Russell M. Nelson: Father, Surgeon, Apostle

by Spencer J. Condie

As a latter-day apostle, Elder Russell M. Nelson is known worldwide for his tireless service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many people, however, are not familiar with his pioneering work in the field of open-heart surgery, the life-prolonging operation he performed on President Spencer W. Kimball, his role in helping open Eastern Bloc countries to the preaching of the gospel, and his loving efforts to build relations with the people of China. In Russell M. Nelson: Father, Surgeon, Apostle, readers are treated to an intimate portrayal that will help us come to know Elder Nelson as a man of testimony, a dedicated husband and father of ten, and a servant whose principal desire since his youth has been to serve God's children. Full of insight and inspiration, this biography will take its place among other important works that chronicle the lives of the Lord's latter-day servants.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Lds, Church, Nonfiction, History, Spirituality

479 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating books is so hard. There were things I loved about this book, and things I didn't love about it. The best thing about the book was the subject. President Nelson is so amazing. This book made me want to just sit down and have a conversation with him. It made me want to be friends with him. I want to know him, and I want him to know me. One doesn't find people like him all that often. I loved reading about his early years and his years as a doctor, what an amazing life! However, once we got to the part about his apostleship, the best and most important part, I started to lose interest. I think, for me, the way the author presented it wasn't interesting. Instead of telling it like a story, it felt more like a check list. He would present it more by topic than in a sequential story. It kind of confused me about what was happening when, and who knew who and what was going on. Still, it was wonderful to learn about his ministry as an apostle. The sad thing about this book is that it was written before so much of President Nelson's life happened. I want to know more about his story. Hopefully there is another biography written that includes the rest, someday.

[D Crook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled in rating this book. I admire President Russell M. Nelson, the Seventeenth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His accomplishments as a pioneering heart surgeon, as a father of ten children, and as a leader of the Church are astounding. I am amazed by his accomplishments and by his exemplary life. I also admire the author of the book, an emeritus general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ.

However, I am rating a book, not the subject of the book or its author, and, unfortunately, this book was just not well written. First, the overly devotional tone and, at times, clumsy language made it hard to read. For instance, the use of phrases like "ebullient buoyancy" and "sonorous sounds of song" served as linguistic static that made me wonder about the author rather than the subject of the book. While there may be people who regularly use these words, the structure of the sentences in which these phrases were found manifested the author's great effort to exercise his literary muscles. He clearly needs more practice.

Second, the structure of the books was puzzling. It was almost never chronological and almost always organized in a way that made it impossible to follow. For instance, in the chapter in which the author discussed President Nelson's immediate ancestors, the author numbered each person and then discussed each person by number. Thus, the individual comprising a married couple were discussed pages apart as if they did not even know each other. Additionally, the discussion of President Nelson's ministry was ripped apart by regional travel without any context. It was perplexing---particularly when the portions of the book that were chronological were engaging and quite well done. In fact, the parts written in a chronological fashion did not suffer with the pedantic linguistic overreach described in my first objection.

I wanted to like this book because I so admire the subject and, quite frankly, the author. However, it was not enjoyable to read and I would not recommend it as a good biography.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the subject matter of this book. I am amazed and astounded by President Russell M. Nelson and I am so glad that this book came into my life. He is extremely hard working, a risk taker, wildly faithful, generous hearted, brilliant beyond words. Above anything, he is so inspirational to me.

However, I did not care for the writing of this book. I did not like that is presented topically rather than chronologically. That made things unnecessarily confusing as my mind tried to wrap around and around and figure out where I was on a timeline. I also felt there were meaningless details included (for heavens sake I don't need to know the full and complete name of every single person he has ever come into contact with!) at the expense of story. The bottom line is that Spencer Condie is a dry writer (4 stars is generous) but Russell Nelson is a wonderful man.

(Also, quite an old book. Dantzel died in 2005 and he married Wendy Watson in 2006. I would love to get an update on what else Nelson has been up to in the last decade.)

[Book2Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written before the Apostle became the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, published in 2003. It discusses President Nelson's role as a cardiac/thoracic surgeon in the days before Open Heart and Heart/Lung Machines, which Dr. Nelson was instrumental in pioneering.
His life was a preparation for his current calling, and his virtues of love, kindness, and understanding were heralded throughout his profession and his life.
Inspiration is present in this book, but my only criticism is that it is sometimes overshadowed by who's who and what the itinerary was as an Apostle. Toward the end of the book many pages are taken from the teachings of President (then Apostle) Nelson. Family is also highlighted.
The other thing I would like to mention is that no life is without hardships and challenges, and this is true of Russell M. Nelson as well. He lost a child to cancer, which is, I believe, the worst loss; the loss of a child.
President Nelson recently celebrated his 98th birthday, and we hope to have him some years to come.

[Kessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I loved because it gave an example of patience and good child rearing. The book talked about how Elder Nelson's wife never got mad at her children, and the only time that she even came close was when her grandchildren broke her mother's vase. The only thing she said was "I should have known better than to put nice things around children playing." That sounds spectacular! I don't have any children yet, but I've been trying to practice to become just like that.
Elder Nelson is an excellent example of how even at the beginning he didn't stand for anything mediocre. His grades were excellent, and worked hard to be very good at what he did.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this excellent book with my husband. We're thankful for Russell M. Nelson, who we revere as our prophet, seer, and revelatory. He serves as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has lived an exemplary life of love, service, devotion, as well as being a world renowned heart surgeon.

He earned a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, where he worked on the research team developing the heart-lung machine that in 1951 supported the first ever human open-heart surgery using mechanical takeover of heart and lungs (cardiopulmonary bypass).

While at the Univ. of Minnesota, he and his wife were close friends with my parents as my Dad was getting his PhD at that time as well. This book has special meaning to me.

I want to live a more Christlike life by Pres. Nelson's example that was well documented in this biography of him.

The latter part of the book was not as interesting as it was more of a travelogue. Pres. Nelson's work ethic is incredible, and that was well noted in the book.

[Jasmyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow--fantastic biography of an incredible human being. I admire Pres Nelson's discipline, kindness and work ethic and loved all the personal stories. The only chapters I didn't love were the travelogue ones detailing all his assignments throughout the years... Kind of dry. Everything else was 5 stars and I hope I can be half the person he is when I'm done with my time on earth!

[Deyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant and humble man. There were lots of dates and amazing accomplishments. I would have loved more of the "inside" man.

[Milo Bitters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long winded and repetitive, only highlights are brief tales. but I learned my great uncle helped write the modern Romanian constitution

[Launette Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about Russell M. Nelson made me want to be a better person. I am amazed with his God given and self developed abilities and talents. Wonderful book!!!

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would be tough to write a bad book about such a great man. His background and work ethic is inspiring.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALthough it's not the best-written book, it is well done. Mostly, however, it is the subject, Russell M .Nelson, who is inspirational.

[Timber · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is hard to rate this book. I deeply admire the subject of the book, Russell M. Nelson. He has led an amazing life. I also admire the author of the book. Both men are fantastic people. I am rating the book itself though, not the people involved.

This book is the most poorly written biography I've ever read. It is written by topic and reads like a 400 page Wikipedia post. This biography has no chronological order. It is impossible to follow and keep track of what happened at which phases of Nelson's life. It felt like his life as a surgeon was given a back burner. Life with his family was devoted to several awkward chapters at the beginning and then his kids and wife were practically never mentioned again.

Later in the book it has chapters devoted to name-dropping every person Nelson has ever met, ever. It has another chapter where it just lists awards he's earned in his life--next to no context, just a list of award after award.

Then at the end, it's like the author needed to hit that 400 page quota so he just threw in 20 pages of random excerpts from General Conference addresses. Then ends the book with more random quotes from one of Nelson's other books.

I could keep going on, but you get the point. I really, really hope a new biography is commissioned so that Russell M. Nelson can be remembered in a better light than what this book offers.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely fascinating, brilliant, humble, kind man. Loved reading about his medical training and pioneering work in heart transplants as well as his dedication to family and Church. Grateful for his guidance now as President Russell M Nelson.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about both the secular and spiritual life of this incredible man of God. I only wish that it had been written after his call as a prophet. I am interested in reading what has taken place during the past 15 years!
The subject matter was definitely a strong 5 stars, but the writing would probably be a 4.

[Breck Wightman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish. Russel Nelson is a wonderful and inspired man but I just couldn’t stomach the hagiographic writing.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Here are some of my notes with things I want to remember: born September 9, 1924
Speaking of his parents, Edna and Marion Nelson, President Nelson said, “they made love the prevailing influence in their home. Completely absent were expressions of anger, criticism, and denigration of others. Our parents led, guided, and provided; but they were not possessive, and they did not unduly interfere in the lives of their children. The important decisions in life— choice of career, selection of a marital partner, and all other opportunities — were to be made individually, after parental counsel. They were always available. Never did the Nelson children feel the insecurity which may come from absentee parents. The only exception was when our parents went on a trip together; but when that occurred, we were well tended by other members of their extended family.
Quality time together as a family was always provided. Not only was there an annual vacation together, but just about every night was family home evening as well. We read together, sang together, and worked together. In the early years the economic struggle was very real; yet they seemed to have everything in life that money could not buy. Eventually, our fathers hard work was rewarded by greater financial stability, but most of that came after the formative years had passed and the children were launched on their respective ways.
In the nelson home education was highly valued. Early in our lives, father and mother assured us that they would assist us in achieving as much education as we could obtain. They were willing to make whatever sacrifices would be required to help us children to achieve that which we wished to make of ourselves. No words of mine can adequately express the gratitude I feel for this commitment to excellence in education and this level of support. Without their encouragement and absolute assurance of the validity of education and service, my life as it exists could never have been.”
When Russell was 8, he and a cousin joined an uncle for a military ceremony. Afterward, the young boys were honored guests at a dinner and boxing matches that followed. It was Russell’s first time witnessing a boxing match and he still remembers “how completely repugnant this was to me to see grown men intentionally striving to injure each other. 30

Russell’s dad has a ritual each morning of coming into the children’s rooms and boisterously singing to them…it was always comforting to hear their fathers cheerful greeting to each new day.

Treated with fresh fruit rather than candy, candy was virtually unknown to the nelson children. He had to ask permission to have a banana or Apple. 36

His parents didn’t go to church but sent him. He was unimpressed by the rowdiness of his classmates and the ridicule to which he was subjected when he attended because he was not a regular attender. At Sunday school class there was a feeling of antagonism between students and teacher. On occasion he would leave home in his Sunday clothes, but then he would go to Harvard Park and play football with other Sunday delinquents. He recalled “we carefully noted the time, knowing we could get together shortly after 10 o’clock and play until about 11:30 AM, the time for Sunday school to end. The boys would then tuck in their shirts, straighten their hair, and walk home as if they had all been to Sunday school. Russell’s parents may often have wondered why he came home somewhat disheveled and sweaty from Sunday school, but they never voiced their suspicions.“ 34
During his freshman year at high school in which he was 14, Russell was 5 foot four and weighed only 120 pounds. The next year at age 15 he should have graduated because you only attend East high for two years but he was still 5 foot four and 120 pounds so his parents decided to have him stay one more year in which time he reached 6 feet tall and 172 pounds- 41

Debate team in high school prepared him for later press conferences. Also, when he played on the high school football team, he was very protective of his hands and so he was often benched by his coach Oswald. Those are the same hands that would operate on coach Oswald nearly 40 years later. -41
April 16, 1942 overwhelmed by the soprano voice of a beautiful brunette on stage. It was dantzel white, and she won his heart. He was 17 and she was 16 so the romance was largely confined to companionship as friends at first. summer of 1944 Russell and dantzels relationship had become more serious and Russell felt uneasy unless he could be with her on a daily basis during the summer months. -46
summer of 1945, Russells application to the Naval reserve was accepted. He would continue his medical education as an apprentice seaman, and the Navy would provide for his tuition and books and pay him a whopping salary of $125 a month, enough to enable the couple to marry.”-48
They were married August 31, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. Russell’s parents could not attend the sealing ceremony and the only members of his family to witness the wedding were his sister Marjory and her husband Bob Rohlfing

