Good discussion on Francis, a little idealistic.

What did you like best about Chasing Francis? What did you like least?

I really like the honesty in the central character as he relates to some of the modern churches stigmas, but likewise I disliked how much he presented the evangelical church as so far gone, while idealized the Catholic guys in the process. I know he had a point to make, but it feels so "setup" that it loses some authenticity.

Has Chasing Francis turned you off from other books in this genre?

No.

What three words best describe Ian Morgan Cron’s voice?

Slow, honest, normal.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

2 people found this helpful

Beautiful and radical vision for the Church

Any additional comments?

This book presents a desperately needed radical vision of both personal and corporate pursuit of God. It was well written and well narrated. It is a call for Christians to truly live out what we believe, as Francis did. While presenting a critique of the contemporary church it reminds us never to judge the Church or churches. It presents a challenge to truly live out the Sermon on the Mount with our money, priorities, peacemaking, and accepting. I believe it rightly critiques the involvement of Christians in political movements. It concludes with a challenge to be the kind of people and churches that can say to the world around us, "Come and see." Come and see a foretaste of what the Kingdom of God is like.

1 person found this helpful

Great story, but poor performance

It sounded like it was recorded in a bathroom, but the story kept me listening.

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Amazing!! Inspiring! Challenging!

I highly recommend this convicting read and I hope that you will take to the Journey, go with Francis and find Jesus for the first time, again.

2 people found this helpful

This is a book you will read and read again

I loved this book. It's great that Ian Cron also narrated it as he heart shines through the words so beautifully.

Definitely a worthwhile listen or read!

I would have loved to give this five stars, how can you not give anything talking about Christ or Francis 5 stars?!? So, my review is around the Francis and Christ content.
I enjoyed the book and found myself anxious, a few times to get back to it, when I’d finish my drive or walk and had to move on to life tasks. The storyline is enjoyable albeit a bit predictable. The characters loveable and relatable, although also a little predictable. I am verbose and I felt the text was verbose, so...for many, it might be over the top. I felt the character development was a bit long-winded and at times derisive if the very characters, I’d imagine the author wanted you to appreciate, but the insight to the American evangelical church (of which I am a member) was good-challenging-like The concept of throwing a stone into a pack of wolves and the one who yelps the loudest is the one who got hit...
Lovely threading of the Franciscan way and the teachings of Francis into the story...effective and convicting.
Overall, definitely find it worth reading (listening to) and sharing, despite some of it’s literary shortcomings. I think it was a successful approach to the author’s stated intent and I’ll look forward to trying any of his future fiction to see how he grows in his writing.

Excellent! 5 stars!!!!

Chasing Francis was the most brilliantly written book. I can identify with the spiritual and emotional journey of re-identifying myself within the church and being inspired to re-learn my theological and denominational beliefs after an experience of burnout. I want to listen to this book again! Replay!

A must read for every Christian.

Lead me to look at what is really important vs. what I thought was important.

This story was a pleasure to hear!

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing this story read by Ian Cron himself. Hearing the author’s tone & emphasis is helpful. I caught myself grinning & laughing because of the lightness of his voice or pausing the story to consider something he’d just read. What I’m trying to communicate is that the story came alive for me by listening to . I enjoy his podcast, which is why I decided to give one of his books a try. After this I’ll read (or listen to!) anything he writes.

Although I’ve imagined myself in Italy at some point, it’s a definite plan now. I’m looking forward to seeing, hearing & experiencing places I’d not considered until now. And there are a few books about St Francis that I will now tackle as well.

Thank you, Ian! This story has similarities to my own & was pure gift to me.

beautiful

this is an excellent book, captivating, and thought provoking. Well worth listening to and highly recommended.