What do you think?
Rate this book
The Other Side of Suffering: The Father of JonBenét Ramsey Tells the Story of His Journey from Grief to Grace
The untold story of how John Ramsey survived unspeakable tragedy and learned to hope again.
Like the biblical Job, John Ramsey had it all—wealthy, social position, a loving family. And like Job, Ramsey was destined for great affliction, as many of the most precious things in his life were cruelly taken from him.
First came the death of his eldest daughter in a car accident in 1992. Then, four years later, his beloved six-year-old, JonBenét, was murdered; Ramsey was the one who discovered her body, concealed in the basement of his family's home. The case drew international media attention, and—compounding Ramsey's woe—suspicion unfairly focused on Ramsey and his wife, Patsy. Although they were ultimately cleared of any connection with the crime, Ramsey's sorrows did not end. In 2006, Patsy died, at 49, of ovarian cancer.
In this remarkable book, Ramsey reveals how he was sustained by faith during the long period of spiritual darkness, and he offers hope and encouragement to others who suffer tragedy and injustice.
Like the biblical Job, John Ramsey had it all—wealthy, social position, a loving family. And like Job, Ramsey was destined for great affliction, as many of the most precious things in his life were cruelly taken from him.
First came the death of his eldest daughter in a car accident in 1992. Then, four years later, his beloved six-year-old, JonBenét, was murdered; Ramsey was the one who discovered her body, concealed in the basement of his family's home. The case drew international media attention, and—compounding Ramsey's woe—suspicion unfairly focused on Ramsey and his wife, Patsy. Although they were ultimately cleared of any connection with the crime, Ramsey's sorrows did not end. In 2006, Patsy died, at 49, of ovarian cancer.
In this remarkable book, Ramsey reveals how he was sustained by faith during the long period of spiritual darkness, and he offers hope and encouragement to others who suffer tragedy and injustice.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
33 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 9, 2012
Spiritual Truths Behind the Media’s JonBenet Ramsey Tale
Here’s one more shocker about the Ramsey murder case: Just when John Ramsey thought he had suffered more tragedies than Job, his deepening Christian faith led him to spend several months serving the poor in India. That’s where he really saw the nature of suffering first hand. It’s all part of his powerful new memoir that, as a journalist who has watched this story unfold for decades, is clearly the most important insight we’ve seen in this otherwise unrelenting tragedy.
Yes, this story ranks with the trials of Job. But this new book is not a wallowing in self-pity, as much as Ramsey would be justified in doing so. Rather, The Other Side of Suffering now stands as must-read testimony for anyone who is seriously interested in coping with grief and personal injustice, for anyone interested in spiritual formation and for anyone wanting to learn more about peacemaking.
First, let’s be clear about the facts: The question of the Ramseys’ innocence now is carved in granite. New DNA science has ruled them out. Police have publicly apologized to them. Oprah has hosted an exonerating special broadcast. There is no question: Rather than horrific parents who killed their own child, the Ramseys truly were innocents trapped in a tale like Hitchcock’s “Wrong Man.”
So, what does John Ramsey have to say about coping with grief? Well, this family was deeply touched by tragedy, even more than most Americans realized. Earlier, in 1992, the older daughter Beth was killed in an auto accident at age 22. We know from books like Guide for Grief by Rodger Murchison that the untimely death of a child is enough to tear apart a healthy family. The Ramseys were barely coping with Beth’s death when JonBenet was murdered.
Then, Patsy—the spiritual core of the family, this new book explains—faced a second battle with ovarian cancer. Patsy was a remarkable woman and a person of deep faith. Patsy’s reliance on the Bible and prayer (especially readings from the Psalms) is moving for anyone coping with grief. Patsy finally died of her cancer in 2006 at age 49, about two years before the complete exoneration of the Ramseys finally splashed across the news media. Think you’re dealing with the loss, the rage, the hopelessness of grief? Read this new book and you’ll find a wise, battle-scarred companion who has been there before you, and survived.
