Book Review | Singing Through Fire

“God always writes the best stories.” -Singing Through Fire

As I write this review, my eyes are still puffy, and my head is still aching from crying. Yet, there is peace and joy laced within the sorrow. “Joy in grief,” as Lara would say. I don’t think any review can fully capture how powerful and emotional this book is, and I encourage everyone to read Singing Through Fire, even nonbelievers.

I didn’t know what to expect when Lara reached out, asking if I’d read a book about her life and the passing of her husband. However, I was immediately compelled within the first few pages and couldn’t put it down. It transformed me for the better–having grown my faith, compassion, and desire to live life to the fullest for Jesus. There is so much Biblical truth written in this memoir, and the way Lara writes is poetic, intelligent, and beautiful–drawing you deep into the moments of despair and hope as you walk alongside her and Matt. I feel like I’ve known them for years, especially Lara, as we’ve gotten to talk back and forth since I acquired her book, which made this story all the more heartbreaking and impactful. There is much wisdom to be found in these pages, and somehow, I felt like one of the kids in the youth group Matt so dearly loved. Whenever he shared his thoughts and knowledge, it sank deep into my heart, encouraging me and making me want a stronger faith like his. This book is a mentor to all, regardless of age. I believe anyone will benefit from reading it.

Matt would be proud of Singing Through Fire, Lara. I know it. Not only does it glorify God amid suffering, proving He sustains us in the fire, but it also honors a man of God whose life and testimony will transform people’s hearts from all generations, softening them and bringing them closer to the God we love and serve.

“Test to testimony.”

Our stories are some of the most powerful instruments in the hands of God–evidence of the Gospel and His sustaining grace. They are meant to be shared, and I praise God Lara has shared hers.

First Impression 5/5
The introduction instantaneously piqued my interest as it laid the groundwork for the memoir and its contents. Despite the heavy topics–death, cancer, illness, grief–there was a joy and lightheartedness between the lines. The peace of God shone through the pain and heartache. I found the story’s layout–separated into four Acts like that of a screenplay–unique and creative. Singing Through Fire is based on the testimony of Lara and her late husband, Matt. But even though it’s true, their story is written like a lovable and heartbreaking novel you can’t put down. Lara takes you on a journey from the start of page one with a prologue that draws you into an emotional scene. Despite just getting to know the characters of this memoir, I couldn’t help feeling attached the moment I read the first sentence. Right off the bat, we see how real Matt and Lara are in their suffering and turmoil. Their emotions also help visualize a story promising to be filled with wisdom, light, and hope.

Character Development 5/5
I don’t usually consider character development in nonfiction, but Singing Through Fire calls for it. The growth in Lara’s faith and perspective on life is one only God can bring. Watching her step away from her lukewarm, prosperity gospel type beliefs into the everlasting truth of God’s Word was beautiful. It also showcases the importance of being equally yoked with your spouse. Matt performed the image of a spiritual leader in a humble, wise way, never failing to bring out a stronger faith in Lara. Through his terminal cancer, her chronic illness, and all the hardships to follow, you can’t ignore how their faith grows. Nor does Lara hide her raw vulnerability; instead, she leaves everything bare to better showcase the grace of God.

World-Building 5/5
This “world-building” rating isn’t necessarily based on the setting (though that was equally well-written) but more so the structure of Lara’s relationship with God in the thick of struggle. She paints the most beautiful pictures as she recounts her life story. Even while bedridden for three years–and continuing on and off–Lara’s walk with God grew, and it was vibrantly described, emphasizing the heightened intimacy of her relationship with Jesus. Creativity, love, joy, sorrow, and laughter exuded from the pages, building the story into one of transformation.

