Eye of the Storm by Christian musician Ryan Stevenson is a wandering memoir that takes the reader through Stevenson's life as an awkward kid from a poor family, an apparently rebellious teenager, a fierce paramedic and finally a doubt-riddled, up and coming - and ultimately hugely successful - musician. It is at times engaging, and at times mundane, so a lot like how most of us would tell the story of who we were, who we are now and how we got there.

One of the things that drew me to the book was the expectation that Stevenson's story would have a strong Christian perspective. As a believer, I enjoy seeing how others live out their faith on a daily basis. It inspires me, it encourage me, and it offers hope that, I too, can handle hard things with grace and faith. That expectation was not met in Eye of the Storm. In fact, other than a few oblique references to faith, a couple of "emergency" prayers and a clumsy section filled with too-dense Scripture in the middle of the book, Eye of the Storm could have been written by any nonbeliever. To me, that was disappointing and oddly incongruent.

If you're a fan of Stevenson and his music, this book might be a great read. It offers insight into his career and the life that informs much of his music. He willingly shares his battles with anxiety, depression and insecurity, as well as the complicated relationships we all seem to have with those we love. But, if you're looking for more inspiration that insight, or wanting a powerful personal testimony, you won't find it here.

This review is based on an advance copy reading.

Ryan’s title shows he is a worthy author as he is a songwriter and singer. The honesty of his struggles will touch the lives of many.

Raw, real, open. I picked up the book because I enjoy "Eye of the Storm", but now I've been drawn to Ryan's other songs. Thank you.

Just what I needed right now. Inspirational and moving. Great read.

Thanks to author,publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free,it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.