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Heart of the Matter: What 100 Years of Living Have Taught Me
“The laws or truths I will share in this book are not merely ideas I have studied and examined; they are the very essence of my life’s experiences.” —President Russell M. Nelson It is a rare opportunity to learn from the wisdom of one who has witnessed a century of life, including all of its joys, sorrows, changes, and unchanging truths. It is even rarer to have such a witness from a prophet of God. Having been first called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984, President Russell M. Nelson has viewed much of the world’s modern history through the lens of a special witness of Christ. Living through technological innovation from radio to rocket ships, wars and resolutions, cultural shifts and progress, President Nelson has seen the workings of the Almighty in all aspects of life. In Heart of the Matter , he reflects back on his one hundred years of living and the lessons he’s learned over the past century, including the core truths he has come to know matter most for this life and the next. President Nelson “Through the ups and downs, the joys and heartaches, of a century of living, there is nothing of which I am more certain than that Heavenly Father is our Father, that His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer, and that the Holy Ghost can be your constant companion, whispering truths to your soul. I am certain that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fullness and is filled with the Savior’s power to bless you in ways no one else and nothing else can.” The testimony of a beloved prophet and a hundred years of experience and insight come together to assure us that because Jesus Christ overcame this world, we too can overcome all things and find peace and rest in Him.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published November 6, 2023
675 people are currently reading
2356 people want to read
About the author
Russell M. Nelson
35 books230 followersRussell Marion Nelson is the 17th president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Prior to his service as head of the Church, President Nelson served as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He is also a retired American physician and cardiothoracic surgeon.
A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Nelson received his B.A. and M.D. degrees from the University of Utah (1945, 1947). He is a member of honorary scholastic societies Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha. He served his residency in surgery at Mass. General Hosptial in Boston and at the University of Minnesota, where he was awarded his Ph.D. degree in 1954. Shortly after medical school, he began working with the team of doctors which created the first heart-lung machine. In 1951, the machine was used in the first open-heart operation on a human being. Four years later, Nelson was the first doctor in Utah to perform successful open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine.
Nelson served a two-year term of medical duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, being stationed in Korea, Japan, and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Later he worked for a year at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
Nelson returned to Salt Lake City in 1955 and was initially on the academic staff of the College of Medicine at the University of Utah, where in November of that year he performed the first cardiac operation in Utah utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. That operation was performed at the Salt Lake General Hospital (SLGH) on an adult with an atrial septa defect.
In March 1956, Nelson performed the first successful pediatric cardiac operation at the SLGH, a total repair of tetralogy of Fallot in a four-year-old girl. In 1959, he joined the staff of the Salt Lake Clinic, became associated with the LDS Hospital, and continued to make major contributions to the development of the thoracic specialty both in the clinical sciences and as the second director of the residency program.
Nelson's surgical volume was sufficiently large that it was a critical component of the residents' experience. He was an innovative and facile surgeon responsible for many improvements in cardiac operations. He also established a research laboratory at LDS Hospital.
By the late 1960s, Nelson's experience with artificial aortic valve implantation was such that he was able to report a large series of patients with an exceptionally low operative mortality.
In a unique combination of spiritual and professional obligations, Nelson performed heart surgery on LDS Church president Spencer W. Kimball.
A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Nelson received his B.A. and M.D. degrees from the University of Utah (1945, 1947). He is a member of honorary scholastic societies Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha. He served his residency in surgery at Mass. General Hosptial in Boston and at the University of Minnesota, where he was awarded his Ph.D. degree in 1954. Shortly after medical school, he began working with the team of doctors which created the first heart-lung machine. In 1951, the machine was used in the first open-heart operation on a human being. Four years later, Nelson was the first doctor in Utah to perform successful open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine.