What does John Ramsey have to say about spiritual formation? He is clear throughout the book that he is neither a theologian nor a pastor. He’s a business executive, a father, a husband, a man trapped in a tragedy; and he admits that he discovered in the depths of his grief that his Christian faith was “immature,” to use his term. By every civic measure of religious commitment, John Ramsey looked like a pillar of the church. In fact, his faith was far too shallow to sustain him. Throughout this new book, we glean spiritual insights along with Ramsey from writers as diverse as C.S. Lewis and Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Ramsey never boasts. For years to come, people will read The Other Side of Suffering as an inspiring case study of a man and his wife who took the tough, step-by-step journey to deepen their faith and finally to lay a new and solid spiritual foundation.
What about peacemaking? This is probably the most surprising revelation in the new book and has largely been ignored by other news media covering The Other Side of Suffering. But, at one point in this unfolding drama, Patsy Ramsey was doing a live radio interview and was asked if she wanted to see JonBenet’s murderer sentenced to death. Immediately and honestly, Patsy replied: No. She had seen enough death. This turning point in the drama also involves John Ramsey, who began to wonder what yet another death would mean, even if JonBenet’s murderer finally is captured. At this point in the book, Ramsey writes about what he learned from the Amish after the Nickel Mines tragedy, for example. (I would recommend Don Kraybill’s The Amish Way if you care to read about that larger story.) What John Ramsey describes from his own experience is the kind of real-life story of a change in heart that Daniel Buttry profiles in a book like Blessed Are the Peacemakers. The new memoir by John Ramsey is neither a manifesto on pacifism nor a political argument about capital punishment, but it does stand as moving testimony from a family radically transformed by grace into seeing the nature of punishment and violence in new terms. Peacemakers will be reading this book for many years.
Finally, you may not immediately think of this book for small-group discussion in your congregation but I highly recommend it for that purpose. The topic is sure to draw a curious crowd and John Ramsey’s story honestly and compellingly moves us toward faith and hope.
Mere Christianity
Gift from the Sea
The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Here’s one more shocker about the Ramsey murder case: Just when John Ramsey thought he had suffered more tragedies than Job, his deepening Christian faith led him to spend several months serving the poor in India. That’s where he really saw the nature of suffering first hand. It’s all part of his powerful new memoir that, as a journalist who has watched this story unfold for decades, is clearly the most important insight we’ve seen in this otherwise unrelenting tragedy.
Yes, this story ranks with the trials of Job. But this new book is not a wallowing in self-pity, as much as Ramsey would be justified in doing so. Rather, The Other Side of Suffering now stands as must-read testimony for anyone who is seriously interested in coping with grief and personal injustice, for anyone interested in spiritual formation and for anyone wanting to learn more about peacemaking.
First, let’s be clear about the facts: The question of the Ramseys’ innocence now is carved in granite. New DNA science has ruled them out. Police have publicly apologized to them. Oprah has hosted an exonerating special broadcast. There is no question: Rather than horrific parents who killed their own child, the Ramseys truly were innocents trapped in a tale like Hitchcock’s “Wrong Man.”
So, what does John Ramsey have to say about coping with grief? Well, this family was deeply touched by tragedy, even more than most Americans realized. Earlier, in 1992, the older daughter Beth was killed in an auto accident at age 22. We know from books like Guide for Grief by Rodger Murchison that the untimely death of a child is enough to tear apart a healthy family. The Ramseys were barely coping with Beth’s death when JonBenet was murdered.
Then, Patsy—the spiritual core of the family, this new book explains—faced a second battle with ovarian cancer. Patsy was a remarkable woman and a person of deep faith. Patsy’s reliance on the Bible and prayer (especially readings from the Psalms) is moving for anyone coping with grief. Patsy finally died of her cancer in 2006 at age 49, about two years before the complete exoneration of the Ramseys finally splashed across the news media. Think you’re dealing with the loss, the rage, the hopelessness of grief? Read this new book and you’ll find a wise, battle-scarred companion who has been there before you, and survived.
