Balance A story of faith, family, and life on the line

Known as King of the High Wire and world record holder for skywalks across Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, Nik Wallenda represents the seventh generation of Great Wallendas, world-famous performers known for their walking human pyramids and other amazing feats. At age four, he saw his grandfather fall to his death while skywalking between two towers high above the city San Juan, Puerto Rico. With this tragedy as a framework, Nik commits his life to building upon his grandfather's work. But this colorful memoir doesn't just look at Wallenda's astounding career. It reveals many personal challenges that he faced: monetary issues, marital discord, a struggle with the need to control others, and the hunger for glory and fame. Though Wallenda prays frequently while walking the wire, he does not believe that God gives him supernatural powers. Instead, he says that his faith allows him to see more clearly, to access his talents and strengths, and to solve life's complex problems. This book makes an irrefutable case for relying on faith as a source of balance and strength.--DeGrane, Susan Copyright 2010 Booklist