Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me by Ian Morgan Cron (A Review)

Jesus, My Father, The CIA, and Me: A Memoir... Of Sorts is a true story written by Ian Cron.  Or, at least as true as he can remember it.  This book chronicles his childhood, growing up with an alcoholic father who also turned out to periodically working for the CIA.  Cron recounts heartbreaking tales of the times his father didn't show up, or, what's worse, did show up to any number of his boyhood milestones.  Early on, the Cron family hobnobbed with celebrities, politicians, even presidents, but because of the abuse of alcohol, ended up trying to live a quietly as they could, so as not to disturb the peace.  Despite the rocky family situation, Ian was constantly pulled towards God.  He didn't always head in that direction, but ultimately, the young boy who's only wish was to be loved or, at least, merely seen by his father, was drawn to the ministry, and today serves as a priest!

Though, the subject of alcoholism and it's toll on a family, is incredibly sad and heartbreaking, Cron takes a very up-beat approach to the memoir.  It is laced with humorous anecdotes and interesting pop-culture references, which don't allow for the reader to spend too much time feeling sorry for young Ian.  In fact, for a book written on such a sad subject, I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times.  It is an interesting tale of a boy who can only see his father as a monster, and yet finds out he has served his country well as a member of the CIA.  It is difficult to put those two realities together.  Unfortunately, there is no happy ending with Ian and his father, but this is a memoir, not a fairy tale.  Ian tells it like it is.  There is a happy ending, though.  Despite his circumstances as a child of an alcoholic and despite the fact that he, himself, nearly followed very closely in his father's drunken footsteps, Ian has risen above, made his own way, and succeeded.

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.”