What does John Ramsey have to say about spiritual formation? He is clear throughout the book that he is neither a theologian nor a pastor. He’s a business executive, a father, a husband, a man trapped in a tragedy; and he admits that he discovered in the depths of his grief that his Christian faith was “immature,” to use his term. By every civic measure of religious commitment, John Ramsey looked like a pillar of the church. In fact, his faith was far too shallow to sustain him. Throughout this new book, we glean spiritual insights along with Ramsey from writers as diverse as C.S. Lewis and Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Ramsey never boasts. For years to come, people will read The Other Side of Suffering as an inspiring case study of a man and his wife who took the tough, step-by-step journey to deepen their faith and finally to lay a new and solid spiritual foundation.
What about peacemaking? This is probably the most surprising revelation in the new book and has largely been ignored by other news media covering The Other Side of Suffering. But, at one point in this unfolding drama, Patsy Ramsey was doing a live radio interview and was asked if she wanted to see JonBenet’s murderer sentenced to death. Immediately and honestly, Patsy replied: No. She had seen enough death. This turning point in the drama also involves John Ramsey, who began to wonder what yet another death would mean, even if JonBenet’s murderer finally is captured. At this point in the book, Ramsey writes about what he learned from the Amish after the Nickel Mines tragedy, for example. (I would recommend Don Kraybill’s The Amish Way if you care to read about that larger story.) What John Ramsey describes from his own experience is the kind of real-life story of a change in heart that Daniel Buttry profiles in a book like Blessed Are the Peacemakers. The new memoir by John Ramsey is neither a manifesto on pacifism nor a political argument about capital punishment, but it does stand as moving testimony from a family radically transformed by grace into seeing the nature of punishment and violence in new terms. Peacemakers will be reading this book for many years.
Finally, you may not immediately think of this book for small-group discussion in your congregation but I highly recommend it for that purpose. The topic is sure to draw a curious crowd and John Ramsey’s story honestly and compellingly moves us toward faith and hope.
Mere Christianity
Gift from the Sea
The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
April 28, 2012
I read the Death of Innocence written by John Ramsey and his wife Patsy. In the book they described the murder of their daughter JonBenet and their Christian faith. Their book along with FBI profiler, John Douglas's account of JonBenet's murder in The Cases that Haunt Us have led me to the conclusion that a miscarriage of justice has been done to the Ramsey family. Later developments in DNA evidence has only gone on to support the conclusion that the murder was committed by an unknown person who broke into the family home. John Douglas said something in his book that really stuck, the only thing worse than having your child murdered is to be accused of it when you are innocent. Since those two book have been written Patsy Ramsey has died from the ovarian cancer that was first diagnosed in 1994. John Ramsey has not only lost his two daughters but his wife as well. It is in that context that he share his belief in God. According to his faith God does not promise to save you from terrible things happening in your life but he does promise to be there to help you through. If you have read Death of Innocence, many of the same events are recounted in this book. It seems that little advancement has been made in the case and John seems to have made peace with the fact that justice for the murder of his daughter may not be delivered on an earthly plane. This book is written from a faith based perspective. It seems that in losing it all, John Ramsey has found what really matters. It is heartening to see that suffering can lead to a deeper faith and even eventually the feeling of happiness again.
August 28, 2012
A truly incredible story of courage, perseverance and faith. I highly recommend this book.
August 7, 2016
I learned so much about the Ramsey family from reading this book. The “real” story, not the story the media gave us. I won’t even go into my thoughts about the media. They aren’t good.
I now have a better picture of the Ramsy’s as a family, where they lived, how their family life was, and it makes my belief that none of them had anything to do with what happened to JonBenét. I think the police and the media dropped the ball big time on this one!
I followed this story from the very beginning and my heart ached for JonBenét and what she must have gone through, and for Patsy, John and Burke, as well as Melinda and John Andrew, John’s children from a previous marriage. I can not imagine the pain they must have suffered through. But for Patsy, John and Burke to be suspects was to be expected at first, but to not clear them when there was evidence to the contrary was just cruel.
The author has suffered so much more in his life than I was aware of, and he shows how is Faith got him through the dark days…years of his suffering.
To the reviewers that seem to think he only wrote this book for the money, I know that if I was accused for years (nationwide no less) of such a horrible crime, and I was innocent, I would definitely want to get my story out.
I recommend this book to any one who likes true crime, or wants to know more of the story than the media told.
