Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me

I was going to write my shortest review ever: "Buy this book." But, since Thomas Nelson requires me to write more than two hundred words on a review. I'll go ahead and elaborate on why you should buy this book. : )  Truly, I wasn't sure what to expect when I requested this book for review. Through each page, I realized that this was  more than just a book, more than just a "memoir" (of sorts), but a book of hope and healing. Ian Cron's heart bled onto each page to show the healing within himself and to bring hope to you. In my opinion this would be a good read for anyone, but this book is going to be "especially powerful" for those who grew up with addicts, lives with one, or is one. (specifically alcoholism) I would HIGHLY recommend it to those in this category.

The author writes brilliantly from the heart in a "Stand by Me" type of way. There's something about the telling of life from a young boy that is mesmerizing and captivating. This book is from the perspective of a boy who grew up with an alcoholic father who also happened to work for the CIA. Talk about secrets. It was absolutely amazing to read about the people that Ian's father rubbed shoulders with throughout his life. But, although you might think working for the CIA was living a "secretive" life, nothing was more secretive than the fact that his father was an alcoholic. I think the quote in the book by Joyce Rebeta-Burditt was the most powerful quote for me throughout the entire book:

"Alcoholism isn't a spectator sport. Eventually the whole family gets to play."


The author's recollection of the past will put you on the edge of your seat, only to have you crawling back in it while trying to hold back tears. If you are dealing with alcoholism in some way, you will gain insight and greater perspective into the truths about what it does to the addict's life and those around them. I believe Ian's father summed up the condition in a powerful way:

"Don't write checks against your life that you can't cover."


You'd think that with that advice and living with an alcoholic father, Ian Cron would have avoided alcohol like the plague. Not so. He shares his most intimate failures and struggles which open the door for others to seek the help that he did. Ian Cron is a priest because He chose to seek help and turn from the sin that destroyed his father's life and critically wounded the lives around him. Ian gives you hope . . . there is healing in a loving God who patiently waits for you to come to Him.

This book is a page turner. I read the entire second half of the book in one sitting. That's not typical for a "memoir." I read ALOT of books . . . very few can I keep on my shelves. This one will remain on my shelf . . . I want to be reminded of the powerful message within it. I believe this book has something powerful for each reader. If anything, you won't want to miss "The Dragon Coaster." I will forever remember this story . . . it captivated my heart and has given me strength to "throw my hands in the air and scream" through all of life's roller coaster rides. There is nothing to fear . . . when God is near. And He is.

*I received this book for free through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze Program in exchange for my unbiased review.