“I come first in her life, right after the Tabernacle choir.“ Russell Nelson about dantzel pg 56

When asked how she managed to rear ten children with so little help from her busy surgeon-husband “When I married him, I didn’t expect much, so I was never disappointed.” 58

When their kids are asked about growing up with parents like Russell and dantzel they would reply “mother is perfect, and daddy nearly is.“ The children observe that Patience is the characteristic that best describes their mother. Not one of them recalls ever having seen their mother become angry or raise her voice. Though they do remember on occasion their father late at night bellow in an authoritative voice from the top of the stairs “could you girls please keep it down, there are people whose lives depend upon your father getting a good nights sleep!“ 58
When they had little girls, sister Nelson would prepare them for their dad’s arrival home from work by saying “OK girls, let’s pick up all your toys so the house will be clean when daddy comes home. When he walks through the door, let’s all give him some hugs and kisses.“ 60

One of Mother‘s greatest gifts to us was the way she prepared us for the last-minute interruptions which prevented daddy from attending one of our programs or recitals. Instead of letting it become a little crisis, mother would say, “something important has come up, so daddy won’t be able to make it, but we’re going to have a great time anyway.“ 61

First child Marsha born in July 1948. Slept in a sleeping bag on a cot
“Gloria describes her fathers efforts in assisting her mother to care for the young children, especially on Saturdays. “He was always a tender father, he didn’t need to unwind in front of the TV, and he had no need to vent his emotions.“ She shared fond memories of how he would preside at Saturday night baths with a, “ four in a tub shampoo train“. Russell would pour water and a dab of shampoo on each little girls head and then have them massage each other’s scalps until he gave the command, “about-face.“ Then, amid the giggles of great glee, the girls would turn around in the tub and begin to shampoo the hair of the sister who had just been working on them. The shampoo train was an elementary lesson on the golden rule.” 69
Dad came home to find danztel was weary. He began giving orders to help them get ready for bed: take your clothes off and hang them up. Brush your teeth. Put on pajamas. Say your prayers. Marjorie interrupted her fathers commands by asking, “ daddy, do you own me?” He realized he was exercising unrighteous dominion.

46 years old when started tenth pregnancy
March 1972 Russell Marion Nelson jr born(9 daughters and 1 son)

Dr Derwin Ashcroft and wife Beverly. President Nelson loaned them a copy of his book of Mormon. About a week later they return the book to him saying “thanks a lot.“ Rather assertively Russell asked “what do you mean “thanks a lot”? That is a totally inappropriate response for one who has read this book. You didn’t read the book. Please take it back and read it, and then when you’ve read it, please return it to me.“ they brought it back three weeks later, they had read it , they knew it was true and they wanted to learn more- 118

“Another part of a doctors career is to serve, and to serve when the patient needs it, not according to the doctors own time preferences. Medicine is a discipline that teaches you to serve selflessly and without regard to your own comfort, whether you’re tired, hungry or whatever. You have to subvert your own personal appetites.” 140

Another associate, dr jones said, “he must have had a list of hundreds of people that he sent birthday cards to each year. He’d sit down every morning and send them out. He never let the ‘small things of life’ fall through the cracks because of what we may think are the ‘bigger things in life.” 141
Served as counselor in bishopric for 5 years. Then on temple square as a missionary once a week for an hour from 1955-1965, until he was called to be a stake president. When President kimball called him, he told him when he asked about him to different people they’d say, “ he wouldn’t be very good” or “he does not have the time”, but he felt that the lord wanted him so he still extended the call. He called Jospeh b wirthlin as his second counselor and they served together for 7 years(1964-1971). His mortality rates for surgery’s were at 20% and when he was set apart, he was blessed that the mortality rates would decrease to a more acceptable range and that his ability to perform cardiac operations would increase. During subsequent years the mortality rate fell to less than 5%. 8 years later he performed aortic valve replacement on Spencer w kimball during open heart surgery. -147
A year after he was called to be stake president , Elder kimball saw him at a special meeting for stake presidents and warmly embraced him and said,”brother nelson. Are you still the stake president?” “Yes” “after you were called to be stake president, I had all sorts of people tell me they thought you wouldn’t last more than 2 weeks. It delights me to see that you are still serving.”
Faust said” I give Russell m Nelson the credit for changing the stereotype that doctors are too busy to serve in the church” -147

**“You never find time to do anything. One can always make time to do things he feels are important.”
President kimball, president of quorum of the 12 was dying. He met with Dr. Nelson and Dr. Wilkinson and they thought it was extremely risky to do a surgery and there had been no operation done like this before in his age group.they met with the first presidency to talk about it. After they discussed the very high risks and President Kimball knowing he only had two months left to live said “I’m an old man and ready to die. It is well for a younger man to come to the quorum and do the work I can no longer do.“ At that point President Harold B Lee rose to his feet pounded his fist to the desk and said “Spencer you have been called! You are not to die! You are to do everything that you need to do in order to care for yourself and continue to live.“ Kimball responded “then I will have the operation performed.“ Sister Kimball wept and dr Nelson’s heart sank for the weight of this decision seemed suddenly to pass to me” 155
He received a blessing from the first presidency on the eve of the operation in April 1972 and they blessed him that the operation would be performed without error, that all would go well, and that he need not fear for his own inadequacies for he had been raised up by the Lord to perform this operation.

