Out of the Best Books: Eternal Truths from Classic Literature

by S. Michael Wilcox

From Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables to Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, the characters of classic literature have stood the test of time. There are countless reasons to pick up a good book—but is it possible to find eternal truths in secular works? In Out of the Best Books, Latter-day Saint scholar S. Michael Wilcox demonstrates that when it comes to learning gospel principles, truth can shine forth in all good works—and literary classics are a prime example.

With underlying lessons on life, faith, and eternal characteristics, secular works can inspire as surely as religious volumes. It is through the experiences of characters like Atticus Finch, Elinor Dashwood, and Ebenezer Scrooge that their authors' inspired words have the power to create life-changing lessons for readers. Learn to find inspiration, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge in the age-old classics. God is in every good thing—you just have to look.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Lds, Classics, Education, Inspirational, Church

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2018

About the author

S. Michael Wilcox is an instructor at the institute of religion adjacent to the University of Utah. A frequent speaker at Brigham Young University Education Week, Michael also conducts tours of the Holy Land, Church history sites, Europe, China, and Central America. He received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Brigham Young University, a master’s in media from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in educational philosophy. He is the author of House of Glory and When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered.

Reviews

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is slightly geared towards an LDS audience, I would still recommend it to anyone who would like a spiritual approach to many of the great works of literature. It offered me insights that I had never thought of before on works that I love. It also prompted me to revisit some novels that it has been too long since I read. My reading and my worship have both been affected and deepened through what I read in this book. It is my practice to often add quotes that I appreciated from the books I read but this one had far too many. You should just read it! I both read and listened to this one and the audio is read by the author. He is one of my favorite people so I enjoyed hearing his voice, it felt like we were having a discussion and his passion for these works comes through in the audio.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to look at the books that I read and think about what lessons they taught or emphasized to me. I am finding that I want to read books that uplift me and make me think. (Mainly fiction.)

S. Michael Wilcox looks at twelve books of classic literature and discusses the truths that they teach. Eleven come from works of fiction and the last is from the teachings of Jesus Christ in the bible. I have to admit that I have not read all of the books that he looks at, and found myself skimming for the main message of the book instead of reading all of the chapter. That is why this is a four star instead of five star rating.

One of my ecclesiastical leaders has mentioned more than once "don't read junk". This book fits along with his teachings. I felt my burdens lightened as I read some of the chapters. There many wonderful insights in the pages of this book. I think that I may have to read some more books to fully understand the message being taught.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading Out of the Best Books: Eternal Truths from Classic Literature. I have read many of the books Author S. Michael Wilcox talks about in his new book. Even though I've read these books before, my mind has been enlightened by looking at it's characters and words in a different way.

Some of the themes high-lighted were:(Quoting from the book)

Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol-"That happiness lies in what we bring to life, not in what life brings to us. Also, if we would change the world, we must begin with ourselves."
Harper Lee: To Kill A Mockingbird-"Atticus raises his children on the foundation of trying to walk in other people's shoes and see things from their prospective... That is what it means to love your neighbor as yourself."
Victor Hugo: Les Miserables-"The novel follows Valjean's never-ceasing attempts to live a redeemed life...One of the great truths Jean Valjean offers us is the sometimes unsettling reality that the battles of life are never over...Jean Valjean's last word's to Cosette,'Love each other dearly always. There is scarcely anything else in the world but that: to love one another'.

I wish I could put in this review all of the things I underlined and that touched my heart. I especially loved the chapter where the author talked about how many stories in Children's Literature for years have been teaching children about gospel truths, beliefs, values, and doctrine. My favorite example he gave was from C.S. Lewis's, The Chronicles of Narnia and the wonderful character Aslan, the great Lion, the Christ-like character who said, "That by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."

I know that this is a book that I will go back and read again. There is so much to learn and be gained by reading, Out of the Best Books:Eternal Truths from Classic Literature.


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[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like taking a wonderful educational course that taught spiritual insights from classic books and authors, many of them my favorites. I loved it. And I love that several times throughout the book Michael Wilcox credits his love of reading and good books to his mother, who read to her children and introduced them to excellent literature.
“We mark with light in memory the few interviews we have had... with souls that made our souls wiser; that spoke what we thought; that told us what we knew; that gave us leave to be what we inly were.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with a highlighter. I only skipped one chapter because I didn't want the plot of the featured book spoiled. This author is such a sensitive articulate writer and speaker. Gentle and perceptive.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about great books! As Brother Wilcox points out, the Savior is the greatest author, but there are many other good books that teach important gospel principles. Brother Wilcox shares some of his favorite books and what they teach and I'm happy to say that I've read many on this list and agree! I'm grateful for his insights. He talks about Anne of Green Gables, Les Miserables, To Kill a Mockingbird, Sense and Sensibility, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Little Women, Renascence, The Brothers Karamazov, A Christmas Carol, Much Ado About Nothing & As You Like It, children's stories by Hans Christian Andersen, Oscar Wilde, Kenneth Graham, and C.S. Lewis, and the parables of Jesus. He gave beautiful reviews of each book and its main points. Anne of Green Gables and the Chronicles of Narnia were the series of books that helped me learn to love to read and I'm grateful for the lessons in each of these books. Here are a few quotes I liked from this book:

"'I should be sorry if I only entertain them. I wish to make them better (Handel, p. 1).'"

"When I need a smile or a lift into cheerfulness, I often turn to Anne, and she never fails to move me into a brighter world of joy. There is something pure and shining clean about her joy. That is a talent (p. 13)!"

"The imagination can be a wonderful tool of God for revealing things to His children and coloring their world with meaning, holiness, and cheer--to lift them (p. 15)."

