John Paton was the famous 1800's missionary to the cannibals of the South Seas islands. This is his autobiography and it is over 500 pages long. I read it slowly over about 8 weeks. It was more than worth my efforts!!
However, if you are not an avid reader, this book will probably be "too much" for you. I'd recommend getting one the shorter biographies of his life. But because this is John's first hand account - there are many fascinating stories/situations. You'll probably miss out on many of them if you opt for a biography of his life instead.
This book was inspiring and powerful. It takes you from his childhood, all the way to his later years. John Paton was sold out for Jesus, and for reaching the cannibals for Christ. Imagine landing on a primitive island, and not even speaking the language of the natives. He started from nothing! He endured much hardship,suffering,sickness and danger - especially on the first island that he was a missionary on. There were setbacks and disappointments. Many would have given up and went home, but not John Paton. Eventually, after much sacrifice and labor, he saw many natives come to Christ and their lives miraculously transformed.
On a lighter note...One part of the book left me laughing so hard that I cried! Paton was a "total abstainer" from alcohol (and he argues his choice very strongly). But one time while travelling in Australia he had a 20 mile ride on a crazy, out of control, horse. Upon reaching his destination, he was topsy turvy and could barely speak. They thought he was drunk and try as he might he couldn't convince them he was sober. You have to read it yourself - it was hysterical.
Anyways, I give this 5 stars. It is a missionary classic.