Writing Style 5/5
Lara’s words flowed easily. The idea of sectioning the book into four Acts was brilliant. I adored the splash of humor and sarcasm in Lara’s personality and writing. Singing Through Fire is crafted in an astounding way, leaving no doubt that God wanted this book written–for Lara, me, and others. But ultimately, written for Him. Every page seemed to point back to God as the anchor of hope in the storm. He was and is their strength, peace, and life.
Along with Lara and Matt’s testimonies, the amount of Scripture on every page added even more life to the words. Most of Lara’s writing was Biblically inspired as she studied God’s Word and compared her suffering and all she was learning through its lens. Like her character growth, we see her grow in knowledge as she feeds her zealousness for God through His Word.

Emotions 5/5
Tears pricked my eyes when I read the first pages, so you can imagine how the rest of the story made me cry. Lara doesn’t hide the pain and suffering she and Matt faced. She doesn’t sugarcoat the ups and downs or brush over the fact that life is hard. It’s painful, and it can feel hopeless. But even in the valley of death and despair, the hope and peace of God shone from this story. I could sense His presence even while sobbing until my head hurt. Because suffering, though often unwanted and difficult, brings people together in a beautiful way. It connected me to this memoir and provided me with a new friend in Lara. I was surprised that it wasn’t all gloom and sorrow, too. The humor made me laugh more than any nonfiction book I’ve read, which is unusually delightful considering this is a memoir on suffering and grief. Lara’s jokes and satirical approach to situations and big questions never failed to put a smile on my face. It reminded me of Proverbs 31:25. Joy is often our greatest weapon against sorrow, even when we can’t feel it.

Cleanliness 5/5
Lara courageously tackles all the brutal details of chronic illness and terminal cancer, which some readers may find triggering. She dives deep into her grief and despair of death, terminal illness, and overwhelming fear of what’s to come. But she did so in a way that provided hope. Even during the constant pain, spinning, brain zaps, vomiting, CAT scans, surgeries, and everything in between, there was never a lack of opportunity for Matt and Lara’s faith to grow. Though these heartbreaking realities of their illnesses were challenging to read, they showcased God’s mighty strength in the face of helplessness. The way He transformed both of their faith is like a ripple effect, a spark that will leave every reader changed from soul to breath. Yes, the sorrow is intense. My heart broke. The tears poured. But so did the hope and joy because of the promise of eternity.

Conclusion 5/5
The last pages of Singing Through Fire will undoubtedly bring soul-aching grief. I struggled to finish the book because I could barely see the words as tears blinded me. It was hard to read how things ended in so many different ways. I could feel Lara’s pain on a level I never knew possible. But the message, even after Matt’s passing, echoed the power of God’s life-changing grace. “The story’s not over yet.” No, with God, every “ending” is a new beginning. This book is a reminder of what’s important and how anything done without God is meaningless. But everything done for God is filled with an eternal purpose. Singing Through Fire was five stars all around and a new favorite book. I can’t recommend it enough, and look forward to seeing how God uses this story for His glory!

Here are some of my favorite quotes (I say “some” because I literally would’ve highlighted the whole book):

“If just one more life is saved because of my suffering, I am happy to go through it again.”

“Life is a precious gift–we don’t waste it, but we don’t idolize it either.”

“Sometimes it’s in our greatest sufferings that God gives us the best opportunities.”

“The Christian may not always be healthy, but he is always loved.”

“When you stop clinging to the illusion that you’ll live on this earth forever and you’re not afraid to die, that’s ironically when you really start living. You start choosing life–not just for here and now, but for eternity.”

“…the God of Christianity doesn’t just allow suffering in this world. He entered into it when He suffered on the cross. ‘That’s not a distant God who ignores suffering. That’s a God who bled for us.'”

“We were never meant to be the source of our own strength.”

Final Rating: 5/5 stars

Recommended Age: all ages, but those 13 and younger read with discretion concerning the heavy topics discussed

Genres: Christian, memoir, nonfiction, grief, romance

!Trigger Warnings!
Death, grief, terminal illness, chronic illness, anxiety, fear, depression

Follow the Author on Instagram: @larapalanjian

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 ESV