Neal A. MaxwellRezensionen

Great LDS book on discipleship and adversity.

I didn't know, when I picked it up on a whim, that this was his last book. It truly is one of his best.

This was purely an accident. I was looking for a book that talked about grief (as cited in another text) and picked this up thinking it was the one that contained that quote. It did not, but it contained many other gems... such as the chapter on correction and prophetic counsel.

A beautiful compendium of thoughts strung together to create a vivid tapestry.

I wish I could wrap it all up and insert it into my brain. He has SUCH a way with words-- making it all seem attainable and worth striving for at the same time.

A series of essays on the topic of leadership, particularly in a Church setting. Maxwell takes an academic look at what makes someone an effective leader, including respecting differences, listening more effectively, being open and honest, and not being afraid to have uncomfortable discussions. Perhaps a bit dated.

Worth the Effort

I think I started reading this thin book 20 years ago, and I just finished it by reading the last chapter this evening. Life gets busy, and I get impatient and sometimes try to rush through books. If you do that with Elder Maxwell's books, it's easy to miss out on the beauty of the things he has to say, and you end up setting them aside in favor of easier reading. Several years ago, the members of my stake presidency had a contest amongst themselves to see who could read the Book of Mormon the slowest; I think that's the sort of approach you ought to take to Elder Maxwell's writings.

The last chapter, "The Mysteries of the Kingdom", is a truly remarkable meditation on the learning that comes through participation in temple ordinances and how it points us toward the joy that can be ours in the eternities. I highly recommend it.

The more I read this book, the more I wanted to keep reading.
Published in 1988. The first chapter talks about how the world views the ideas such as "submission" and "obedience." Still timely.
I have always enjoyed Elder Maxwell's talks; he has such a way with words.

I have not read this book cover to cover, but have read some of the conversion/testimonies of different prominent people that it contains. Several prominent LDS members each write their reasons for believing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For some it is a conversion to the faith while for others it is how they developed their own testimony of the faith they were born into. There are many members included in here such as J.W. Marriott Jr, Thurl Bailey (NBA basketball) and Gladys Knight (singer).

It is worth having a look at and reaffirming your faith through learning of others' experiences.

Ryan

Great resource for lessons & talks. Wide ranging topics.