A Bounty of Books

Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale by Ian Morgan Cron is a combination novel/mini-biography of St. Francis of Assisi. At the beginning of the study guide included in the back, Cron writes, "Chasing Francis is written in a genre called wisdom literature, which is a delicate balance of fiction and non-fiction, pilgrimage and teaching." I had never heard of wisdom literature outside of ancient texts, but after reading Chasing Francis, I found myself wishing there were more examples in the modern world.

Using the meltdown, pilgrimage, and restoration of the faith of his main character, Pastor Chase Falson, Cron gives the reader a look into the life of St. Francis. Chase finds many similarities between the state of the church during Assisi's time and how it related to the world, and the state of the church and how it relates to the world today. Assisi and his teachings were thought to be radical and out of touch with the establishment of his day, but his willingness to simply take what Scripture says and obey it without trying to find a deeper meaning, drew thousands and helped renew their faith in, and relationship with, their Creator. This resonates with Chase who experiences his own restoration through learning about St. Francis.

The story of a pastor burning out and finding restoration is an effective vehicle to teach the reader about St. Francis, which is what Cron was intending to do from the beginning. There are large excerpts from many books about St. Francis, and much of the dialogue is about his life as well. The way it is intertwined with the story is seamless and not at all burdensome. In the back, Cron provides a chapter by chapter study guide that the reader can use to further study the life of St. Francis, and see how what he believed can impact his/her life. There is also an extensive bibliography included for anyone interested in reading other works about him.

Chasing Francis provides an enjoyable reading experience that includes the profound insight and sharp wit that made Cron's memoir Jesus, the CIA, My Father, and Me a bestseller. Coupled with the life and lessons of one of the church's most beloved saints, I'd recommend Chasing Francis to just about anyone. It will appeal to readers of various genres, and at barely over 200 pages, is definitely worth the investment.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze 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

Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me by Ian Cron is easily the best book I've read all year, and would probably fall in the top ten books I've ever read, if I could ever sit down and make such a list. This was the first memoir I've read; I had an obviously wrong preconceived idea that memoirs were dry and whiny accounts of people who thought they'd had a unique life. I wouldn't have even picked this up if it weren't for the title. I simply couldn't resist finding out what was inside the pages of a book with such an intriguing title.

What I found was nothing short of the literary equivalent of an exquisite Pavlova - it's light but surprisingly filling, and absolutely delicious. (Thanks to my friend Kristen for the comparison!) It was a feast of imagery, humor, and poignant moments that caught me by surprise. Cron's use of language is nothing short of masterful. As he recounts growing up the youngest son of an alcoholic father who worked off and on for the CIA (a fact Cron didn't know until much later) I felt as though I was there with him experiencing each moment he recounts.

There were moments I was struck with sadness; moments when I laughed out loud so hard I startled the dog; moments when I felt the presence of Christ. I felt a strong sense of connection with this man whose life has been nothing like mine, save for the fact that we are both seekers of the One who saved us.

I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Usually, books are enjoyed by a specific population. Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me however, cannot be put in such a box. It is so well written, with such a universal sense of story that anyone who picks it up will be delighted, inspired, amused, challenged, and left with a sense of appreciation for the story of humanity.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze 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