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

Profound and Beautiful

Have you listened to any of Andrew Klavan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the second Klavan book I've listened to. His performance was outstanding both times.

Any additional comments?

I feel as if I've just taken a long walk with Andrew Klavan. He told me a profound story full of depth and wisdom, pain and joy. I'm sad that this book is over. It's one of the most satisfying memoirs I've ever read.

Wow!

this is the best book I've read all year. it has Joy, sadness, drama, and most importantly truth. It is Well written and well-read. I will be listening to this one over and over again.

Great Book Klavan. I have already recommended it!

It was interesting to listen to someone's conversion not just as a logical statements of arguments, but as a man struggling to find something that was missing in his life. As someone who is a believer, I haven't heard God's voice in a long time, and have recently struggled with wondering if there is someone listening. This book has renewed my effort to see if I can speak with God again, and to listen closely enough to hear his response. Thanks Andrew for your great story, the first book I really reviewed and recommended to everyone.

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!

That voice

Klavan's buttery smooth voice will melt you heart. It was like he was sitting in the room and telling me his story next to a fireplace. I pictured him holding a cigar in one hand and a scotch in another.

Listening to the whole recount of how he found faith resounded in me in different ways. I had grown up a Christian, but had, at my core, some doubt that kept me from seeing God's hand in my life. My coming to faith was different than his (and admittedly less dramatic), but the sensation of clarity that he describes was the same I felt.

I have started reading more books again thanks to audiobooks, and even out of all of the books I've ever read/listened to, this is easily one of the best and one of my favorites. I've always found biographies and memoirs to be boring, but Klavan's story is filled with such passion, I could help but listen excitedly for the next chapter. This is truly an excellent read (I recommend the Audiobook, though).

Best. Book. Ever.... and I read a lot.

Do your self a favor and get the audio version and listen to the author tell the story. I finished it today and will start over at the beginning tomorrow. It is that good.

Risen

The author brought to light his life, struggles failures and successes, his trip through madness, love and discovery. He is a master story teller bringing the book together, as if a thriller, powerfully. No preaching, but real heart and soul of this, I think now, a great man. Opened my eyes more fully to the perspective of the Jewish people living in this great country.

Loved the book.

Respectfully Bill Steinwedell

Beautifully written, a joy to read

Thank you for telling your story Andrew! I loved reading this book - your prose is a joy to read. I also love your philosophy - which I can't do justice to in one sentence in an Amazon review. Amazing book!

Hysterical Mercy

This description of God' s inexpicable love for us is perfect and I thank Mr. Klavan for it.

Warm, wonderful, and wise

A delightfully enthralling, unflinchingly honest narrative that offers penetrating insight on many levels throughout. Klavan is a gifted writer and narrator. I was nervous about how well I'd be able to get into a conversion story (especially one of someone I didn't know very well), but this was a very enjoyable, captivating listen.

Beautiful

Exceptional read. It may be the best memoir I've ever read. The book has had a profound impact on me, as someone who is not only agnostic, but young. If you are unsure about your faith, looking for life guidance, or are just interested in good reading - this is the book for you. I cannot recommend it enough

I found myself in a lot of your life

I think I too am growing more crazy every day. I have isolated myself from my family and have maybe one friend. I have been saying the same thing to myself “ I don’t know how to live”.
Thanks for your book.

Brilliant

What a delightful find… a captivating and honest life journey beautifully told by Klavan. It had me hooked.

Just an amazing listen

Absolutely loved this - so much I listened to it all through in one day because I just couldn't bear to switch it off. It's very honest without being self indulgent - Klavan shares his life and faith as if you were sitting in a room together with a cup of coffee and talking like old friends. Definitely going to recommend this to a wide range of friends.

Funny old world.

Funny how a man in his 50’s from Northern Ireland finds common ground with a fellow on the other side of the world. Andrew, thank you. Our paths are different but this book has helped me end up in a similar place as you. I was lost in the middle not sure if I should pop my head above the parapet. I throughly enjoyed the book. Thanks for sharing your experiences and life with me. Forever will I know how to spell Klavan.

Open and yours and your ears

Wouldn't be this great if would be another voice. It is like he just sat down with us and told the story of his life. God bless you and your family.

I may love Andrew Klavan?

Fan of his political coverage. I decided to see where it all started, with this heartfelt journey. Brilliantly written, brilliantly narrated. - A cheap Welshman