Product Description

For almost three years, a man named "Art" came to see Mike Jones, an escort, at least once a month. With time, the relationship deepened, including sexual experimentation as well as sincere conversation. Like many of Jones' closeted clients in the clergy or the military, Art revealed his vulnerabilities as he struggled with his true desire for sexual contact and emotional involvement with a man.

One day, Jones recognized Art preaching hate on a religious cable channel. He soon discovered that Art was actually the Reverend Ted Haggard, who, as president of the National Association of Evangelicals, influenced the daily lives of thirty million followers, advocating virulently against gay rights and same-sex unions, with direct access to White House policy makers.

On November 1, 2006, after months of indecision, Jones made public his relationship with Ted Haggard. Within days, Haggard resigned from all his positions of power, admitting to a "sexual Immorality" that shook the evangelical world, right before Election Day 2006.

Here is the disarming story of how a sexual relationship became a lightning rod that completely changed two men's lives, as well as, possibly, the history of American governance. Jones' only rules were telling the truth and not being ashamed of who he is.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #170903 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

About the Author
Mike Jones, 49, is a Colorado native who, from 1980 until November 2006, worked as an escort and a massage therapist. His story has been national news, including coverage by the Today Show, Good Morning America, MSNBC, CNN, Court TV, Dr. Keith Ablow, AP Television Washington, People Magazine, Newsweek, Time, The Advocate. He lives in Denver, Colorado.

Customer Reviews

The Price of Authenticity
When Mike Jones exposed the hypocrisy of Ted Haggard last fall, I had hoped that he would write a book about his three year "relationship" with the fallen evangelist, because the media never tells the full story, and the stuff they do tell is often inaccurate and/or incomplete. Of course, this is Mike Jones' side of the story and from what I've read, Haggard won't be writing his memoirs anytime soon, but even if he did, it would be suspect to begin with because he has every reason to lie and minimize the damage.

However, Mike Jones reveals a lot of courage in what he writes about in this book. From being bullied by his older brother, which prompts him into taking weightlifting classes in high school, to the time when he first realized he could make money from his hard physique, it's hard not to root for the guy. Though he writes a little too much about all the tears he shed over the years, it is nice to know that beneath that rock hard exterior lies a true and sensitive soul. It reveals something about our society in which married men in high positions (pro-sports, business, the clergy, and political office) are willing to part with $200 an hour to be authentic with him in ways they can't be with their wives or girlfriends.

It's a good read, heartwarming, and an inspiration, even. We should all be happy and grateful for what he has done, to expose hypocrisy of the worst type: religious piousness. Jesus would be very proud of this man!

The truth about Art/Ted
I'm not much of a book reviewer, but after reading this book, I had to say something. My life has been full of Arts and Teds, all married with children. Over the years I became friends with many of these men. I tried to give them an understanding of what they considered "the dark side" of their sexual life. Mr. Jones has been doing this all his life. Ted was fighting this all his life. During the day Ted preached against sexual immorality, but at night he disappeared into its shadow. This is hypocrisy. This book is truthful and wonderfully written. I enjoyed the book so much that I read it in two days.

The Courage to Speak the Truth
Mike Jones is a hero to all justice-loving people around the world. His story is candid and captivating. He offers no apologies for who he is and he demonstrates the kind of bravery our country needs. I admire him tremendously for stepping forward and exposing the hypocrisy of Ted Haggard.

If we had a nation that valued difference instead of condemning it, people would be free to live their lives in accordance with their true selves, instead of creating wildly fabricated double lives that ultimately hurt everyone.

I'm glad you said something.