The Great Good Thing

A Secular Jew Comes to Faith in Christ

By: Andrew Klavan

Narrated by: Andrew Klavan

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

How did a New York-born, Jewish, former-atheist novelist and screenwriter - a winner of multiple Edgar Awards, whose books became films with Clint Eastwood and Michael Douglas - find himself at the age of 50 being baptized and confessing Jesus as Lord? That's a tale worth telling.

From his childhood outside New York City through his years as college-dropout wanderer and on to his growing success as a writer, Andrew Klavan consumed stories. From novels and plays to movies and the Bible, literature helped him interpret the world and understand his place in it. Dropping out of college to wander the country as an itinerant journalist, he met the woman who became his wife - and tales of marriage have been central to his writing ever since.

Wrestling with severe depression that took him to the brink of suicide, his readings of Hamlet and even Freud became crucial life-giving supports. And lying in bed reading Patrick O'Brien's seafaring tales, he found the courage to say a prayer - "thank you" - that overturned his life and led, inevitably, to his baptism in New York City a few days after his father's memorial service. The stories of Western literature led Andrew Klavan to Jesus. This is Klavan's story of that journey.

©2016 Andrew Klavan (P)2016 Thomas Nelson Publishers

Loved this book

I have been listening to podcasts of Andrew Klavan for a while. I can't wait each evening after work to listen to his hilarious account of politics and what is going on in the world. I bought this audible on preorder because he had talked about it. Listening to this book was like and intimate conversation with someone I already liked. It is a wonderful book. I liked it so much I bought the hard copy to give to my husband to read. Thank you Andrew Klavan for sharing this well written and joyful book!

Very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your story.

I gave this book 5 stars because to start, the narration is exceptional. I find the author is often the best narrator especially when they have a front stage voice. The story is an honest sharing of personal life history which can be shocking at times but also human. I laughed once, I teared up once, but mostly proceeded with interest. I would recommend this to Mr. Klavan’s fans.

Save the Klavan!

Andrew is a fantastic writer. I’ve listened to his podcasts for a while and really enjoyed this book. His great personality shines through his writing very much. Although the book goes through some of the more trying time of his life, the story ends on a warm-ish note. Through Andrew I’ve learned how to make sense of my own journey back to being a practicing Christian after not giving religion much thought for 20 or so years.

It's a book! And a good one even!

Overall, I'd say this is a book that just so happens to be a good book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes books.

great reading by the author

very inspiring and heartwarming. the author is also very good at reading his own story.

Great good book!

Love this author! Amazing writing! I would highly recommend the read. He has a way with words that is just poetic.

Extremely enjoyable

A very personal account of an improbable transition. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to any fellow atheist as a glimpse into a christian mind.

The story Francis Schaffer would love

This is one of the most honest stories I have ever heard. It rings if intellectual, emotional and relational honesty.

Wonderful and glorious!

Klavan has a fascinating life. His insights into God's work in his life are priceless.

great writer, interesting story

crafter and artist of words, authentic honest story, interesting and compelling narration. Klavan piqued my hunger to read more books.