June 1971 called to be the general president of Sunday school, if he could make it work with his medical job .he said yes and that he’d take on another job if he needed to to be obedient to the call they were impressed to give. They said to accept the call only if he could continue in his profession. -160
When being set apart with counselors, Russell was half hour late because he “has his finger in someone’s heart and can’t leave just yet.” President lee Gave an impromptu speech saying “many people have asked us why we would choose someone like dr Nelson who is so busy saving lives already, doing an important work? I assure you this was not our decision but the lords…the lord calls whom he wants.”-163

President kimball and wife and nelson and wife in Samoan islands for various conferences and events. Kimball and wife sick with high fevers of 104. They would miss the youth festivities to be presented the night before the general session of the area conference. But at 7pm President kimball woke and asked Nelson for the time. His fever had broken and the event started at 7pm so they quickly went. Upon arrival,the stadium erupted. Nelson asked his wife why and she said a youth islander had said a lengthy opening prayer and in it he said, “we are three thousand New Zealand youth. We are assembled here having prepared for six months to sing and to dance for thy prophet. Wilt thou heal him and deliver him here.” Just as the amen was pronounced, the car carrying the prophet enters the stadium. -173
1981 performed 285 open heart surgery’s and only five deaths…mortality of 1.7% pg 180

When asked how he remains so unflappable under stress, Russell recalled a time as a surgical intern, when he was assisting the chief surgeon in the amputation of a patient’s leg infested with gangrene. In the heat of the battle, the surgeon lost his composure and jabbed a knife “loaded with deadly organisms “into Russells arm. “I didn’t like that too well,“ Elder Nelson Wryly remarked, and he resolved then and there that “I would discipline my body always to be subject to domination by my spirit.“183

Russell reflected upon the time many years before when “I was impressed to modify my routine by getting up an hour earlier in the morning to study the Scriptures searchingly and dutifully, and also to teach myself how to play the organ, studying the hymns of Zion and the masterworks of BAch and others.“ 191 (he played organ for the brethren every Thursday morning at their temple meetings from then on)

“while we may be content with the status quo in life, the Lord would be making something of us beyond our fondest imagination. All he requires of us is to prepare ourselves, to try to iron out our imperfections and stretch each day to be something more than we otherwise would be.” 192

Elder Oaks said “in the quorum he is very quiet, and doesn’t speak much of the time but his comments were very influential when he did speak. Elder Nelson is less directive than others and less likely to find fault. He is gentle and wise“ 207

He helped many of the quorum medically, advising or operating on them himself. Kimball, Faust, he watched over Ballard’s operation, wirthlins daughter

September 1991, 5th daughter Wendy (she was 33 and had 4 children and a fifth on the way), was diagnosed with breast cancer. Underwent mastectomy and chemo and came out well and baby too. 1993 dantzel also feeling weak and lacking energy. 1994 Emily’s cancer came back and June 1994 danztel had contracted large cell lymphoma stage 4. Around this time elder nelson was asked to write a book about death and he wrote the gateway we call death, which helped him during this time.-235. September dantzel 4th chemo infusion. December she was in complete remission.
Janaury 27 1995 emily asked if he could see nana and popsy…names for his deceased parents. He said “ no emily but I’m sure when the time comes they will be there to greet you and care for you.” Then she asked if she was dying now. He said he didn’t think so as she was with him and brad. Then she thanked him for the blessing of the temple. She died two days later, Sunday Jan 29 at 2am.
Jon Huntsman observed that Russell M Nelson “has a unique gift and talent to put other people at ease. I have a great love for him because of his love for other people.“ 271

Throughout the years, Elder Nelson has studied with private tutors who have helped him improve his ability to speak and understand spanish
Poem he wrote & recited when excepting the accolades for Bestowed him:
Our God is my maker, parents dear are my guide, and angel wife my true love, children choice are my pride. Our Lord is my light, his endless truth, my law, my joy is in service to others, my message is, my life.“ 360

^*When called to serve as an apostle, Russell, like Peter and Andrew Of old, straightway left his nets and followed the Saviors injunction to become a fisher of men (Matthew 4:18-20). As he disengaged from a profession in which he had invested 40 intensive years of his life, he came to the holy apostleship empty so that he would have room for the fulness that would follow.”364
In the general authority lunchroom, Elder Nelson generally confines his disciplined palate to a bowl of soup, while many others prefer roast beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy. He never criticizes what others eat, but he is aware of the need to discipline the natural appetites of the body.“ 367
Also likes brisk walks, even while traveling

At the conclusion of the year 2000, Elder Nelson gratefully acknowledged that he was “blessed with another year without illness or injury, still never missing a day of work because of illness since grade school.” He not only takes excellent care of his body but also continually stretches his mind. In his daily record, the following entries are typical “I just completed my 15th tutoring session in Portuguese“ “Wednesday evening dantzel and I had another lesson in mandarin Chinese“ and “I took a computer training class in Gospel link at Deseret book“
“He wastes no time watching trivia on television. His daughters have observed that whenever father would come home in the evening and find the children watching television, he would turn it off. At that point, they all knew it was time to read a book or engage in some more productive activity. At home, at work, or at play elder Nelson lives a life that anticipates the Lords promises “ for he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my father” doctrine and covenants 72:4 -pg 368

Helen Hillier, who served as his secretary for nearly 16 years, calls Elder Nelson a “compassionate perfectionist.“ “Actually, his perfectionism made my job easier, because I can always count on a good end product. Though his expectations were always high, he offers corrections so gently that one never feels put down. He is the most disciplined person I’ve ever known.“ 371
“We will regard our body as a temple of our very own. We will not let it be desecrated or defaced in anyway. We will control our diet and exercise for physical fitness. Who are we? We are children of God. Our potential is unlimited. Our inheritance is sacred. May we always honor that heritage, in every thought and deed.” 384
“A testimony is never static. It is either becoming stronger or weaker.“ 387

While teaching Missionaries he referred to Sir Isaac newtons laws of motion and said “ a body at rest tends to remain at rest. A body in motion tends to remain in motion.“ Then he showed a slide of a sleeping missionary.
“Exercise is good for the heart. We know that during the exercise of walking, or bicycling, the big muscles of the thigh do a third of the work of pumping blood through the circulatory system, leaving only 2/3 of the work for the heart. The body at rest requires the entire workload of circulation to be done by this heart. Mental health is improved my exercise too.” 388
Husbands and fathers, with your dear partner, shape attitudes at home. Establish a pattern of prayer. Your manners of courtesy at home and of reference in the chapel will be copied by members of your family.“ 392

[Brooke Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love President Nelson. I loved reading his story, and learning more about him. I have no criticism of him. (The medical school years were fascinating! The heart and lung machine, amazing!)