I now have a better picture of the Ramsy’s as a family, where they lived, how their family life was, and it makes my belief that none of them had anything to do with what happened to JonBenét. I think the police and the media dropped the ball big time on this one!
I followed this story from the very beginning and my heart ached for JonBenét and what she must have gone through, and for Patsy, John and Burke, as well as Melinda and John Andrew, John’s children from a previous marriage. I can not imagine the pain they must have suffered through. But for Patsy, John and Burke to be suspects was to be expected at first, but to not clear them when there was evidence to the contrary was just cruel.
The author has suffered so much more in his life than I was aware of, and he shows how is Faith got him through the dark days…years of his suffering.
To the reviewers that seem to think he only wrote this book for the money, I know that if I was accused for years (nationwide no less) of such a horrible crime, and I was innocent, I would definitely want to get my story out.
I recommend this book to any one who likes true crime, or wants to know more of the story than the media told.
June 27, 2012
John Ramsey, father of late JonBenet Ramsey found murdered in the basement of their family home, collaborates with award-winning author Marie Chapian to “…tell the story of his journey from grief to grace…” in “The other side of Suffering.”
John and Patsy Ramsey appeared to have it all—loving marriage, healthy children, affectionate, close family, wealth, career, social position–their lives mirrored the American dream. “What could happen that a good job and money couldn’t handle,” writes John.
However, the unimaginable did happen with tragic events that would destroy the Ramsey’s fragile dream world, test their faith and rock the very foundations of theirs and ultimately John’s world. Instead of living the American dream, John and Patsy’s life soon resembled that of Job’s life from the Bible.
John’s time of suffering began with the death of his eldest daughter Beth who was killed in a car accident in 1992. Only his wife Patsy, their family and close friends knew the depths of grief that tested his guilt-ridden “cultural Christian faith.” His tears were shed in private, only the funeral was public.
However, there would be nothing private about Jon Benet’s murder four years later, a crime that would “…draw international media attention…” and make the Ramsey family a public spectacle. Especially when the entire world learned the Boulder City Police department cast John and Patsy Ramsey as their prime suspects.
Chapter one of this powerful, emotional book begins…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/7ty56ug
John and Patsy Ramsey appeared to have it all—loving marriage, healthy children, affectionate, close family, wealth, career, social position–their lives mirrored the American dream. “What could happen that a good job and money couldn’t handle,” writes John.
However, the unimaginable did happen with tragic events that would destroy the Ramsey’s fragile dream world, test their faith and rock the very foundations of theirs and ultimately John’s world. Instead of living the American dream, John and Patsy’s life soon resembled that of Job’s life from the Bible.
John’s time of suffering began with the death of his eldest daughter Beth who was killed in a car accident in 1992. Only his wife Patsy, their family and close friends knew the depths of grief that tested his guilt-ridden “cultural Christian faith.” His tears were shed in private, only the funeral was public.
However, there would be nothing private about Jon Benet’s murder four years later, a crime that would “…draw international media attention…” and make the Ramsey family a public spectacle. Especially when the entire world learned the Boulder City Police department cast John and Patsy Ramsey as their prime suspects.
Chapter one of this powerful, emotional book begins…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/7ty56ug
December 30, 2014
I don't think he killed her, but even after reading this, I'm still not convinced that he didn't cover up for Patsy killing her. I believe they think God has forgiven them and they didn't have to come clean to society in order to be forgiven by The Lord. I'm still more convinced by Steve Thomas's account than this story of John Ramsey's.
****UPDATE****After reading Foreign Faction and some other books after this book, my views have changed yet again on who I think did it. I have three different theories now. In every theory, the parents are involved, whether committing the crime or covering it up.
****UPDATE****After reading Foreign Faction and some other books after this book, my views have changed yet again on who I think did it. I have three different theories now. In every theory, the parents are involved, whether committing the crime or covering it up.
August 22, 2016
Surprisingly Uplifting.
I've never read any of the books the Ramseys' wrote until this one. Going through numerous challenges, I picked it solely because of the title: 'The Other Side of Suffering.' I figured if anyone was qualified to write on the subject, John Ramsey fit the bill.
I was unsure what to expect—probably a good thing, as it enabled me to take the book & it's various messages as they were & without bias.
