Sheri L. Dew

To members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson is a prophet, one who stands on the mountain top and warns of dangers ahead. While I've listened to him speak at the General Conferences of the Church over the years, I knew little about him.

For example, though I knew he had been a cardiovascular surgeon, I didn't realize he had actually been one of the pioneers of heart transplants. I knew he had 10 children, but I didn't realize he had had nine daughters before finally having a son. I knew he had learned Chinese, but I didn't realize he had learned several other languages, as well. I knew he had remarried after his first wife, Danzel, had passed away, but I hadn't heard how or why. And, to be honest, beyond the basics, I didn't know much about the man who led the Church. I had a smattering of facts that I knew, and I had felt the power of his testimony and mantle many times, but I did not know much about him.

This book, which is not a full biography, but a smattering of snapshots, is a great way to begin to know him. It covers his entire life, from his youth, as the son of inactive members of the Church, to a brilliant academic career, to his innovations in heart surgery, to his church service, and finally to his calling as a prophet and the changes in organization, temples, and procedures. Sheri Dew knows President Nelson, and she makes the story personal and inspirational, and I was constantly touched and moved. It's a fast read, and while perhaps only an overview of the highlights of his life, it's a good place to start for someone looking to learn about Russell M. Nelson's life.… (meer)

This is almost two books:
The section that contains the notes from Joseph's discourses shows two things. First, it shows the humanity of Joseph Smith. You can almost see the smile, hear the expression in his voice, and feel the emotion behind the words. Secondly, women haven't changed much. They're still opinionated, hard workers, contributors, and wanting to be involved-- and the leaders of the church are just as willing as Joseph to have them involved.

The first half of the book contained thoughtful essays from two of my favorite strong women-- each strong in her own way. It's a nice piece of work.… (meer)