Johnny Cornflakes: A Story about Loving the Unloved

by Denise George

The heart-warming tale of Johnny Cornflakes is based on a true story, presented in vivid detail by master storyteller Denise George. The narrative offers hope even in difficult places, challenges our attitudes toward others and shows how God can work in the most unexpected ways through the most unlikely, unloved people.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

About the author

Denise George is an internationally popular writer and speaker best known for creative Biblical application. Denise is married to Dr. Timothy George, executive editor of Christianity Today and founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Reviews

[Lori Henrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Denise shares the story of how a man named Johnny Cornflakes helped her to see the least of these in a way she never expected. When her husband moves her to Chelsea she hates it and doesn't even want to try and make a go of it. She sets her feet firm and doesn't want to give an inch until a homeless man shows her a true act of loving sacrifice.

A wonderful story of how you can make a difference in small ways that can have an everlasting effect that you may not even know about. Giving from the heart is more important than the big amounts given out of obligation.

[Bill Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not worth a read. Anyone who has any knowledge of the Chelsea fire of 1973 knows that it was not as the author describes. It happened in mid-October, not in December and not with any snow on the ground. The houses on Shurtleff street did not burn to the ground. The fire began in the rag shops, not a tire factory. So many inaccuracies turned me off to how many other stories the author describes are “fake news”.
The one truth is that Johnny Cornflakes was a real person and, if any of the personal interactions the author writes about were true, he was loved.

[athenaowl]

Admittedly, this was not well written but I appreciated the story of how a southern pastor's wife learned to love 'the least of these' in the rough inner city of Chelsea, outside of Boston.

A quick and short read easily digested in a setting or two.

[Stefanie De Deyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story but the writing style nahh...

[Linda Cumbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The way that it is written is so honest and open. I admire how Denise could write so humbly about her part in such a remarkable story. It shows what amazing things can happen when we are obedient and honest with God and our feelings. When reading there were times where I laughed out loud, others where I was filled with compassion, and other times was reminded of when I also have come up short in loving all of God’s children. It is told simply, and one thing it shows is how you cannot judge a book by its cover. This is a great story of redemption and of the power of the love of God and friendship.

[Shirley Corder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story if a homeless man, a pastor's wife, and a group of young people in a broken down community. I loved this story wgichvisxwrotten on the first person and is based on true life. I especially loved the way Denise George tells the story like it is, showng her very real nature and characteristics. The vulnerability of the author made the story all the more real for me.

[Joy Rayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awareness revisited, there is some of each one of us in this book.

A startlingly realistic look at how we humans conduct ourselves in situations we conclude we are above. We are all exposed in one aspect of another. Well written, well received and well worth reading. Thank you Denise.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story. Wow, what a book. A bit slow but SO humbling and an unexpected twist...stick with it, it will be worth it.

[Wesley Rinehart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touching

[Diana Buttram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Based on a true story. Very heart warming.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johnny Cornflakes is a heartwarming and inspirational autobiographical tale of the author's first foray into ministerial life and the trials and growth it brought to her. It is often a little awkward in writing style, unpolished, but it wasn't enough to be annoying to me...it simply added a bit to its charm, knowing that the author was simply telling her real-life story from her heart, and not as a professional writer.

Johnny Cornflakes is the street name of a homeless man who is the focal point of Denise George's life changing (soul changing?) experience in Chelsea, MA. It is really a story of one person's development from unconscious pride, to conscious pride, to conscious humility, and then (perhaps) to unconscious humility, all accomplished in the best way I know, through service to another.

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one who gives many 5 stars but, let me tell you why I gave this one: Pure feelings of realness. I felt that the characters were not fake and that every state has an area just like this one. I was amazed at how much I liked this book and I have to tell you that God does give strength in situations just as this book shows. I do not feel that the Christianity took from the story it was not a story to preach to you but, a story to show how god's will will help you see the good in all. I loved the character's good and bad and I think we all can say we have known a Johnny Cornflakes at some point in our life. Kudos to Denise George for writing such a brilliant story!

[Gail Barger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is Denise George, wife of Timothy George who is dean of Beeson Divinity School. I believe Trent and Don met him when they visited there! This is a true story of when the couple moved to an inner city area of Boston for school/work & the people they encountered ministering there. Homeless man Johnny Cornflakes changes the author in how she views these unloved people. I think it also speaks a lot about investing in other's lives, how it changes them eternally and yourself along the way.

[Janna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly loved this story of loving "the least of these." I would have to disagree with the title, though, as it's less a story about Johnny and more a story of changed lives.

My favorite character had to be Mrs Bena with her kitchen window sills lined with vanilla and plentiful cookies. What a picture of loving the unlovely!

The town and the people and the need made me think. How much do I show love and grace to "the least of these?" Something we would all do well to ponder.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting much from this story, to be honest. But it was available for free and I like to keep a stash of Christian books on my Kindle for the odd times I do get to read. This story surprised me. It couldn't have tied together more perfectly if it were fiction. The real-life heart changes that take place are inspirational. What a picture of Christ and his people!
I was moves to tears. Wow. Thank you to Mrs George for writing this truly beautiful picture of redemption.

[MaryBeth Hagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring

This was a sweet book of a young pastor's wife who learned about "the least of these" through her time in the city ghettos near Boston. It does leave us with some unanswered questions. This book made some great points about giving of ourselves and how that makes us ourselves better. Inspiring!

[Maryann Winship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was based in Chelsea, Massachusetts and I think it was during the 70s. Therefore, I was familiar with some of the things in the book since I live in MA. It was definitely and inspirational book. It had a lot of love in it and I definitely learned values from it.

[Sean-david · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't normally read these kinds of books (perhaps I should more often), but this really is a beautiful story that drips with the love of Christ and the power of the Gospel. Beautiful.

[Alice Teets · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet, quick read about learning to love "the least of those among us." A wonderful reminder that by treating others well, we are doing what God asks of us.

[Lisa Godina · Rating 4 out of 5]

a though provoking look at the "least of these" concept in modern life.

[Anna Wadlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting much when I first started reading this book, but instantly I was hooked. I think it was an exceptionally good book. (Glad I had a box of tissues nearby).

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy read - sad at times , but I loved the way the author makes you smile and laugh .

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous funny and encouraging read about a woman and her husband who end up serving in Boston slums.

[Peg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of compassion, when it is hard.

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story teaching about unconditional love.

[Karen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic inspiring true story showing the importance of reaching out to "the least of these." Wow! They need to make this one into a movie!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story of a couple who moves to the inner city to help the poor but in doing so they were the ones changed.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read with a message of Gods love for ALL!!

[Allison Twigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this true story!