A Journal for Jordan

A Story of Love and Honor

By: Dana Canedy

Narrated by: Dana Canedy

New York Times best seller.

Now a major motion picture.

In 2005, Dana Canedy’s fiancé, First Sergeant Charles Monroe King, began to write what would become a 200-page journal for his son in case he did not make it home from the war in Iraq. He was killed by a roadside bomb on October 14, 2006. His son, Jordan, was seven months old.

Inspired by his example, Dana was determined to preserve his memory for their son. A Journal for Jordan is a mother’s fiercely honest letter to her child about the parent he lost before he could even speak. It is also a father’s advice and prayers for the son he will never know.

A father figure to the soldiers under his command, Charles moved naturally into writing to his son. In neat block letters, he counseled him on everything from how to withstand disappointment and deal with adversaries to how to behave on a date. And he also wrote of recovering a young soldier’s body, piece by piece, from a tank - and the importance of honoring that young man’s life. He finished the journal two months before his death while home on a two-week leave, so intoxicated with love for his infant son that he barely slept.

This is also the story of Dana and Charles together - two seemingly mismatched souls who loved each other deeply and lost each other too soon. A Journal for Jordan is a tender introduction, a loving good-bye, a reporter’s inquiry into her soldier’s life, and a heartrending reminder of the human cost of war.

©2008 Dana Canedy (P)2008 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Dana Canedy's moving memoir has captured my heart and won't let it go. Courageous in its honesty and at times unsettling, it draws us deep into the soul of a woman in love, the pain of her loss and the unpardonable theft of hopes and dreams, lives and futures stolen by war. With an exquisite voice, Canedy recounts moments of intense emotion that haunt us long after savoring the last lines. I didn't want it to end." (Susan L. Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Essence, and founder of the National Cares Mentoring Movement)

“A hauntingly beautiful account of a family fractured by war...illed with vivid and heartbreaking details.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“Full of wonderful treasures offered by a unique and spirited father...written with serene grace: Part memoir, part love story, all heart.” (James McBride, author of The Color of Water)

Tear jerker!!

This book is sooo good 👍🏾 It is a Great Book and Superb Audible narrated vy Dana!

Heartwarming

…and heart wrenching. A beautifully told story of the realities of war but what a love story as well! The journal to his son and the lessons to be learned are so powerful and what a wonderful way to teach your son the important lessons in life, whether you are present or not. I loved the narrators. I had to return a previous audiobook simply because I couldn’t handle the narrator’s voice recently. 😊 You wi not regret listening to this book.

absolutely a must

I saw the movie and was so intrigued by the story, that I needed to hear an unfiltered version for myself. It definitely filled in the gaps that I had from the movie. ad a military spouse it's important to me to understand the thinking of other spouses when it comes to accepting he life you're going in to. I absolutely loved this book and I commend MS. Canedy for her strength in putting this out for not only herself, but for her son and others to get a glimpse into the struggle from the other side. Love dies exist outside of a marriage certificate yet it goes so unrecognized.

As another Combat Veteran (VietNam, SeaBees)

As another rare Charles Monroe I really enjoyed this book & I'm very proud that we share the same names... Excellent book & I look forward to the movie... I discovered this book looking up King Charles' birthday (he's a little younger than me) & Apple also gave me a Charles Monroe King.., I had to check it out because that's not a common pair of names (like Billy Bob).., I'm glad I did.., again Well Done...

Omg I cried the whole time.

This is so powerful and incredible read. or listen like I did at work and cried. I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie, and I am so glad I was able to listen to it during a data entry day at work.

Beautiful love story

I absolutely love this book. I sure wish I was lucky enough to find a love like that.

Touching Love Story

Touching love story that touches various facets of life. A short read that's easy to listen.

Looooooved it

Looooved every minute of the book. Hoping to one day find a love as great as this story. Amazing. Super sad of course but two thumbs up.

Wow 💜remarkable love story

The book was so much better than the movie so much More details and I could not help but feel sad for Dana and Jordan May god protect and bless them.

An amazing story of love, honor and life!

I was truly touched by the openness and honesty and I grieved for the loss of such an amazing man. I teared up while driving and listening. Thank you for sharing such an amazing story.