Simply put, while I wouldn't say I'm religious in the way John Ramsey is, spiritually, I believe much of what's said can be applied to anybody—not just those who necessarily believe in God. The advice of 'don't make big decisions following a tragedy' is one I wish I'd known/taken a few years ago... And how painfully this point & many others were driven home yesterday when I realized, & stated to my mum, 'I don't know how to handle anything anymore because we're in a place were we/I can't buy our way out.'
A glaringly ridiculous testimony to my own privilege? Yes. However, I found it an equally poignant message for all desperate to win the lottery, for anyone always chasing the next thing... It may give you money, but some things, the things we want most—time with those we love—cannot be bought. Even medically speaking, treatments may or may not work. No magic number in the bank will change it.
While this book touches heavily on the loss of JonBenet, there's much more depth than that story. John Ramsey may not have all the answers on relief of suffering, but he did a damn good job of helping put things in to perspective. For that, I'm eternally grateful. I'd recommend it to others who are struggling with/facing loss. The feelings & emotions covered are spot on & I appreciate it coming from a real person. Self Help books don't do justice compared to the personal narrative... At least not when we're talking serious suffering, grief & loss. 5 stars.
I've never read any of the books the Ramseys' wrote until this one. Going through numerous challenges, I picked it solely because of the title: 'The Other Side of Suffering.' I figured if anyone was qualified to write on the subject, John Ramsey fit the bill.
I was unsure what to expect—probably a good thing, as it enabled me to take the book & it's various messages as they were & without bias.
Simply put, while I wouldn't say I'm religious in the way John Ramsey is, spiritually, I believe much of what's said can be applied to anybody—not just those who necessarily believe in God. The advice of 'don't make big decisions following a tragedy' is one I wish I'd known/taken a few years ago... And how painfully this point & many others were driven home yesterday when I realized, & stated to my mum, 'I don't know how to handle anything anymore because we're in a place were we/I can't buy our way out.'
A glaringly ridiculous testimony to my own privilege? Yes. However, I found it an equally poignant message for all desperate to win the lottery, for anyone always chasing the next thing... It may give you money, but some things, the things we want most—time with those we love—cannot be bought. Even medically speaking, treatments may or may not work. No magic number in the bank will change it.
While this book touches heavily on the loss of JonBenet, there's much more depth than that story. John Ramsey may not have all the answers on relief of suffering, but he did a damn good job of helping put things in to perspective. For that, I'm eternally grateful. I'd recommend it to others who are struggling with/facing loss. The feelings & emotions covered are spot on & I appreciate it coming from a real person. Self Help books don't do justice compared to the personal narrative... At least not when we're talking serious suffering, grief & loss. 5 stars.
August 8, 2019
After their daughter's murder in December of 1996, the Ramsey's were placed under a microscope, and their lives were turned upside down. As if facing the senseless loss of their six-year-old daughter wasn't enough, the Ramsey's found themselves entangled in the web of a media storm that tried and convicted them in the court of public opinion. The Ramseys quickly became the most hated couple in America, and many to this day, still believe that they got away with murder. Newly tested DNA evidence officially cleared the Ramsey family of any involvement in their daughter's murder in 2008, but the negative perception of the Ramsey family can still be seen in news articles and online forums today.
In The Other Side of Suffering, John Ramsey talks about the deaths of his oldest daughter Beth, JonBenet, and, most recently the death of his wife, Patsy. The losses he and his family have endured are heartbreaking, and his insight on grief and loss are profound. It's hard to imagine going through such horrific losses and not being hateful and bitter. His words are the opposite of what you will expect. Rather than lashing out and speaking ill of the world, he speaks of love, hope, and his faith in God that will one day allow him to see all of his loved ones again.
In The Other Side of Suffering, John Ramsey talks about the deaths of his oldest daughter Beth, JonBenet, and, most recently the death of his wife, Patsy. The losses he and his family have endured are heartbreaking, and his insight on grief and loss are profound. It's hard to imagine going through such horrific losses and not being hateful and bitter. His words are the opposite of what you will expect. Rather than lashing out and speaking ill of the world, he speaks of love, hope, and his faith in God that will one day allow him to see all of his loved ones again.
