Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power

Part memoir and part sermon, the first book by evangelical pastor and radio personality Lusko begins with the death of his five-year-old daughter, Lenya, from an asthma attack. In dark moments, he turned to his faith to help handle the pain and anger. Little Lenya's death forces him to ask questions about mortality, and puts his own life and career in perspective: "How do you live out an extraordinary calling while doing ordinary things and living in a world that is all screwed up?" Finding catharsis in the loss, Lusko looks outward to help other grief-stricken Christians. Lusko maintains his hip pastor persona and colloquial style in the face of great loss, describing a career move as "base jumping for God" and a fortunate first church position as a "cush" gig. In the end, he is able to say, "Having my daughter travel to the distant shores of heaven has opened my eyes to things unseen. I will walk with a limp, but I am better for it... It's a gift I desperately want to share with you." This impassioned read conveys palpable pain and honesty, but it's difficult to overcome the exploitative nature of sLusko's overall conceit. (Aug.)