Jumping through Fires: The Gripping Story of One Man's Escape from Revolution to Redemption [Hardcover]

David Nasser (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2009

Religion has left an undeniable mark in our world. Some see it as the answer to every problem, while others see it as the problem itself. Simply put, religion is the single greatest force in history. But in a much more intimate sense, what does religion mean to one life?

In this honest, suspenseful, and moving memoir, author David Nasser tells of a life filled with heartbreak and healing. Forced to escape from a country gripped in a religious revolution, David and his family run for their lives in an attempt to find refuge. Through the lens of a terrified boy we see the destructive power of religion and the pull of peer pressure as he tries to fit into a new culture.

Nasser's raw and transparent account of his transition from hating religion to having a living faith in Christ will impact readers from across the religious spectrum. His unflinchingly honest, yet humorous, assessment of the church from an outsider's point of view will both enlighten readers and spur them to renewed and refined outreach.

For anyone who has seen the lie of religion, whether in Iran or Alabama or anywhere in between, Nasser offers the truth of Jesus.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"I hate religion."

"Why?"

"Because when I was a kid I saw it destroy my country."

. . .

"We saw armed soldiers standing in front of the large auditorium. As soon as we were all in place, one of them yelled, "Attention!" He reached into his pocket, pulled out a sheet of paper, and read three names aloud. My sister and I were on the list. . . .

"The soldier who read our names returned the piece of paper to his pocket, and with the same hand pulled his pistol out of the holster. He took a step toward me and leveled the gun at my forehead. All I could see was the underside of his starched shirtsleeve running from wrist to elbow. The pistol hovered inches from my skull, smelling of machine oil and gunpowder. After a couple of seconds, the barrel started to shake. I lifted my eyes and looked into the eyes of the soldier. He looked terrified. I was terrified. Everyone was terrified. The only thing scarier than a man with a gun in his hand is a man who looks unstable enough to use it."

From the Back Cover

Escaping Religion for the God of Grace

In this honest, suspenseful, and moving memoir, author David Nasser recalls being forced to escape from his native Iran during the 1979 Revolution. Through the lens of a terrified boy you will witness the destructive power of religion and the pull of peer pressure as he tries to fit into a vastly different culture--the American South.

Nasser's raw and transparent account of his transition from hating religion to having a living faith will touch your soul. His unflinchingly honest, yet humorous, assessment of the church from an outsider's point of view is both enlightening and challenging.

Jumping through Fires takes you on a riveting journey from religion and fear to the life-changing discovery of God's grace.


"Whether speaking or writing, David Nasser is quickly rising up as one of today's new relevant voices. This generation demands 'the real,' and in his new book, Jumping through Fires, David Nasser brings the heat."--Toby Mac, recording artist

"David is a great friend who has spoken truth into my life through his ministry." --Mark Hall, Casting Crowns

"Once you open Jumping through Fires, you won't be able to put it down. . . . A life-changing book." --Mac Powell, Third Day

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 171 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801013356
• ISBN-13: 978-0801013355
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Positive Testimony of Escape from Death and Religion to a New Life and Redemption, September 25, 2009

By 

Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Jumping through Fires: The Gripping Story of One Man's Escape from Revolution to Redemption (Hardcover)

"Jumping through Fires" is the dynamic story of David Nasser, son of an Iranian military officer, an Iranian exile. David by birth and training became a Muslim. He was a part of the Muslim culture of Iran at the time of the Iranian Revolution when Ayatollah Khomeini came into power and declared a holy war against Iran's Supreme Military Council in 1979. David and his family fled the country.

Intrigue, thrilling action, suspense, and romance are all a part of this real life drama. The amazing element that makes this book unique is the evidence of the hand of God at work in the family's escape from Iran, as well as in the detours along the way throughout the relocation process.

David recounts the difficulties in adjusting to a new culture. Grammar school, junior high, and high school each brought with them new challenges.

After graduating from high school he felt empty, alone, and without significant purpose. A buddy from his graduating class invited him to church. The events that followed reveal the intricate working of relationships and circumstances by a supernatural God. David experienced a complete change of heart and found acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption.

Nasser's writing is intense, his message powerful, he has the passion and zeal of an evangelist, is genuine, and transparent. "Jumping through Fires" is filled with the life changing message of the grace of God working out his purpose in individual lives.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Cried and Cried and Cried While Reading This Book!, November 8, 2009

By 

Troy Sorrell "CaliAspie" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jumping through Fires: The Gripping Story of One Man's Escape from Revolution to Redemption (Hardcover)

The book by David Nasser, "Jumping Through Fires" gives a gripping account of an Iranian born whose family had chosen to come to America to avoid Religious persecution. It gives a gripping account of what he experienced now that he has come into America and seen what our culture is like. He automatically assumes that we are "spoiled" because he definitely wants to "fit in" with the "in" crowd and does what it takes. He realizes that being "in" has its ups and downs and that there is another group that doesn't discriminate and that is called the Christian group. There are some classmates from his high school who try to get him to come to church, but he becomes afraid and doesn't want to bow down. Eventually, he gives in after asking Jesus for help and you MUST read the story to understand why a person like myself was bawling his eyes out reading this book. David allows the reader to understand that God doesn't judge us when we want to change our ways, he gives us something called grace which was a gift from Jesus dying for our sins. The price paid in the book for David is being rejected from his family because of their firm Muslim beliefs. You need to read this book if you are a Christian or not (it will change your life). Don't wait for this book, read it now. Mr. Nasser, I was truly moved by your account. Thanks for blessing me with the opportunity to read your story.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story Telling, January 19, 2010

By 

Adam (Marietta, GA, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jumping through Fires: The Gripping Story of One Man's Escape from Revolution to Redemption (Hardcover)

David and his family escaped from Iran during the 1979 revolution. David's father was a Colonel in the Iranian Air Force and was in danger of being killed under the new regime. They eventually made their way to the United States and David eventually became a Christian. This is the story of how that happened and how he has gone on to become a speaker and writer.

The book is fairly brief (the audio is unabridged and only 4 hours 21 minutes) or 171 pages in hardback. But like Just Courage by Gary Haugen, it is well worth the short read (or listen). This time it is more for the stories than the great insights. It is not that his insights are bad, but that his stories are really good.

I did a longer review on my blog [...]