First of all, from a design standpoint, the book is gorgeous! Each page is carefully and thoughtfully crafted. The photography couldn't be better--it is colorful and poignant. I love the font for each section title. The hardcover book, itself, is just the right size to be left out on a living room table, and with each section being only two to three pages, it's just right for filling up five or fifty minutes of spare time that couldn't be better spent.
More than the design, this book contains 144 pages of stories from our prophet's life--fifty short snippets of his words, his actions, his character, his testimony. Some of President Monson's stories I had not remembered hearing before, and others were old favorites, but each was uplifting and strengthening. Many times, a word or phrase brought tears to my eyes as the Spirit of the Lord testified to me the beauty and hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Before I received the book, I joked with my kids, "How could I give the prophet's book anything but five stars?" After I actually had the book in my hands and started reading, I found five stars is just not enough. In all honesty, it is the best book I've read all year. And let me tell you a secret--if you promise not to tell my family--I've found myself looking at my Christmas list, deciding who else I might want to share this book with.