Look for Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself

Look for Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself

Luke Russert

3.84(4726 readers)
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

 

Updated with new afterword from the author.

 

In Look for Me There, Luke Russert traverses terrain both physical and deeply personal. On his journey to some of the world’s most stunning destinations, he visits the internal places of grief, family, faith, ambition, and purpose—with intense self-reflection, honesty, and courage."—Savannah Guthrie, coanchor of Today

“Look for me there,” news legend Tim Russert would tell his son, Luke, when confirming a pickup spot at an airport, sporting event, or rock concert. After Tim died unexpectedly, Luke kept looking for his father, following in Tim’s footsteps and carving out a highly successful career at NBC News. After eight years covering politics on television, Luke realized he had no good answer as to why he was chasing his father’s legacy. As the son of two accomplished parents—his mother is journalist Maureen Orth of Vanity Fair—Luke felt the pressure of high expectations but suddenly decided to leave the familiar path behind.

Instead, Luke set out on his own to find answers. What began as several open-ended months of travel to decompress and reassess morphed into a three-plus-year odyssey across six continents to discover the world and, ultimately, to find himself.

Chronicling the important lessons and historical understandings Luke discovered from his travels, Look for Me There is both the vivid narrative of that journey and the emotional story of a young man taking charge of his life, reexamining his relationship with his parents, and finally grieving his larger-than-life father, who died too young. 

For anyone uncertain about the direction of their life or unsure of how to move forward after a loss, Look for Me There is a poignant reflection that offers encouragement to examine our choices, take risks, and discover our truest selves.

Publisher

Harper Horizon

Publication Date

5/2/2023

ISBN

9780785291824

Pages

272

Categories

Medicine

About the Author

Luke Russert

Luke Russert

Luke Russert is an author and an Emmy Award winning journalist who served as an NBC News correspondent from 2008 to 2016 primarily covering American politics.

After leaving media, Russert embarked on a three year, six continent travel expedition that took him to nearly seventy countries. Published by Harper Horizon, his first book, Look For Me There, is a reflection of his deeply personal internal journey across many diverse external places.

Elin Hilderbrand, the number one New York Times best selling author of "Summer of '69" said of the book, “Luke Russert’s story of heartbreaking loss and hard-earned self-discovery captivates from start to finish. This is the memoir of the year, if not the decade.”

Questions & Answers

The author's journey of self-discovery and travel profoundly influences his understanding of his identity and purpose. Initially, he feels burdened by his father's legacy and the expectations placed upon him. However, through his travels, he gains a sense of freedom and self-discovery. He learns to appreciate his own experiences and the world around him, rather than solely focusing on living up to his father's achievements. This journey helps him confront his grief and process his father's death, allowing him to find his own path and purpose. He realizes that his life is his own, and he can be proud of his choices and experiences, independent of his father's legacy. This realization leads him to a more fulfilling life, where he embraces his Catholic faith, values his personal growth, and contributes to the world in meaningful ways.

Travel plays a crucial role in the author's healing process after his father's death. It serves as a means to escape the expectations and grief that consume his life in Washington, D.C. By exploring diverse countries and cultures, the author gains a sense of freedom and liberation from the constraints of his past. This journey allows him to confront his emotions head-on, fostering emotional growth and self-discovery. Additionally, travel exposes him to different faiths and spiritual practices, which contribute to his spiritual growth and help him find solace and meaning in his experiences. The act of visiting sacred sites and engaging with diverse communities aids in his healing and personal transformation.

The author's exploration of diverse cultures and histories around the world profoundly influences his perspective on American politics, media, and societal values. His travels expose him to a wide range of experiences, fostering empathy and a nuanced understanding of global issues. This exposure challenges his initial cynicism about politics and media, leading to a more critical and reflective approach. He recognizes the power of soft power, as seen in Vietnam, and the importance of cultural exchange. His travels also highlight the universal human condition, prompting him to question the narrow focus on celebrity and sensationalism in American media. Furthermore, encountering diverse societies makes him more aware of societal values, encouraging him to seek personal growth and self-reliance, independent of external expectations or legacies.

The author learns profound lessons about family, faith, and personal responsibility through his travels. He discovers the importance of family bonds, especially the unique relationship with his mother, who inspires him with her adventurous spirit and selflessness. His father's legacy, particularly his emphasis on duty and respect, shapes his values, leading him to seek a meaningful life that fulfills both his family's expectations and his own desires.

Regarding faith, the author's journey through various cultures and religions deepens his understanding of different belief systems and their significance in people's lives. This exposure challenges his own Catholic faith, leading him to a more inclusive and accepting perspective. He learns to appreciate the interconnectedness of all faiths and the importance of personal spiritual growth.

Personal responsibility becomes a central theme as the author confronts his fears and insecurities. He gains self-awareness and confidence through his travels, learning to trust his instincts and make decisions independently. This newfound self-reliance allows him to forge his own path, free from the expectations of others, and to live a life that is both meaningful and authentic.

The author's narrative contributes to the broader conversation about living in the shadow of a famous family member by offering a personal account of the internal and external struggles he faced. He describes the pressure to live up to his father's legacy, the challenges of navigating fame, and the quest for self-discovery and fulfillment. He advises others facing similar circumstances to embrace their own path, not just their family's, and to find their own voice and purpose. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, embracing personal growth, and not being afraid to take risks and explore the world. The author encourages authenticity and the pursuit of a meaningful life, independent of the expectations or achievements of family members.

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