family's history, the preparations that led to her trip, and the entire journey right up till her return home.

Abby's saga is a compelling one, as is that of her family. The book really takes you inside of the inner workings of the Sunderland family, and answers the questions that have been on the mind of many people since her story first hit the news waves last year. How could anyone let their 16 year old sail solo around the world? Did she really have the skills and maturity for such a trip? What was the experience like for her all alone out on the sea?

As a mother, and particularly as a homeschooling mother, I really enjoyed this book. It was both fascinating and inspirational to read about the trust, freedom, and support that they gave to Abby (as well as the rest of their children) as they followed their life-long passions and pursued their dreams. This is clearly a loving and close-knit family, and Ms Sunderland is without doubt a mature, intelligent, and skilled sailor.

The sailing information was captivating, and the entire book - especially the latter half - read like a gripping novel. Even though I knew the ultimate outcome ahead of time, I appreciated being taken along for the ride.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.

The Final Summit, by Andy Andrews

Time is running out...

The Final Summit tells the story of David Ponder, a 74 year old man who at the beginning of the book is questioning is own will to live, and his journey to convene with several other time travelers - everyone from Joan of Arc to Abraham Lincoln to Anne Frank to Winston Churchill. Their mission is to answer one single question: What must be done in order to save humanity. The answer is only two words, and they only have five chances to get it right. Racing against the clock (or the hourglass, as it were) David and this group of some of the most important people in all of history must work together to discover the answer before it is too late.

Rife with historical references and stories, the book takes place almost entirely at this meeting, this "Final Summit", as the characters discuss possible solution to the question. While Mr Andrews took some liberties with the Travelers' words, the historical facts given are indeed very true. They are also very interesting, very inspirational, and most likely pieces of information you've never learned anywhere else.

I read this book in its entirety in one weekend. It is at once suspenseful and heart warming. I have never been especially interested in history, but Andrews keeps me interested. I've never been a fan of things like time travel, but Andrews makes me a fan. He draws me in, and holds my attention until the very last word (and beyond it) I think the best writers are those that inspire you to continue thinking about their books long after you've finished them, and Andy Andrews is that writer.

This book will touch, inspire, and enlighten you. It's also just a really great edge-of-your-seat story, and I would recommend it to all.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

The Power Based Life, by Mike Flynt

Mike Flynt is a former college football player. He was kicked out of college after too many fights, and he later returned to play out his senior year at the age of 59 (becoming the oldest person to do so in NCAA history.) He committed his life to Christ, and to helping others realize their own personal dreams and goals, no matter what they may be. This book is a realization of his desire to help others by showing them how to tap into their own "power base," and live the life that they were called by God to live.

At its heart, The Power Based Life is one big pep talk, and a good one at that. Flynt uses numerous personal stories, sports stories, biblical references, and other illustrations (I'm still thinking about his little story about Sylvester Stallone) to take the reader through twelve different steps to both figure out what you were called to do, and to do it. His advice is both practical and inspirational, and it will have you fired up and excited to go out and chase your dreams.

When I first starting reading this book, I was excited about the message, but not quite as excited about his style of writing. As I got into it however, the writing didn't matter anymore, because his enthusiasm and passion rose above it. I finished it in a matter of days.

I truly loved this book, and gained much from its pages. It's a book I would recommend to anyone struggling with "finding" themselves, and it's a book that I will read again.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.”

A Time To Embrace, by Karen Kingsbury

A Time To Embrace is a story about family, faith, and forgiveness. John and Abby are a long-time married couple who have recently reconciled after being on the brink of divorce. Their rekindled relationship is strong, as is their relationship with their three children. John is a high school football coach and teacher who at the start of the book is being met with a difficult season and a complicated backlash from parents.

An accident involving both John and two of his students suddenly and violently changes everything, and forces them all to draw on their faith and their strength as they navigate through the resulting aftermath.

This was a touching book, and a quick read. The characters were strong and likeable, especially John, and the message was inspiring. My only real complaints are 1) some unnecessary and confusing subplots (for example, a son with a porn addiction. It was introduced, then quickly dropped, and really added nothing to the story) and 2) the miraculous and neatly tied up ending. I understand what the author was trying to do - demonstrate the power of prayer - and it was evident in the way everything unfolded. But prayers don't always turn out the way we want them to, as we aren't the ones in control. I felt that the message could have been even more powerful if she'd gone in another direction, and shown the characters' acceptance of a different outcome.

It was still overall a good book and an inspirational story, especially for anyone struggling with their faith.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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.