Nelson served a two-year term of medical duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, being stationed in Korea, Japan, and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Later he worked for a year at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
Nelson returned to Salt Lake City in 1955 and was initially on the academic staff of the College of Medicine at the University of Utah, where in November of that year he performed the first cardiac operation in Utah utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. That operation was performed at the Salt Lake General Hospital (SLGH) on an adult with an atrial septa defect.
In March 1956, Nelson performed the first successful pediatric cardiac operation at the SLGH, a total repair of tetralogy of Fallot in a four-year-old girl. In 1959, he joined the staff of the Salt Lake Clinic, became associated with the LDS Hospital, and continued to make major contributions to the development of the thoracic specialty both in the clinical sciences and as the second director of the residency program.
Nelson's surgical volume was sufficiently large that it was a critical component of the residents' experience. He was an innovative and facile surgeon responsible for many improvements in cardiac operations. He also established a research laboratory at LDS Hospital.
By the late 1960s, Nelson's experience with artificial aortic valve implantation was such that he was able to report a large series of patients with an exceptionally low operative mortality.
In a unique combination of spiritual and professional obligations, Nelson performed heart surgery on LDS Church president Spencer W. Kimball.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 615 reviews
January 16, 2024
It’s easy for me to give this book 5 stars!
I love, admire and am following President Nelson my whole heart.
He is a man of God and yet still human!
Each chapter goes along with one of his General Conference talks.
I underlined almost the entire book!!
Some of my favorite quotes/facts from the book ..
President Nelson has been blessed to know personally 10 of the 16 Prophets who preceded him as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Heeding the words of Prophet is one of our greatest sources of security in today’s complex world. You may not always understand the reason for every declaration of a living Prophet. But when you know, a Prophet is a Prophet, you can approach the Lord in humility and faith, and ask for your own witness about whatever His Prophet has proclaimed.
Speaking of his wife, President Nelson said Dantzel was the fountain from whom the nourishing love in our family flowed. I worked hard to spend time with our children, but she was the glue that held us together.
President Nelson said one of my learnings is.. the Lord loves effort. And He honors effort. When we serve Him diligently and give our best effort, the Lord steps in, and makes up the difference between our effort, and what is required.
I didn’t want it to end!
I love, admire and am following President Nelson my whole heart.
He is a man of God and yet still human!
Each chapter goes along with one of his General Conference talks.
I underlined almost the entire book!!
Some of my favorite quotes/facts from the book ..
President Nelson has been blessed to know personally 10 of the 16 Prophets who preceded him as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Heeding the words of Prophet is one of our greatest sources of security in today’s complex world. You may not always understand the reason for every declaration of a living Prophet. But when you know, a Prophet is a Prophet, you can approach the Lord in humility and faith, and ask for your own witness about whatever His Prophet has proclaimed.
Speaking of his wife, President Nelson said Dantzel was the fountain from whom the nourishing love in our family flowed. I worked hard to spend time with our children, but she was the glue that held us together.
President Nelson said one of my learnings is.. the Lord loves effort. And He honors effort. When we serve Him diligently and give our best effort, the Lord steps in, and makes up the difference between our effort, and what is required.
I didn’t want it to end!
November 20, 2023
Wonderful insights on how to live a better life and deepen our devotion to the Savior. A fantastic book about a man who lives his life with totality in purpose. I'm grateful for his example as our prophet and someone constantly striving to deepen his testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
November 16, 2023
Each chapter in this book focuses on different lessons President Nelson has learned in his long life. Much of the book is a repeat of different messages and stories that he has shared in general conference. It was so nice to listen to so much wisdom in one place.
July 12, 2024
I wanted to read this before President Nelson’s 100th birthday. It was basically topics he’s talked about at general conference but with more background and depth. It’s definitely something I would come back to when studying certain topics in the future
February 27, 2024
This was perfect. All the messages from our prophet in one book that goes into more detail than general conference allows. There are stories I’ve never heard and it just filled my cup
September 1, 2024
Infinite stars. I feel like this book is a hug and a blessing as well as a call to action. Beautifully written. I just love love love President Nelson. ❤️❤️
August 28, 2024
Self help & biographies feel like they take me so long to read. I really can only read so much of them before I get bored and wanna fall asleep 😅 I did like this book though! It was a positive and uplifting!
