I Had to Say Something: The Art of Ted Haggard's Fall

by Mike Jones

Book Overview

This is the story of the sexual relationship between Michael Forest Jones, a Denver man who worked as an escort, and the Reverend Ted Haggard, founder and pastor of the New Life Church of Colorado Springs.
As a rule, Mike never delved into the personal lives of his clients. He entertained celebrities, clergyman, politicians, pro-football players, and just regular guys. In 2003, a man named "Art" called Mike to set up an appointment. For almost...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1583227687
• ISBN13: 9781583227688
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Seven Stories Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

I Wanted to Hate This Guy........

This goes to show how judgmental we all can be. I bought this book thinking this guy (Mike Jones) was just a shallow, spiteful person and that anyone who would prostitute himself and knowingly accept money for sex from married men had no morals. I had never heard of Ted Haggard. But a couple of pages into the narrative I immediately knew that Mike Jones was a kind, sensitive soul who would never intentionally hurt anyone. As I continued to read, the depth of his personality shone through with such conviction. He never skirted around any issue and it is clearly evident to me that Mike was himself a victim of not only hypocrisy but of men who choose to use men like himself for their own pleasure without thinking of the consequences. He makes you empathize with himself and with Pastor Haggard (who I pray has come to terms with himself for his sake as well as the sake of his family....especially his five children). Mike Jones bares his emotions so vividly that any misconception I had about him were resolved. The narrative about his dealing with his mother's illness and death is particularly compelling and poignant. I may not agree with what he chose to do in his life to make a living but that's not for me to judge. That is between him and God. All I can say is that in recounting his experience he demonstrates that we are all hippocrites to some extent or another. We are all sinners. None of us will get out of this life unscathed. He made me appreciate the gifts that we all have to offer to one another and to make the most out of what has been given to us and never to take anything for granted. I hope and pray that Mike Jones has found happiness and rebuilt his life and I applaud him for the courage it took to tell his story. God Bless him because there but for the grace of God go I.....

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.

A must read for everyone.

Once I started reading the book, I knew I wouldn't put it down until I had finished it. OK, so I did take a couple days but on the bus, on the train, even during meals, I'd find the book in hand and the world shut out. The writing style is easy and blunt. If you can't handle the truth, or think you know it... READ THIS BOOK with an open mind. My mother always told me "The truth hurts, but it will set you free." Mike is indeed telling the truth and hopefully setting people free with his story. THANK YOU Mike Jones! I enjoyed the hours of friendly conversation, intimate stories, sexual descriptions, and tears we shed together as I read "I Had To Say Something." I will read it again. Though the main focus of this book is about the hypocrisy of a mega-leader in organized religion, it is so much more. Mike let's the reader into his life, growing up in Colorado, being raised by his great-grandmother, and learning at an early age the importance of human touch and intimacy. I too knew several of my great-grandparents and had a large extended loving family. I too was the middle child of three boys. I too was more of a "mama's boy." And I am proud to say, I too am a Gay. HYPOCRACY, yes it needs to be exposed! But here Mike also makes points to the need, desire, and lack of INTIMACY in our personal relationships, in society, with friends and loved ones. Sex is merely the "icing on the cake" and not an essential part of being intimate with another person. I have known Mike Jones for many years, first as a massage client and now as friend. As an obese child and adult I have heard all the hateful things people say and don't say. The looks and gestures speak very clearly as people can be so cruel. As a Gay Man, I have seen all the hypocrisy, hatred, and struggles associated with being Gay, it is who I am and not a choice as so many falsely believe. "Ignorance is bliss..." NO - ignorance is just ignorance. I have purchased several copies of the book and besides giving one to my brothers, and a family-cousin, several of my friends will also get them. Even my staunch republicans who aren't on the wagon for Equal Rights will get a copy and I'll quiz them to see if they indeed read it later. Since breaking the story about this Mega "Christian", I have been appalled at the death threats and ignorance directed at Mike. Christians need to remember that Jesus was born a Jew, never married even as first born of a Jewish family, allowed a "whore" to bathe him, and roamed the countryside with 12 other MEN (all in sandals I might add...). And in the New Testament you will not find ANY scriptural reference to Jesus even talking about Homosexual acts. In fact, you will read how he called a few of his MALE followers his "Beloved" and many times kissing them as well... WHAT else went on? We shall never truly know... Gore Vidal - "Since heterosexual marriage is such a disaster, why on earth would anybody want to imitate it?"

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.