April 29, 2012
Like most of the country, I remember the JonBenet Ramsey case and followed the media circus and saw the tabloids at the grocery counter. I didn’t know what to think until I saw an interview with John and Patsy with Bill Kurtis, and years later read the case in detail on a true crime site. Obviously the case is unsolved, none of us were there, so all we as the audience have is opinion. I don’t believe the Ramseys killed their daughter.
What I liked about Mr. Ramsey’s book is what he what he brought to the surface about the tragedy. Many of us find inner peace in faith, which is understandable in his case. But he pointed out what he learned about in his own life and success; the most important things cannot be bought. No house, no car, no boat, no airplane can replace the ones you love.
Mr. Ramsey makes it clear what was the worst for he and his wife in the whole ordeal of the murder of his beautiful JonBenet; it was losing their daughter. If nothing else can be taken from this book, to me, that’s the most prominent message he’s giving to readers. I highly recommend this to anyone that’s ever experienced loss. Five Stars!
What I liked about Mr. Ramsey’s book is what he what he brought to the surface about the tragedy. Many of us find inner peace in faith, which is understandable in his case. But he pointed out what he learned about in his own life and success; the most important things cannot be bought. No house, no car, no boat, no airplane can replace the ones you love.
Mr. Ramsey makes it clear what was the worst for he and his wife in the whole ordeal of the murder of his beautiful JonBenet; it was losing their daughter. If nothing else can be taken from this book, to me, that’s the most prominent message he’s giving to readers. I highly recommend this to anyone that’s ever experienced loss. Five Stars!
March 18, 2012
I admit I was one of the ones who have sometimes thought maybe the Ramseys were guilty, even after they were formally cleared...but after reading this book, all doubts have been put to rest forever. This is a wonderful Christian guide to putting your life back together after a tragedy or loss, while leaning on God. John Ramsey has suffered more loss in his life than anyone should have to bear...and this book is about his journey back to peace and happiness. It is beautifully written and I highly recommend it to Christians, non-believers, those suffering from loss, or as a handbook for just-in-case.
April 5, 2021
Wow! I finished that book fast. It was very good! It was about John’s spiritual journey through all the hard stuff in his life. His relationship with God really developed and he was able to get to the other side of suffering. Highly recommend if you had any interest in this case or not.
January 21, 2012
On Christmas night 1996, six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was violently murdered in the basement of her Boulder, Colorado, home while the rest of her family slept upstairs in their beds. Her father, John Ramsey, was placed under an umbrella of suspicion as being her killer. Her mother, Patsy Ramsey, who was battling ovarian cancer at the time, was publicly placed under that same umbrella. The Other Side of Suffering is John Ramsey’s story of the tremendous suffering and heartache he has endured in his life. But this is not just the story of a singular horrific event, and it is not the story you’ve heard over and over from the news media. It is, in a story never before told, John Ramsey’s personal journey of suffering, courage, and faith.
Extremely well written and filled with emotion, this book contains many sad and incredible stories told to illustrate John Ramsey's journey through suffering and faith. Although I initially approached reading this book with skepticism, I soon found myself reading through tear-filled blurry eyes. By the time I had finished reading, I had openly wept several times throughout the book.
This book was written as an encouragement to those who might otherwise abandon their faith in God in times of crisis and tragedy. The author elucidates the fact that life is not always fair, life is not always easy, but God is always good.
View all my reviews
Extremely well written and filled with emotion, this book contains many sad and incredible stories told to illustrate John Ramsey's journey through suffering and faith. Although I initially approached reading this book with skepticism, I soon found myself reading through tear-filled blurry eyes. By the time I had finished reading, I had openly wept several times throughout the book.
This book was written as an encouragement to those who might otherwise abandon their faith in God in times of crisis and tragedy. The author elucidates the fact that life is not always fair, life is not always easy, but God is always good.