February 12, 2024
"[E]ven in the midst of adversity and conflict, humanity has the capacity for growth, understanding, compassion, and progress." ~President Nelson
I enjoyed this book and felt inspired to implement some changes in my life to better access the blessings and power of Heaven. Although this felt mostly like a compilation of President Nelson's conference talks, I enjoyed reading them all in succession. He also included additional stories and background information that weren't always included in his talks.
I came away with a desire to improve my prayers (it's apparent there is so much power in prayer--not just a rote list of gratitude and wishlists, but sincere, deliberate conversations with our Father in Heaven), become a better scripture *studier* (not just a casual reader), and make family history work and temple attendance more regular and consistent in my life. I also want to remember (in no particular order):
▪️To "begin with the end in mind"
▪️That first and foremost, we are children of God and all other titles and experiences come after that identifier; "the way you think about who you are affects every decision you will ever make."
▪️To treat my body as a temple and thus make choices that will be best for my body in the long run
▪️I need to do what I can to establish and maintain a real and tangible relationship with my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
▪️Gratitude is so important and can really change our perspective. "Dr. Robin Stern, cofounder and associate director for the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, concurs: “Sometimes it’s hard in the midst of tremendous uncertainty and grief, anxiety and anger about what’s happening, to feel grateful. But gratitude can be healing.”"
▪️Building our foundations on absolute truth means we'll have sure foundations and less reason to fear and worry.
▪️Covenants with God are binding and as we make covenants with Heavenly Father, "He will never tire in His efforts to help us, and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us."
▪️"Ruling children by command is Satan’s technique, not the Savior’s."
▪️"The seemingly impossible tasks we each face are literally stepping stones to sanctification."
▪️"The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe, to keep drawing closer to Him, and to act in faith."
▪️As I seek personal revelation by praying, recording my feelings, following promptings, etc. and then repeating those steps again and again, I will receive it.
▪️"A saint is a person who believes in Jesus Christ and strives to follow Him."
I enjoyed this book and felt inspired to implement some changes in my life to better access the blessings and power of Heaven. Although this felt mostly like a compilation of President Nelson's conference talks, I enjoyed reading them all in succession. He also included additional stories and background information that weren't always included in his talks.
I came away with a desire to improve my prayers (it's apparent there is so much power in prayer--not just a rote list of gratitude and wishlists, but sincere, deliberate conversations with our Father in Heaven), become a better scripture *studier* (not just a casual reader), and make family history work and temple attendance more regular and consistent in my life. I also want to remember (in no particular order):
▪️To "begin with the end in mind"
▪️That first and foremost, we are children of God and all other titles and experiences come after that identifier; "the way you think about who you are affects every decision you will ever make."
▪️To treat my body as a temple and thus make choices that will be best for my body in the long run
▪️I need to do what I can to establish and maintain a real and tangible relationship with my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
▪️Gratitude is so important and can really change our perspective. "Dr. Robin Stern, cofounder and associate director for the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, concurs: “Sometimes it’s hard in the midst of tremendous uncertainty and grief, anxiety and anger about what’s happening, to feel grateful. But gratitude can be healing.”"
▪️Building our foundations on absolute truth means we'll have sure foundations and less reason to fear and worry.
▪️Covenants with God are binding and as we make covenants with Heavenly Father, "He will never tire in His efforts to help us, and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us."
▪️"Ruling children by command is Satan’s technique, not the Savior’s."
▪️"The seemingly impossible tasks we each face are literally stepping stones to sanctification."
▪️"The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe, to keep drawing closer to Him, and to act in faith."
▪️As I seek personal revelation by praying, recording my feelings, following promptings, etc. and then repeating those steps again and again, I will receive it.
▪️"A saint is a person who believes in Jesus Christ and strives to follow Him."
