Latter-day Sikh: From a Guru's Feet to a Prophet's Call

by James Goldberg, Nicole Wilkes Goldberg

Genres: Lds, India

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 29, 2025

About the author

James Goldberg’s family is Jewish on one side, Sikh on the other, and Mormon in the middle. His plays, essays, and short stories have appeared in numerous publications, including Shofar, Drash, The Best of Mormonism: 2009, Sunstone, Dialogue, Prick of the Spindle, and Jattan Da Pracheen Ithas.

Goldberg works at the LDS Church History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. His wife, Nicole, teaches writing and runs literary contests with him. Together, they are raising three fascinating children.

Reviews

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about this man and loved most of this book. The beginning was a little confusing with all the names of his family and hometown, but I appreciated the look into another culture. His life in America and conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were fascinating! I found the rest of his life interesting and inspiring as well.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a compelling story! I never wanted to put it down!
It’s a personal biography of the author’s grandfather, yes, but it’s also such an interesting lens through which to view so many parts of history and the world. We get to experience Gill’s upbringing in India and his dedication to the Sikh religion. The challenges and excitement of establishing a life in a new country. The struggles of racism in America in the 1950s. A journey of faith through the eyes and experience of the thoughtful and lovely Gurcharan Singh Gill.
The story is well-written and engaging. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in history, faith, world religions, or true stories about the kindest person you’ll ever read about.
(Seriously, look at that cover. Look at that smile. Don’t you want to be friends with that guy?)

[Cami Putnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty incredible true story about a boy named Gill from India who came to California for school. He was a practicing Sikh and had planned to remain that way his whole life. He was drawn to good people who didn’t treat him like an outsider. He was drawn to their goodness and learned that they were members of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. He became an incredible man of faith bringing his whole family here to the US eventually. He also was the first mission president to ever serve in India. While serving as Elder’s quorum President as just a young student he increased the attendance by something like 50%. How do you do that I admire his ability to trust and follow the spirit. This book gave me more resolve to do my calling with more faith.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most was how deeply the Sikh culture values family relationships. The western world could learn a lot from them. I felt privileged to be given a glimpse into the deep interconnectedness of this family.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this record of Gurcharan Singh Gill and his family! What an incredible story of faith, love, and hard work. I so appreciated the insights into Sikh culture and faith, as well as the history of Latter-day Saints in India. Highly recommend!

[Malauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating biography. I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.

[Pam Sopp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very easy read about a remarkable man with a lot of faith who touched the lives of many people and overcame many obstacles.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book! Gil and his were amazing trailblazers in so many ways!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting!