Born Again

I have been doing a reading surge these past few months on Vietnam and the Nixon years so when a friend recommended this book it caught my interest. Mr. Colson was a key cog in the White House during the Nixon presidency and his description of this time was fascinating.Mr. Colson’s describes in detail his transition from his own state of hubris to humility, after the Watergate scandal hit. He was never convicted of anything related to the Watergate scandal but he pleaded guilty to his part in trying to discredit Daniel Ellsberg by using untruths after Ellsberg had leaked the “Pentagon Papers”. His guilty plea surprised the prosecutors because it was not expected and nor had anyone ever been convicted in a similar circumstance. Also, he clearly followed the Nixon’s orders; however this was Mr. Colson’s way of receiving closure on the entire Watergate issue -- his way of accepting responsibility for the decay that had set into the White House. Mr. Colson had been known a Nixon “bull dog” that looked after tough and sticky task that Nixon required, thus the breaking of such a strong personality was not something people saw coming.Though Mr. Colson’s was a believer before Watergate, this life crisis resulted in a new dedication of his life to Christianity. His conversion resulted in his preemptive guilty plea, shocked his own lawyer, resulted in prison time, and led to the loss of his ability to practice law.The last third of the book is Colson’s vivid description of his time in prison and how he at first survived and ultimately thrived. His writing is so clear you feel like you are locked up with him as he enters the frightening world of a U.S. Federal prison. He describes how many inmates are permanently mentally damaged as they try to tune-out the world to survive their incarnation years, but then cannot snap out of this state when they are released.The book ends with Mr. Colson’s release from prison, but you can see how this experience set up Mr. Colson’s subsequent life work of helping inmates in their families.A very good book.

The book reminded me of what God can do through one life surrendered to Christ. Even a life with a rough past. It is a gripping story that will strengthen your faith and remind you of what matters.

One of the best books I’ve ever read

I usually read only 30-45 MAX, but I've found myself into the wee hours with this one. 3 hours just wizzed by and I could not put it down. I find myself looking forward to coming home while at work, just so I can finish it. Any reviewers, likely haters of conservatives, Nixon, or specfically Colson himself may have written a few reviews to detur you, but don't. Just look at the current 4-5 star rating. This book has nothing to do with being liberal or conservative. It actually shows how belief in Jesus made arch enemies of Nixon/Colson come together in brotherhood, praying together and becoming friends. Colson's going from being a limousined elite, with an office next door to the President, to emboiled in a scandle of being a hatchetman, leaking inlfamatory info to descredit others (self admittedly after finding God), and taking him to Prison where he must constantly check his back, to eventually giving himself to the cause of prison ministry AFTER HE GOT OUT. I don't do it justice, but you will enjoy.

Much well documented Nixon era political history as well as Mr. Colson's spiritual journey. This narrative is well written, educational and engaging.

Captivating story. My only complaint is that the pictures that were included in the first editions are not included in this edition.

This book was on my son’s summer reading list. We all read it and it was very good. I love how honest the author is about his journey.

I love this book. Although I am old enough to remember Watergate, I was a child when it happened and I had never read anything about it until now. I am a born again Christian like Mr. Colson. I am extremely grateful to God that I have never served time in prison like Mr. Colson did, I have endured hard times in my life and so I am able to relate to him and his spiritual experiences. I am not sure what inspired me to read Mr. Colsons book at this time in my life, but I am grateful to God for the inspiration. Through this book I feel that I got to know Mr. Colson. I found him to be a warm, generous, caring man who was able to take a terrible experience and turn it into an opportunity to help others. God bless you dear Mr. Colson.