April 17, 2024
First (and admittedly fairly irrelevant), HALLELUJAH for a title that has correct grammar! This book goes over several stories which have been covered almost, if not verbatim from several past years' of Conference addresses, but they are all worth revisiting. I really enjoyed this book, and there were lots and lots of takeaways, which can come as no surprise to anyone who is familiar with President Nelson's life. There are some seriously profound moments all throughout the book, and I'd say it's worth rereading several times for the important reminders about living your life.
August 22, 2024
There are so few books written by centenarians out there, let alone one written by a centenarian prophet. So this was a no-brainer for me to pick up. Truly this is a one of a kind book—it’s like a wise grandfather prophet telling you all the life lessons he’s learned and giving you all his best advice. Sign me up! Reading it felt like being washed in wisdom, which was really grounding for me in these chaotic times.
(And yes, some of it is pieced together old talks. But a lot of it felt fresh, too.)
(And yes, some of it is pieced together old talks. But a lot of it felt fresh, too.)
December 2, 2024
I would give this 10 stars if I could! I loved it! The wisdom he shared is amazing!! I just finished this book a second time! Loved it even more than the first time. So much wisdom and so many quotes that I would love to share but that would be quoting the whole book. President Nelson has a wonderful sense of humor, a great love for life and his family and the rest of us!
May 1, 2024
I love the fact that even though President Russell M .Nelson is incredibly intelligent, his books are very readable and inspiring. In this book he discusses what he has learned in his 100 years of life. He turns 100 in September of this year. In the introduction he states three pivotal moments of his life. The first one is getting a library card! He writes that, "My library card was perhaps my first possession that opened new worlds to me."
The overall message for me from this book is how important it is to seek and receive divine inspiration in our lives. President Nelson clearly outlines just how to make that happen. I can think of no greater need than to spend time putting these practices into my life.
The overall message for me from this book is how important it is to seek and receive divine inspiration in our lives. President Nelson clearly outlines just how to make that happen. I can think of no greater need than to spend time putting these practices into my life.
October 8, 2025
I received this book for a traveling book club, and it was perfect timing. I loved reading through the teachings of Russell M. Nelson and celebrating his life right after his passing. This book had a really good summary of some of the important doctrine and principles he taught over the last decade. It was a beautiful way to review his teachings that have blessed my life immensely.
October 10, 2025
I’ll always remember that I was reading this book about the exact time President Nelson would have passed away.
Grateful for President Nelson’s lifelong dedication to the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored church on the earth today.
Grateful for President Nelson’s lifelong dedication to the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored church on the earth today.
July 7, 2025
I absolutely loved the stories and insight he gave on life. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ so so good! Recommend to anyone!
March 7, 2024
I loved this book! I learn so much every time I listen to President Nelson and always have my desire strengthened to increase my testimony and knowledge.
March 17, 2024
While portions of the book offer those benign self-help platitudes frequently found in the modern Church, the rest of the book taught me who President Nelson is, why the Lord has called him to be church president at this time, and strengthened my testimony of Jesus Christ.
December 1, 2023
I wish I could give this a higher rating. I love President Nelson. It makes many of the other books I read this year feel like a waste of time.
December 19, 2023
Am I allowed to give the prophet’s book 3 stars?!?! It was very good, but it was again a compilation of talks I have heard him give. Nothing new, but it’s always good to be reminded of these talks.
December 27, 2023
This is how I want to live my life.
February 21, 2024
I’m always amazed by the life President Nelson has lived, and this book reaffirmed to me that he really has been prepared to be a latter day prophet!!
March 23, 2024
As someone familiar with the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and having read biographies of its leaders, I approached this book with a bit of bias but still found it immensely enriching. The audiobook version, reminiscent of an extended Sunday school session or a General conference just from the profit. It felt like a profound farewell message, echoing the impactful addresses of Lehi or Benjamin, hoping it’s more like king, Benjamin, and that there are many more years to come. It's packed with principles aimed at improving personal life, family relations, and serving as an example to others. If you're seeking insights from a prophet's perspective, this book offers both doctrinal teachings and practical life lessons. However, be prepared for some repetition of stories, both from previous talks and books and some within the book itself. Perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding and application of faith in everyday life.