People ask me how long it takes to get over the loss of a child. My response is, you never get over it. ~John Ramsey
View all my reviews
April 12, 2012
i no longer think he killed her, but i still don't really know what to make of the entire situation. so many details that still don't add up for me--- and i guess that's why it's still an unsolved case. i wish so badly that there will be a conviction in my lifetime. i have to know!!!!!!
overall, this was an interesting read, as long as you are okay with the fact that a good portion of the book is about his relationship with god and his faith. as somebody who's not religious at all, some of these parts felt a little overblown for me, but it's his book, and his spirituality is what got him through all of the trials in his life so i respect him for it even though i don't agree with many of his beliefs.
there's a lot here that i didn't know about, so i'd say if you're at all interested in the case and the story, you should read this--- it's a pretty quick read and it's written pretty well. and bible-thumping aside, there are some really meaningful thoughts on suffering and tragedy here that feel universal. i have to tell myself that he is being truthful in order to appreciate his struggle and his spirit and perseverance, and i can't help but feel like this man is being honest, and he and his family were the victims of a disgusting "trial by media."
overall, this was an interesting read, as long as you are okay with the fact that a good portion of the book is about his relationship with god and his faith. as somebody who's not religious at all, some of these parts felt a little overblown for me, but it's his book, and his spirituality is what got him through all of the trials in his life so i respect him for it even though i don't agree with many of his beliefs.
there's a lot here that i didn't know about, so i'd say if you're at all interested in the case and the story, you should read this--- it's a pretty quick read and it's written pretty well. and bible-thumping aside, there are some really meaningful thoughts on suffering and tragedy here that feel universal. i have to tell myself that he is being truthful in order to appreciate his struggle and his spirit and perseverance, and i can't help but feel like this man is being honest, and he and his family were the victims of a disgusting "trial by media."
October 29, 2016
Interesting book, I like the biographical parts about the life the family lead before the murder although it was mainly focused on the family as a whole instead Jon Benet individually. He basically sounds believable but it still leaves a lot of questions. He spends a considerable amount of time discussing his religious beliefs which is fine but I think people could get it without devoting many chapters. It really just seemed long & rambly in a lot of it. He makes a sound case for the media scrutiny and police scrutiny and why they were unfairly treated. I feel bad because I think whats true is that the police (accidentally) botched the case from the beginning by treating it as a missing persons case and not a potential crime scene so family, neighbors and all kinds of people trampled through the house before it was checked for anything so honestly none of the evidence is really any good and at the least they oughta copy to that (no pun intended) , doesnt mean the family didnt have anything to do with but I really believe we'll never know.
September 26, 2016
John Ramsey
First to John Ramsey and family I'm sorry that I for years thought you and your wife were guilty not because I had proof nor were I a eye witness instead I followed what the media wrote and said I was wrong I am know a adult and help take care of kids that I love with all my heart so I know that none of u would of went from a accident to strangling the life out of your child bc they wet the bed I do believe it was someone that you know a stranger would of had no reason to stage a seen or try to fake there handwriting bc what would be the point you don't know them I hope that when the time comes and your face to face with the person that took your angle your faith(which is amazing) won't be questioned GOD bless you and your family. I know when your reunited with your girls on the other side you we see nothing but love and peace showed on there faces .
First to John Ramsey and family I'm sorry that I for years thought you and your wife were guilty not because I had proof nor were I a eye witness instead I followed what the media wrote and said I was wrong I am know a adult and help take care of kids that I love with all my heart so I know that none of u would of went from a accident to strangling the life out of your child bc they wet the bed I do believe it was someone that you know a stranger would of had no reason to stage a seen or try to fake there handwriting bc what would be the point you don't know them I hope that when the time comes and your face to face with the person that took your angle your faith(which is amazing) won't be questioned GOD bless you and your family. I know when your reunited with your girls on the other side you we see nothing but love and peace showed on there faces .
June 12, 2016
John Ramsey tells his faith journey from childhood to the loss of his daughters, Beth--in a car accident, and JonBenét--murdered in their home on Christmas night, 1996, and then the loss of his wife, Patsy to cancer in 2006. Some people would have turned away from God out of anger, but Mr. Ramsey did not do that. He made a choice to become intimate with God and to fellowship with God. This book is that story.
As I read this book, I cried and praised God, both! It was an honor to read because of its personal nature. I recommend it to anyone who has experienced great loss, is struggling with grief or un forgiveness, or anyone who wants to experience faith in action. No matter why you choose to read it, I can promise you will be blessed.