But I felt like the writing was a little flowery and I lost some interest in the second half. I wish there was a part 2 that shows how he deals with the death of his wife and the courtship and marriage of his new wife Wendy Watson.

Fingers crossed that Sheri Dew will pick up the torch and write a new biography!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I had read a lot of criticism about the author's style in pulling together this biography, I wasn't bothered by any of the things other people were.
I LOVED learning more about our prophet. There were some great stories in this book about him. The author says at the beginning that this book could be a guidebook for those who want to become more like Christ and model their lives after Him--so I marked my copy accordingly. Everything that President Nelson did--at work, with his family, in accepting callings and working in the church that could be considered exemplary got a mark.
I am still astounded that one human can accomplish all that he has--from being a father of 10 children, and as involved in his family as possible, to being a world renowned heart surgeon, and inventor of a heart/lung bypass machine, and an innovator of new surgical techniques. He's a teacher and a mentor. He speaks multiple languages fluently (how many-- 5? 8?). He plays the organ proficiently. He takes on new technologies. He skis every week (did I mention that he's 94?). He does/did gardening and yard work, rather than hiring it out. At an early point in his career, men who were doctors were not asked to serve in the church--it was considered too much to add to their load. But not President Nelson; he set a new bar for church service along with his work life.
He adored his wife and cherished his children. The more I read about him, the more impressed I was with him. I already loved him and had a witness of him as our latter day prophet. But this book allowed me to know so much more about him and to like him all the more.
We read this book for our ward's R.S. book group. My favorite moment of the book group was when one person compared him to a vampire in the Twilight series. Because vampires never sleep, they can go to the library and read books and become experts in world languages, in history, and literature. They can develop talents in music. The point was that people who don't need sleep can accomplish a lot more of the rest of us. And with this point came a tongue in cheek implication that our prophet is a vampire. So cute!
My criticisms about this book are as follows: 1) It needs another epilogue! This book was finished in 2003, while his first wife, Dantzel was still alive. Since then, 16 years has passed. He lost his first wife, was remarried, and was called as Prophet of the church. We want to know about these missing years.
2) This book should also be produced in audio--It's such a shame that it isn't.
3) Or maybe instead of an epilogue, an entirely new biography should be written. Although I wasn't personally put off by the writing, there was a lot of discussion about things that annoyed others at our book group. Here are some of the issues:
A) The biography wasn't written chronologically. So the dates are confusing and it jumps around. It's so hard to know if this event happened before this other major event or when?
B) As a biography, it broke many of the standard rules--one being that this is a dual biography. Every time President Nelson is mentioned, so is Dantzel. She is in it nearly as much as he is, but her voice is NEVER in it. If she was to be a co-featured character in a biography, it would have only seemed right for her voice to be represented.
C) Some of the writing was purple prosy
D) Some of the sentence connections were baffling.
E) The last several chapters seemed like throw-aways for a biography--just excerpts of talks and teachings. Which would have been fine in their own book, but felt odd for a biography.
F) It lacked an emotive quality. Parts of it, especially the travelogues and sometimes lists of medical accomplishments read like an organizational planner list.
That said, I don't want to deter anyone from reading this book. I learned a ton, loved a ton, and honestly, it's the only book about President Nelson out there right now, so just read it!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot more about Russell M. Nelson: his life, his family, his career, his service. It was written 15 years ago, so it is missing much: the death of his first wife, his second marriage, his service as President of the Quorum of the Twelve, his sustaining as prophet, his more recent teachings.

It was inspiring. I kept texting a group of my friends and saying, "Did you know____?" I was especially inspired by the details about his heart surgery on President Kimball and also just seeing how obedient and diligent he has been. He is someone to emulate.

Some things that stood out to me:
First, President Nelson speaks several languages fluently and often before traveling to a country will study and learn enough to be able to bear his testimony in their native language. He is also very precise in how he speaks. He often explains the meaning of words...for example, in April 1995 he counseled members to become a "peculiar people." He then explained that the Hebrew word segullah which has been translated in the Old Testament as peculiar meant "valued property" or "treasure" and the Greek word peripoiesis in the New Testament can be translated as "possession" such as "those selected by God as His own people." So when we are asked to be a peculiar people, we are being asked to be a treasured people, to be God's chosen people.

Several times in the book it has mentioned that he is a bit of a perfectionist...he has high expectations for himself and others but he is very kind and gentle when giving any needed correction. His secretary referred to him as a "compassionate perfectionist."

President Nelson has always sought to learn. Of course he sought learning to prepare for and to practice medicine. But he has sought to learn languages, understand computers so they can be used for family history purposes, and sought many other types of knowledge. He views others as sources of knowledge/learning and he is always willing to learn from stake presidents, bishops, missionaries, mission presidents and others he comes in contact with as he travels the world.

After his sixth daughter (Emily) passed away, her husband Brad was invited to all family activities including an Alaskan cruise a few months after Emily's death. Brad was encouraged by each of Emily's family members to begin to date and when he married a young woman named Julie, she was welcomed into the Nelson family. Brad and Julie attend monthly extended Family Home Evenings, go on family vacations with the Nelson clan and Julie is invited to sing with the Nelson sisters. "Their acceptance of her is evidence of the gospel of inclusion and of an ever-expanding circle of love that they learned from their parents."

In April 1993, he received the Legacy of Life Award from the LDS Hospital-Deseret Foundation. Many people attended a banquet where he received this award. Among the guests were Blair and Lillie Ann Bradshaw. Dr. Nelson had performed open heart surgery on Blair. Lillie said, "Elder Nelson took time to come and write in my journal, draw a picture and explain thoroughly to me what had happened and to set my mind at ease."

As he received the award, then Elder Nelson recited a poem he had written:
"Our God is my maker;
Parents dear are my guide;
An angel wife my true love;
Children choice are my pride.

Our Lord is my light;
His endless truth, my law.
My joy is in my service to others;
My message is--my life."

Dr. Donald Doty, one of Nelson's surgical colleagues spoke at the banquet, saying, "I think Elder Nelson's contributions in cardiac surgery pale to what he's done since he's been an Apostle. In cardiac surgery, we, as surgeons, affect the lives of individuals in a very profound way, but it's always one-on-one. We can only take care of one patient at a time. But when one is in the position of healing lives spiritually, then thousands can be affected at any one time."

Elder Nelson served on the Temple and Family History Executive Council for many years. He would share this analogy with temple presidents and temple matrons to explain the importance of temple garments. He would place an orange in a bowl filled with water. The water represents the world. With the peel intact, the orange floats to the top. But when the peel is removed, the orange sinks to the bottom...the water overcomes the orange. In this wicked world, we need all the protection we can receive so that we don't sink but swim.

In August 1984, just a few months after being called as an apostle, Elder Nelson was asked to provide organ accompaniment for the singing of hymns as the Twelve gathered in the temple. He has done this ever since at each week's meetings of the Twelve. (As the book was published in 2003, I don't know if he continues to play the organ or not.) Years earlier, he had been impressed to get up an hour earlier in the morning to study his scriptures and to teach himself to play the organ. He joked with his wife that he was preparing for the next world because heart surgeons would not be needed there. He said, "I learned long ago to be obedient to those marvelous, sweet whisperings of the Spirit-those strong promptings to follow counsel. Especially sobering it is to know that, while we may be content with the status quo in life, the Lord would be making something of us beyond our fondest imagination. All he requires of us is to prepare ourselves--to try to iron out our own imperfections and to stretch each day to be something more than we otherwise would be."

I knew that President Nelson had done life saving heart surgery on President Kimball, but I don't think I'd ever heard all of the details. President Kimball was in congestive heart failure at age 77. He only had about 2 months to live. In a meeting with the First Presidency, then Elder Kimball said he was ready to die. Russell M. Nelson and another surgeon didn't recommend surgery because he would need two different surgeries that had never been performed together on a patient of his age. It was extremely high risk. President Harold B. Lee pounded his fist on the desk and said that Spencer had been called and was not to die.So Elder Kimball decided to have the surgery.

The surgery was performed in 1972. Brother Nelson received a blessing from the First Presidency before performing the surgery. He said that everything went exactly as planned with no problems whatsoever and Elder Kimball's heart resumed beating immediately after the surgery was complete. He said that what was more shocking than how smoothly the surgery went was that the spirit told Brother Nelson that Elder Kimball would become prophet of the Church. He shared this with Elder Kimball...but Elder Kimball didn't think this could be, because President Harold B. Lee was younger and healthier and was next in line after the current prophet, Joseph Fielding Smith. In July 1972, President Smith died. President Kimball was called to be in the First Presidency under Harold B. Lee. In December 1973, President Lee died. President Kimball became the prophet, his health improved remarkably (although not completely), and he served for a dozen years, dying at the age of 90.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved learning about President Nelson! He is such an amazing man and prophet. The first part of the book was written better than the last part. In the last part, I found interesting details & quotes but the way this section was written was lacking.
Favorite quotes:
pg. 86: They had a saintly mother to teach daughters. "God needs good mothers on this earth, and the best way to make good mothers is to send worthy daughters to a good mother to help them appreciate their own worth."
Pg. 170: (talking to Samoan saints) "Before you have a temple here, you need to covert your genealogical information from memorized recollections to a written form that can be used in the temple. You also need to get more convert baptisms, for it takes a lot of people to run a temple, so in essence, then you have done your part, the Lord will do his part and you shall have a temple here."
pg. 176: "When does a prophet speak as a prophet? One is presumptuous enough to sit in judgement on a prophet. The only question I have asked is how can I be more like him?"
pg. 199: I learned long ago to be obedient to those marvelous, sweet whisperings of the spirit - those strong promptings to follow counsel. Especially sobering it is to now that while we may be content with the status quo in life the Lord would be making something of us beyond our fondest imagination. All he requires of us is to prepare ourselves to try to iron out our imperfections and to stretch each day to be something more than we otherwise would be."
pg. 243: "The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." John 14:27

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read this dated biography of the current (2019) President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others have been bothered by the organization/style. It didn't really bother that much. I liked the topical arrangement. It made sense and seemed like it exemplified his personality. The whole book seemed to do that, actually. The lists of names(does he know individuals or does he know individuals?), the footnotes (which were absolutely characteristic if you've been following his conference talks for the last 15 years), the inexhaustible energy (can he write a diet/exercise plan for me to follow?), and the positive brilliance all come through the pages. I found myself inspired to eat less potatoes and write more in my journal(his records are astounding).

That being said, it was dated. His wife has passed away, he has remarried, and I feel like a lot more has happened in the last 20 years that could be added. It is definitely not the end of the story ... yet (or perhaps ever. Because when does a story of a man with over 100 grandchildren end?).

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a great and wonderful man. The two qualities of his that stuck out to me the most were his self-discipline, and his gift for diplomacy. I loved hearing about his work representing the church during the fall of the Iron Curtain and how exciting it was to dedicate new lands for the preaching of the gospel and open new doors to the church. I also enjoyed hearing more detail about Pres. Nelson's work in heart surgery. He truly was a pioneer and right at the vanguard when open heart surgery was being done for the first time.

Something else that struck me was Pres. Nelson's ability to manage his time, to do several extremely difficult and time consuming things at once. He was a world renowned heart surgeon conducting intensive research at the same time as being the general president of the Sunday School in the church, and being a father of ten.

I believe this man to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ and a prophet of God. It was a joy to learn more about him and his life.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Russell M. Nelson is truly a remarkable man. His talents, skills, and character are all outstanding and remarkable. I loved learning more about his early life, and his family life. I'm astounded by the scope of his travels and of his interests and abilities. It's hard to see how he has packed everything he has done into the standard 24-hour days we've all been given. That said, this book was hard to read. It's not really chronological, so it's hard to see the progression of his life once he gets past marriage and schooling. It is arranged by topic, so that the reader keeps going back and forth through years and decades. Also, the lists of dates, place names, and personal names becomes a blur after a while. This is a great resource for anyone wanting to know those details about any particular venture, but to read as a narrative, it got awfully overwhelming for me.

[Marsha Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The man makes the book. Russell M. Nelsons's accomplishments are astounding--professionally and personally. He is inspiring, good and true. He may well become the next President of the Church. Having read his life, I want to be a better mother, wife and servant. I feel encouraged to do all of that!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading more of this apostle, but the language was at times dry and a little too factual instead of emotional. I didn't feel I could connect with him as well as other biographies I have read.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a really great man. There are a lot of things I can learn from his example. I really enjoyed reading it.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read- this is more than a biography- amazing! The first 2/3 of book is enthralling and the end is great too! Read it!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pres Monson said of Elder Nelson: "He'll happily go anywhere he's sent and leave a trail of happiness behind. "

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an inspiring book about a very neat man, his family, his work, his faith, and his service. I loved learn about President Russell M. Nelson and am impressed by all that he has done and continues to do in his life.

I loved learning about his family, his wife, his nine daughters and one son and now many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the special place they hold in his life. Even with all of the important work he has done as a surgeon and as a General Authority it is obvious that they are his first priority and his example of gentle and thoughtful love for each of them is inspiring. One of my favorite chapters in the book was ‘Living after the Manner of Happiness’ that described many of their family traditions. So many are very sweet – flowers for his daughters on Mother’s Day, Anniversaries, Scrapbooking days, a “This year, I am thankful for…” writing or drawing guessing game, Daddy-Daughter Dates, Meetings at the Barbershop, Scripture Study three times a day, family home evenings, General Conference reviews, family vacations, family temple trips, and a family newsletter. It is obvious that family and time together is important and has helped to build very loving relationships.

I am inspired by President Nelson’s example and goodness from a very early age, mostly of his own choosing and his commitment to doing what’s right ever since. When he was very young he seemed to have great respect for the Sabbath day, his body, music, and learning. He continues to have a great desire to learn. Besides being a world-renowned heart surgeon, playing a key role in developing the heart-lung machine that helped make possible some of the very first open heart surgeries (including an important operation that he performed on President Spencer W. Kimball), he is a gifted teacher and administrator, has learned multiple languages, learned to play the organ, and likes to ski. Even with all of these accomplishments, he very humble and kind. He has been called a “compassionate perfectionist.”

Some of his work and Church service has taken him all over the world. He has dedicated many countries for the teaching of the gospel and has had particularly meaningful contacts and impact in many of the countries in Eastern Europe, as well as China.

There is much we can learn from the life and example of President Russell M. Nelson and there is still more that he is doing. It’s amazing what someone can do when they are focused on serving the Lord and doing His will.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

“It was not surprising to see Elder Nelson give each of his daughters a gentle kiss as they arrived, but one would not have anticipated that his sons-in-law would also receive a kiss from the family patriarch. Indeed, from the love expressed in this family, it is difficult to discern who are the biological offspring and who are the in-laws (p. xii).”

“Russell humbly acknowledges that ‘having lived closely by the side of this angel, Dantzel, for these many years, I can truly say that I’ve never met a person more selfless and completely without guile. Some people have written eloquent poetry about loving one another, and others have expressed their love in song, but this precious woman’s very life is a living answer to the questions: ‘What can I do in my life to bless others? How can I be more righteous, more honest in my doings (p. 54)?’’”

“Dantzel loved caring for her newborn grandchildren just as she had enjoyed caring for her own infants. Brenda, after arriving home from the hospital with a new baby, learned a great lesson from her mother about the things that matter most. Instead of cleaning the house and doing the dishes, her mother would cuddle and read to the young siblings so that they felt loved and secure when the new competition arrived. Brenda recalled, ‘The house was not spotless when the new baby came home, but the younger children had been perfectly primed by their loving grandmother to anxiously await the arrival of the new little sibling with great love and anticipation (p. 60).’”

“As Russell Jr. was contemplating his future career path, his father did not attempt to steer his only son toward a medical career. Rather, he counseled him, ‘I don’t think the Lord cares what you do for a living as long as you serve others well (p. 84).’”

“Wedding anniversaries have always been special occasions for Dantzel and Russell. While still a practicing surgeon, he made no appointments for operations or office visits on August 31. On that day, he made only the necessary visits to patients in the hospital and then spent the rest of the day with his sweetheart doing whatever she wanted to do. One of the blessings of returning to Salt Lake City in 1955 was being able to celebrate each wedding anniversary in the temple, where Russell and Dantzel renewed and reviewed the covenants they made with each other and with their Heavenly Father. Presents exchanged on anniversaries have always been modest because, said Russell, ‘We feel that, to a certain extent, every day ought to be a wedding anniversary (p. 87).’”

“‘I didn’t realize that the task which was before us was ‘impossible,’ and so I started out with the very naïve assumption that it wouldn’t be very hard to build a heart-lung machine (p. 107).’”

“One day, [two professional colleagues at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center] asked Dr. Nelson about his religious beliefs, so he gave them a preliminary overview and loaned them his copy of the Book of Mormon. About a week later, they returned the book to him, saying, ‘Thanks a lot.’ Rather assertively, Russell asked, ‘What do you mean, ‘Thanks a lot.’? That is a totally inappropriate response for one who has read this book. You didn’t read the book. Please take it back and read it; and then when you have read it; please return it to me.’ Somewhat red-faced and embarrassed by this challenge and confrontation, the Ashcrafts retrieved the book, acknowledging that they had only thumbed through the pages. Three weeks later, they returned with tears in their eyes and said, ‘We have read the book. We know it is true. We want to learn more.’ Dr. Nelson said, ‘Now I know you’ve read the book (p. 118).’”

“‘Among his biggest contributions to medicine was his skill as a teacher and administrator (Dr. J.D. Mortensen, p. 138).’”

“Dr. Nelson long contended that ‘the duty of a doctor, primarily, is to teach (p. 140).’”

“Russell told the Brethren that when he and Dantzel were married in the temple on August 31, 1945, they had made a commitment to ‘seek…first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,’ feeling confident that everything else would be added unto them, as they Lord had promised (Matthew 6:33). Brother Nelson added, ‘The Lord has been good to us, and there is nothing we desire more than to serve where He wants us to serve, in whatever capacity we are called to serve (p. 144).’”

“‘You never find time to do anything. One can always make time to do things he feels are important (p. 147).’”

“Then a weary President Kimball said, ‘I’m an old man and ready to die. It is well for a younger man to come to the Quorum and do the work I can no longer do.’ Elder Nelson described the dramatic reaction of President Lee: ‘At that point President Harold B. Lee, speaking for the First Presidency, rose to his feet, pounded his fist to the desk, and said, ‘Spencer, you have been called! You are not to die! You are to do everything that you need to do in order to care for yourself and continue to live.’ President Kimball responded, ‘Then I will have the operation performed.’ ‘Sister Kimball wept,’ Dr. Nelson remembered. ‘When he spoke those words, my heart sank, for the weight of this decision seemed suddenly to pass to me. But this was a remarkable event. This momentous decision, which shaped the history of the Church, was not based on medical recommendation. It was based strictly on the desire of President Kimball, as an Apostle of the Lord, to be obedient to the inspired direction of the First Presidency of the Church (p. 154).’”

“President Harold B. Lee asked Dantzel how she would cope with raising a large family while her husband served as general superintendent of the Sunday School and worked as a busy heart surgeon. Dantzel replied simply, ‘When he’s home, he’s home (p. 163).’”

“‘Desired blessings come only by obedience to divine law, and in no other way. My lifetime thus far has been focused on learning those laws. Only as the laws are known, and then obeyed, can the blessings we desire be earned (p. 189).’”

“‘Power, if misused, can cut into the very source of that power (p. 193).’”

“‘There may have been some missed opportunities when we could have learned more from him. He doesn’t feel obliged to comment on everything he observes (Neal A. Maxwell, p. 207).’”

“‘Elder Nelson is less directive than others and less likely to find fault. He doesn’t grab a problem or an issue so tightly that he bruises it. He is gentle and wise (Dallin H. Oaks, p. 207).’”

“‘That man’s a peacemaker who always avoids contention (Robert D. Hales, p. 210).’”

“While many of the Apostles extol Elder Nelson’s ability to speak Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Russian, German, and French, Elder Eyring has been impressed with his colleague’s ‘spiritual gift of language.’ In other words, ‘he uses language to lift us to spiritual heights by saying things in a loftier mode with an inner, spiritual scope. His language shows us the sweep of eternity (p. 214).’”

“‘As a special witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that He lives! I also testify that the veil of death is very think. I know by experiences too sacred to relate that those who have gone before are not strangers to leaders of this Church. To us and to you, our loved ones may be just as close as the next room – separated only by the doors of death (p. 243).’”

“‘From the time Elder Nelson received the assignment to open the doors to the Iron Curtain countries, he aggressively pursued every avenue in that regard. He was willing to go anywhere and meet anytime, at any inconvenience or danger to himself. I came to know a man whose judgment was so keen and whose ability to make correct decisions so uncanny, that there was no other explanation than that he had been chosen before the worlds were to be the Lord’s servant in these countries for just ‘such a time as this.’ (Esther 4:14) (Sister Campbell, p. 246)”

“At the cornerstone laying of the Logan Utah Temple, President George Q. Cannon testified, ‘Every foundation stone that is laid for a temple, and every temple completed…lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness, moves the heavens in might power in our behalf, invokes and calls down upon us the blessings of eternal Gods and those who reside in their presence (p. 311).’”

“President Thomas S. Monson has observed that Elder Nelson ‘has a curiosity that leads to learning. He is never content but always wants to know more, and he can wrap his mind around the latest technology (p. 349).’”

“‘I think Elder Nelson’s contributions in cardiac surgery pale to what he’s done since he’s been an Apostle. In cardiac surgery we, as surgeons, affect the lives of individuals in a very profound way, but it’s always one-on-one. We can only take care of one patient at a time. But when one is in the position of healing lives spiritually, then thousands can be affect at any one time (Dr. Donald Doty, p. 360).’”

“For Elder Nelson, skiing is not just a valuable source of recreation and physical exercise; skiing also provides an opportunity to meditate in the serene surroundings of snow-bedecked pines. High on each mountain top, he revels in the beauties of nature and returns home rejuvenated in mind, body, and spirit (p. 366).”

“Helen Hillier, who served as his secretary for nearly sixteen years, calls Elder Nelson a ‘compassionate perfectionist.’ ‘Actually, his perfectionism made my job easier, because I could always count on a good end product,’ she said. ‘Though his expectations were always high, he offers correction so gently that one never feels put down.’ She added, ‘He is the most disciplined person I’ve ever known (p. 370).’”

“Though he sets high standards for himself, his compassion for those who struggle and fall short is a hallmark of his life (p. 371).”

“The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, ‘Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspired to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race (p. 375).’”

“‘I was told a tender account during the holiday season just past. While children reenacted the Christmas story, one child held high a star wrapped in aluminum foil, mounted on a broomstick. Later, someone commended the child for his stamina in holding that star so high for such a long period of time. The child, who had spoken no lines, joyfully replied, ‘I had the most important part in the play. I showed people how to find Jesus (p. 391).’”