May 12, 2025
This is one of those books that has the potential to change your life. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and a firm believer in Jesus Christ, I put a lot of faith and trust in my prophet's words. Throughout the book, he helped me recenter my focus on Jesus Christ through his testimony and his real life experience. I am grateful for this great man's 100 years of living and that he shared his wisdom in this book.
February 14, 2024
Have you ever wished you could sit with a prophet of God and have him give you personal counsel? If so, Heart of the Matter is as close to that experience I think I've ever felt. Paragraph after paragraph, page after page, and chapter after chapter, Pres. Russell M. Nelson shared encouragement, truths, and counsel which inspired and, if put into practice, will certainly bless me and bring me lasting joy.
April 17, 2024
This book provided a calm reassurance. I’ve seen a lot of hard things on my lifetime (how many Once-in-a-Lifetime events can a Millennial experience?), but this centenarian has seen even more and maintains a sense of peace through his devotion to God and Jesus Christ.
April 1, 2024
Prior to his service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an apostle and later 17th president, Russell Nelson was a world-renowned cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, medical researcher, and educator who performed ground breaking work in the field of open heart surgery.
He wrote this book as he turned a century old and while there is some material that talks about his personal life and accomplishments, this book is dedicated to the advice he would give others on how best to live their lives on earth- dedicated to coming to know God.
*As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints*
I found this book to be incomparable to any other kind of self-help book out there. It is a great compilation of his teachings from throughout the years read in the church’s general conference archives and recent church gatherings for adults and youth.
It is best to be read slowly and to allow yourself time to digest his counsel one chapter at a time. My favorites centered on marriage advice and care/ respect for the human body.
I do not feel like I would readily recommend it to people who are completely unfamiliar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as he uses jargon that could be confusing, but to anyone who is interested in knowing more about the church or who is looking for a life shift concerning Christianity, this is a great book.
He wrote this book as he turned a century old and while there is some material that talks about his personal life and accomplishments, this book is dedicated to the advice he would give others on how best to live their lives on earth- dedicated to coming to know God.
*As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints*
I found this book to be incomparable to any other kind of self-help book out there. It is a great compilation of his teachings from throughout the years read in the church’s general conference archives and recent church gatherings for adults and youth.
It is best to be read slowly and to allow yourself time to digest his counsel one chapter at a time. My favorites centered on marriage advice and care/ respect for the human body.
I do not feel like I would readily recommend it to people who are completely unfamiliar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as he uses jargon that could be confusing, but to anyone who is interested in knowing more about the church or who is looking for a life shift concerning Christianity, this is a great book.
Read
October 3, 2025This was a really tender read this week, but I loved the chance to reflect on many of President Nelson's teachings and talks.
December 13, 2025
This is a wonderful book from our dearly departed Prophet and friend, President Russell M Nelson. It has so many words to live by that God inspired President Nelson taught and lived in his life. His General Conference talks were summarized and expanded upon from 2018-2025 in here. Over one hundred years of living, and he inspired the whole world. A few of them are - being peacemakers, turning off social media, overcoming the world by keeping our covenants, spending more time with our Lord, etc. Then he ends the book with his apostolic blessing to “care more of the things of God than the things of the world and to become a more devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. And I bless you to assist with the needs of those around you and to strengthen those you love”. This book is also easy to read, understand, and is a reasonable length. Worth every penny!
April 30, 2024
I took my time with this book, listening to tid-bits while I brushed my teeth etc. in the evenings. It is basically a summary of all Pres Nelson's conference talks over the years and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Such great reminders. Nothing really new but all of it worth hearing over and over again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 615 reviews