Only Son [Paperback]

John Johnson (Author), Jeff Coplon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

In the tradition of Tuesdays with Morrie comes the heartwarming story of a man who gave up a multi-million dollar contract as a television news anchor to care for, and make peace with, his dying father. John Johnson grew up in Bed-ford-Stuyvesant and Harlem, the only son of a man who worked hard to support his family, but also tyrannized them with violent outbursts and regular beatings. His childhood made Johnson tough and angry--and fueled his determination to be a successful black man in a white world. Eventually, he became one of the biggest names in New York television news. Then something happened. His mother, whom he loved dearly, died in his arms, and his father was diagnosed with lung cancer soon after. Stunned, Johnson stepped back and realized that he had been so driven to succeed that he had forgotten the values--and the people--that truly mattered. So he quit his lucrative job and hard-won career to take care of the father who had tormented him so many years ago. ONLY SON is the story of a father and son who must untangle the bitter memories of their past in order to say goodbye...with love.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Johnson lives in upstate New York.

From AudioFile

A former television newscaster writes of his struggles to forgive his abusive father, while saying good-bye to the dying man. This fairly common tale of what if's and why's in the life of an African-American man who has achieved a certain level of celebrity is raised to the level of the sublime by Thomas Penny's narration. With poignancy and subtlety, Penny reads rather than performs. By receding into the background, Penny gives the listener the opportunity to truly hear Johnson's heartfelt story of loss and redemption. P.R. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Warner (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446690775
• ISBN-13: 978-0446690775
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,117,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)