JUMPING THROUGH FIRES The Gripping Story of One Man's Escape from Revolution to Redemption

Lloyd James portrays the Nasser family's dangerous emigration from Iran to the United States in 1979. Young David and his family left to escape religious persecution, but David experiences another form of persecution from his high school peers in the U.S. James's depiction of David's early Muslim education provides a rich contrast to life in our culturally diverse nation. Once in the U.S., David lacks the influence of his father's former prestige, but his life of affluence continues nonetheless. James gives authenticity to David's feelings of alienation and to his classmates’ jealous remarks: “He only wears Armani . . . and spends $100 bills." Then a friend invites David to a Christian church, and, as he recalls, he moves from being "rich and unfilled to broke and satisfied"—but at the expense of his family's support. Nasser's powerful message captures the miraculous power and grace of God. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2010]