As I read this book, I cried and praised God, both! It was an honor to read because of its personal nature. I recommend it to anyone who has experienced great loss, is struggling with grief or un forgiveness, or anyone who wants to experience faith in action. No matter why you choose to read it, I can promise you will be blessed.
September 2, 2012
Just finished johns book he's a real life Jobe from the bible no one should have to endure so much but he has and still lives on his life one day at a time I don't personally know him but have met him in passing and. Briefly was in a bible study with pasty sweet people they seemed pleasant to me . No one will ever know their suffering but God . I wish John Peace and Love and finality of the murderer of their child.
February 21, 2016
If you think you know who John Ramsey is, you don't. This man is a survivor and an inspiration. What he has been through and his outlook on life is inspiring.
To be able to reach a point in his life where he can lay bear his heartaches and losses, and still try to help others see that life is worth living and to search for the best it has to offer, is amazing.
Very well written and definitely worth the read. I just wish his and his wife's name had been cleared before she passed away.
To be able to reach a point in his life where he can lay bear his heartaches and losses, and still try to help others see that life is worth living and to search for the best it has to offer, is amazing.
Very well written and definitely worth the read. I just wish his and his wife's name had been cleared before she passed away.
October 7, 2012
Always honesty - I only read this book because I wanted to hear his first hand account of his daughter's tragic murder. He only briefly touched on the subject here and there and mainly focused on how his faith in God has been tested, and faultered, and regained.
While I always enjoy a good testament of faith, this book bored me.
While I always enjoy a good testament of faith, this book bored me.
September 2, 2012
I remember seeing/reading about this case on a daily basis...this is the (real)rest of the story. If I were not already,I would find this man and beg him to marry me! He is humility,integrity,power, and love all rolled into one man;a glimpse into the making of what I feel is what god had in mind. Bless you John Ramsey.
September 26, 2013
I wanted to like this. But it wasn't great. I do feel bad for what happened to him, both for the murder of his daughter and for the way he and his family were treated in the media. But the book was a little too "I was wronged" for me. I don't know how to explain it, it just rubbed me the wrong way.
April 25, 2019
A honest and heartbreaking retelling of the challenges Mr. Ramsey has faced since the passing of two of his daughters and his wife. I can’t imagine being accused of murdering a beloved child. During this difficult time, Mr. Ramsey held on to his faith. I hope and pray that he continues to find peace and comfort through his walk with God.
March 29, 2012
You thought you knew suffering and true inner strength and then you read this book by John Ramsey. If a man who has gone through such suffering can find his way to "the other side of suffering", anyone can. An inspiration!
March 29, 2012
Very very glad I read this book.. John Ramsey takes you to the core of their family pain and shares with the reader how he made it back..it's incredibly sad and inspiring at the same time.. He's honest and very forth coming, it left me with a sense of peace
June 12, 2012
This is a long book, but if you have an interest in the case or just a need to understand how much God helps in times of great distress, this is a must read. John was eventually cleared and officially declared innocent. He has been through so much and is a stronger man for it.
July 18, 2012
This book was very raw and truthful. I read things the media portrayed and it was enlightening to read this from a first person point of view. Their family has seen so much tragedy and it was nice to read of their strength and see their happiness now.
July 14, 2012
After reading , I no longer think they had a part in her death . His story is one of growing in faith , and learning to accept . I hope I live long enough to know what happened to that sweet baby and watch justice be served .
January 26, 2013
I started this book out of curiosity and have found out so much more about JonBenet's father and his faith walk. Through this horrible event, Mr. Ramsey seeks out God and doesn't falter with his faith. Very powerful and a guide for those suffering loss.(less)
January 18, 2013
No stunning insights here... just good solid Biblical wisdom from a man who has walked through the valley of the shadow of death in front of the international media - and come out with great humility.
December 17, 2015
One of the best books I've read. I have been judgemental of this family, fully believing the media's version. How wrong I was. John Ramsay has great wisdom, sadly it came on the back of adversity and heartache. I am so glad I read his true heart's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews