L. Tom Perry, an Uncommon Life: Years of Preparation

by Lee Tom Perry

Elder L. Tom Perry, a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is fond of describing himself as being as common as dirt. Yet his life is uncommon by any standard. After spending most of his early years in his hometown of Logan, Utah, and additional years on a mission and in the military, young Tom Perry launched a twenty-year professional career that took him from his first job as an internal auditor in Boise, Idaho, to executive positions in retailing on the west and east coasts of the United States. Soon after his fiftieth birthday, he was surprised to be called as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve. Not long afterward, President Spencer W. Kimball extended to Elder Perry the call to join the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Perry has now served for forty years as a General Authority. For Elder Perry, the value of life's experiences is determined primarily by the lessons they teach. As the story of his life shows, his positive attitude has created positive lessons that we can learn from. He has lived a life of faithfulness to God, family, and country, and he continues to be blessed with faith-promoting experiences. This first volume of Elder L. Tom Perry's biography extends from his birth on August 5, 1922, through his marriage to Virginia Clare Lee, the births of their children, and his career in the world of retailing to the time of his call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the passing of his beloved Virginia. Uplifting and inspirational, this story of a remarkable man of faith encourages us to live better lives by drawing closer to God, selflessly serving others, and leading our families along the path of righteousness.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Adult, History

368 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2013

Reviews

[Alec · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to rate this book purely on its literary merits. I saw in one of the reviews that it must be difficult to write a book about a person who means a lot to you (as in this case- the son writing about the father). I can say that it is also difficult to rate a book about a person whom you admire greatly. With that disclosure of bias on the record I proceed to my review...

I bought this book on a whim one day when it a local book shop. I studied a bit about the life of each of the living Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for a class I took in college. I came away from the class with a sense of respect and admiration for each of them, but felt a special connection to Elder L. Tom Perry.

In reading about his life prior to being called as an apostle (this is apparently the first of two books in his biography), I found myself liking Elder Perry even more than I did before I began the book. There were a number of things I was particularly drawn to from his story. First, he was portrayed as an incredibly normal and down-to-earth individual. While it is obvious that his life experiences, his upbringing, and his family experiences did a lot to prepare him for his calling, he seems like the kind of person I would have enjoyed plying with as a child, working with, being neighbors with, or serving with in the church. Second, the book was written so that readers could learn something of practical application from each of the chapters. I felt inspired on a number of occasions to implement the simple lessons articulated in each chapter.

I'm very excited for the next installment of Elder Perry's life to be published- I hope it isn't intended to be a posthumous project. I'm curious how his life has changed since being called as an apostle, how he has drawn on his experiences from earlier in life to shape his council, instruction, and teachings. I'm anxious to see how the Lord has continued to use Elder Perry to bless and enrich the lives of his fellowmen. I feel very blessed to live in a time when apostles once again walk the earth, when Christ's church has been restored, and honored to hold the holy Priesthood. My hope on finishing the first book is that I make as much of the opportunities I'm blessed with to enrich those around me as I can. My hope is that I fulfill my eternal potential, bear my mortal trials, and endure as faithfully as Elder Perry has.

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good. Easier to read through than many biographies. I've definitely decided that a like memoir-style biographies. This book focused a little more on facts than character development, and I'm not sure that's my favorite style.

[NaDell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typos throughout, but great stories!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always amazed at how the Lord prepares his leaders. Even from early on they seem to be trained to one day lead the church in a specific way and in a specific era.

L. Tom Perry is an amazing man. I loved reading about his ancestors and how they shaped his life. I enjoyed reading about his early life and his shyness. I really liked reading about his work history, his church service, and his family life. What a great example he is to all of us.

One thing I learned about Elder Perry is that the "L" is for Lowell, his given name. And that he used to go by that name, but when Elder Perry's younger brother was born and couldn't say his name and called him Wo-Wo instead...Elder Perry pleaded with his family to start calling him Tom...and he has been L. Tom Perry ever since.

One of my favorite stories is when Elder Perry used to take his young son, Lee, with him on speaking assignments. To help his son be quiet and attentive, Elder Perry gave him the task of watching and then signaling like the three monkeys representing see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil...
If Elder Perry was not standing up straight the son was suppose to cover his eyes.
If Elder Perry was speaking too loudly the son was suppose to cover his ears.
And when it was time for Elder Perry to finish speaking the son was suppose to cover his mouth.

I especially loved reading about his love for his wife and children. And his love of the Lord and his willingness to serve where ever he is called.

I also loved that they included pictures...

[Mommywest · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always fascinating to learn more about an Apostle of the Lord. What shaped them into the person they are today? This book, L. Tom Perry: An Uncommon Life, Years of Preparation, and written by his son, Lee Tom Perry, shows us how Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has worn his trademark smile and possessed enthusiasm and goodness since birth, but has also been influenced by a family heritage that instilled deep faith and rock-solid values. Elder Perry seems never to be down, and his enthusiastic words and deeds inspire everyone he comes In contact with. I was excited to learn more about him, because I have always admired his happiness, positive attitude, and his unwavering witness of Jesus Christ and His gospel. This volume, which is the first of two volumes that will detail his life, follows Elder Perry from birth all the way up to shortly after his call as an Apostle, and also talks about his first wife, Virginia, her constant unselfish service to her family and others, and the impact she had in so many lives before her death, as well as Elder Perry's ancestry and their faith and perseverance. As Alec, another reviewer pointed out, the book is written in an engaging, very personal narrative that also gently points out what Elder Perry learned from different experiences in his life so that the reader can see learning experiences in his or her life. (For an excellent take on the book and what you can learn from it, visit Alec's review.) I highly recommend this book to anyone!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book about a wonderful man! I am inspired by the lives and examples of the apostles and enjoy learning about them. Elder L. Tom Perry has told many people that he is "as common as dirt" but his son shows us just how "uncommon" his life was in preparation for his call to serve the Lord. He shares many stories and examples of Elder Perry's education, service, humility, goodness, and dedication, from growing up in Logan, Utah to his missionary service in the Northeast Mission, to his military service in Japan, and then meeting his wife and building family traditions and setting priorities while also having interesting work experiences in Idaho, California, New York, and Massachusetts. I think the thing that I liked best about this book was how Elder Perry faced each new experience as an opportunity to learn, to serve, and to do his very best. What an example for each of us! He is such an example of humility and trusting and following the Lord with great faith and enthusiasm. I look forward to the second book and a continuation of the story!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think biographies about people you really care about are hard to write. For the most part, Lee Tom Perry did a pretty good job of providing interesting details and stories about the life of his father. At times, and he warns about this at the first of the book, he inserts himself into his narrative. Other times, he relates stories in third person. I would have found the book more enjoyable and easier to read had he just chosen on style or the other. Many times it was very disruptive to the narrative for he to suddenly relate a comment or story in first person. That said, I enjoyed the stories and insights into the life of an amazing man. I was inspired to be a better person and serve more. Hearing about who he was as a child and adult made his life seem normal and relatable, until you realize the sacrifices he made to serve and help others. I appreciated learning more about this man of God.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to read all about Elder Perry as he made such an impression on me. This book was not easy to get into at first because the author kept switching from 1st to 2nd person narration. As he progressed in his book it became more fluent and enjoyable. The stories of Elder Perry's life are priceless. His wife was every bit his equal in stature of character. I am grateful for this read. Tom Perry was a skilled professional, some of which he learned from his church experiences. His professional life also helped him later in his church assignments. There was nothing like the twinkle in Elder Perry's eyes.

[Cathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrific biography of a great man, told by his only son. It started out a bit slow for me, but as it moved forward into Elder Perry's adult life and challenges, I didn't want to put it down. This book ends in early 1976, a year after Elder Perry lost his first wife to cancer (not a spoiler since most people know that already) and when he's a very new member of the quorum of the twelve apostles. Lee Perry is in the process of writing a second book about the last forty years of his dad's life, and I don't know when that will come up. These books are great tributes from a son to a father!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative biography of Elder L. Tom Perry. His son is the author. I learned a lot about Elder Perry's life and a lot about his ancestors. It was really interesting to learn about his successes in business, church, and family. I was disappointed when the book ended at about 1976, though. I thought it would go through his whole life, so I assume there will be another volume one day. I would definitely like to learn more about Elder Perry, especially more of his recent achievements.

[Amy Dance · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this book. I love learning about how ordinary people learn to do extraordinary things & Elder Perry has been one of favorite Apostles since I was a kid.
Enjoyed reading of his life growing up in Logan Utah. Looking forward to Volume 2. One of my favorite parts is towards the end, while Elder Perry is living in the Boston area. He talks about applying the principles he learned from the story of the Creation to how he operated as a stake president. Very interesting lesson.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and learning about his life. He is someone who has an unusually sunny disposition. The part I was most impressed with about his life was when post war in Japan he and his pal helped the Japanese Christians rebuild. When it was time to ship off, they got teased by their fellow Americans for not having girlfriends and a "good time" while there. Then, over the hill came tons of their friends to thank them. It was so touching.

[Anita Mott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I started with the chapter on Weston Ward, because I was there. We actually beat him there by a year, and left a year before he did. I was surprised to learn that he'd been in Nagasaki right after the bomb. And I really appreciated all the photos. Thanks for including them, Lee. Oh - did you know that Ginny was my VT the whole time we lived there, and I taught Linda (she was called Gay then) in Primary?

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

How great it was to read about a great man who learned and grew throughout the years. Fantastic biography.
Thoughts from the book:
Whatever we may lack in ability, we can make up with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm definition: to have God in us. He didn't cling to the same old flowerpot-the one that was the most safe and comfortable. He was always willing to let God replant him wherever he was needed most.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting biography of the apostle L. Tom Perry written by his son. There was a great selection of personal anecdotes that ranged from the spiritual to the irreverent, and they were well balanced. It was an engaging biography that made me appreciate a person who calls himself "as common as dirt" yet has lived an interesting life.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a few chapters to get use to the author, who is L. Tom Perry's son. After a few chapters I was use to it and it was a great read. This book was inspirational, it made me want to be a better person. I was especially impressed and inspired with his first wife, Virginia as she courageously fought cancer.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. The writing was not exceptional, but I enjoyed the stories and getting to know Elder Perry better. And it was uplifting. It made me want to do better, be better, and also made me think that I need to do a better job recording my own life history!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elder Perry's enthusiasm is inspiring, and encourages me to work hard and do more. His life has been spent in good work, and any of us would do well to emulate him. Looking forward to the second volume of this biography.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoying reading about the lives of church leaders. This one was good. The only surprise is that to learn more, I have to wait for a sequel (part two) to be published later. I very much enjoyed this book.

[Pam Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring book that helped me understand Elder Perry a little better. The ending seemed a bit abrupt but it sets up the second half of his biography after his first wife's passing in another book which I hope will be forthcoming soon.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a son, the author was able to give a unique insight into Elder Perry's life, though I felt the writing was not as professional as, say, Sherri Dew or Edward Kimball. But I always appreciate learning more about the life of one of the Lord's latter-day apostles, and I look forward to volume two.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elder Perry gets 5 stars, but I must say that I wasn't a big fan of the writing style of this book. I enjoyed learning more about a really great man, but the oft repeated phrase "pillar of the community," and some other repetitions took it down a couple of notches for me.

[Brad Partridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. There could have been more experiences from the life of L. Tom Perry. While there were many good passages, it felt a little too much like a summary. I would have liked to get in to more details of his wealth of experiences.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it. these are always the most interesting books.

[Becky Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed learning more about Elder Perry and his family history. There is a second book following. I like shorter biographies--they seem less daunting. ha, ha!

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very grateful to have a peek inside the life of such a long and well lived man and family.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning more about Elder Perry. I have always loved his enthusiasm!

[Nick Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[Trulee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like Lee spent a lot of time talking about himself. But I enjoyed learning more about Elder Perry.

[Shyann · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for Elder Perry, 4 stars for the writing and for the fact that this is part 1 of 2. Wish I had known that before I read it.