I thoroughly enjoyed using this study guide-it's a commentary in workbook form. The author has shared so much factual information to deepen our understanding of the people, cultures, and events of which we read, he also shares his own thoughts about possible details of events and individuals which are not recorded but deduced. He is careful to explain how he comes to his conclusions so that the reader understands which are his own thoughts, and not too be considered suggestion of doctrine.
I thoroughly appreciated those comments in which he shares quotes and events of this modern era that correlate positively with those in the Book of Mormon. And often the lesson questions invite the student to apply principles in the chapter to his/her own life and current events.
Perhaps the greatest benefit for me was that my own patterns for thinking/pondering scripture changed. Generally, as I read scripture before, I would simply read the words and try to understand the obvious spiritual/doctrinal teachings with the help of the Holy Spirit. This is certainly beneficial and recommended, but I feel as though the author mentored me in a process of deeper understanding through critical/practical thought processes to ask questions of my own which then the Spirit can teach, guide, and confirm with more precision. The simple act of deliberately considering all aspects of the record (physical, setting and geography of events, calculating time and duration, and imagining the physical/emotional reaction of those we read about) has trained me not to pass over words or assume that I fully grasp the spiritual importance of the story immediately. I feel as though I have gained better scripture study skills by using all four volumes, and by virtue of greater understanding, my testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon has deepened.