"'Mrs. Thomas told me that God made my hair red on purpose, and I've never cared about Him since. And anyhow I'd always be too tired at night to bother saying prayers. People who have to look after twins can't be expected to say their prayers.'.... Anne then kneels and talks to God rather than merely saying her prayers, as she observes later, 'Saying one's prayers isn't exactly the same thing as praying.' After some expressions of thanks for the beauties she has seen that day, Anne says, 'As for the things I want, they're so numerous that it would take a great deal of time to name them all, so I will only mention the two most important. Please let me stay at Green Gables; and please let me be good-looking when I grow up. I remain, Yours respectfully, Anne Shirley (p. 17).'"

"I should like to have those eyes--Anne's eyes, the eyes of God--to see others' faces as God sees them, in spite of the weaknesses and failings. The face God means for us to have is lit with eternal beauty, a beauty I sense we never really lose, no matter what life has brought to us or what we have brought to life (p. 21)."

"'Jean Valjean, my brother: you belong no longer to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I am buying for you. I am withdrawing it from dark thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I am giving it to God!' Jesus, Himself, could have said these words--does say these words. Hugo knew what he was doing (p. 29)."

"When Jean dies, 'the light from the candlesticks fell upon him; his white face looked up towards heaven...' So Hugo ends with love and those ever-present candlesticks, which love and goodness have turned to diamond, and which will turn all of us into 'consecrated tapers.' They are an invitation! The only question is, will we reach for them? Thank you, Victor Hugo (p. 41)!"

"'Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy... They don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird (p. 43).'"

"Atticus raises his children on the foundation of trying to walk in other people's shoes and see things from their perspective. He is one of the greatest fathers in literature: kind, tolerant and accepting of all, devotedly decent and good, and dedicated to his children (p. 43)."

"Who are the mockingbirds? And what are the songs (p. 45)?"

"'Make sure as parents, as a society, that the songs you sing are clear and filled with goodness, because there are little ones around who will mimic you (p. 45).'"

"Sense and Sensibility is my favorite Jane Austen novel for no other reason than the selfless quality of Elinor Dashwood's approach to life. This quality of her personality shines so brightly, and it always calls my mind to the same character trait in Christ (p. 60)."

"It can be so difficult to give up the old prejudices, preconceptions, partialities, biases and narrow-mindedness of our lives, but if we do not learn to do so, there may be a world of joy missed or a road of troubles still waiting (p. 69)."

"'Marianne found her own happiness in forming his, was equally the persuasion and delight of each observing friend. Marianne could never love in halves (p. 71).'"

"'Our conscience is given to us from God--the light of Christ--and we should always follow its dictates.'.... Huck causes us to ponder the source of those inner whisperings... We all yearn for the pure guidance of the Holy Spirit, but--as Huck will eventually discover in his somewhat guileless child mind--our sense of right and wrong may need reeducating (p. 75)."

"'I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world (p. 85)!'"

"Louisa May Alcott had some remarkable mentors, among them Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne. She used to walk with Thoreau in the woods around Concord, Massachusetts, learning from him, and she is buried within a few feet of his grave. Instead of flowers to remember the departed, visitors place pencils on the graves (p. 88)."

"Most of us will not live adventurous lives. Our dimensions will be played out on smaller fields, like Jo's, certainly that of the home (p. 89)."

"I admire Jo for her spunk, her independent manner of thinking, her no-nonsense rejection of vanity, her honest, direct manner of speaking, and her strong opinions. These are all qualities that draw her to us, but they cost her also (p. 93)."

"'Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life... She asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature... She did not rebuke Jo with saintly speeches, only loved her better for her passionate affection, and clung more closely to the dear human love, from which our Father never means us to be weaned, but through which He draws us closer to Himself (p. 95).'"

"When I read...Millay's 'Renascence,' I feel both the pressing down of the Atonement, that tremendous weight, but I also grasp the reaching aspect, the stretching out and yearning, compassionate view born in an already infinite loving heart... It is an unadorned poem with a pleasing gentle rhyme and unpretentious words so indicative of much of Millay's writing. There is something quite childlike in its innocence with trusting understanding of God who listens and can be listened to. He is a God who comprehends Infinity with all that that understanding demands of Him, but He knows the heartbeat of a young woman equally as well (p. 104)."

"Love always redeems. It is something we must ever feel. Alyosha continues with one of the great themes of the novel. 'Know then that there is nothing more lofty, nor more powerful, nor more healthy, nor more useful later on in life than some good memory, and particularly one that has been borne from childhood, from one's parent's home. Much is said to you about your education, but a beautiful, sacred memory like that, one preserved from childhood, is possibly the very best education of all (p. 120)."

"'Try to love your fellow human beings actively and untiringly. In the degree to which you succeed in that love, you will also be convinced of God's existence, and your soul's immortality (p. 120).'"

"Those good deeds, however small, we have lived and offered in the past...are always there, fragile perhaps, but sufficient to begin to draw us upwards into the light, ultimately all the way to heaven (p. 124)."

"They of themselves are not the saving thing, but their ability to turn us is (p. 125)."

"Repentance suggests a turning, but not just away from sin and to righteousness, but toward our original state--that of innocence and decency and virtue, the state of a child (p. 135)."

"'Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all my business (p. 138).'"

"'God bless us every one (p. 144)!'"

"'I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach (p. 148).'"

"Happiness lies in what we bring to life, not in what life brings to us (p. 149)."

"Eternal life, at its highest kingdom of glory--is to end in everlasting marriage (p. 155)."

"Beatrice will enrich the man she eventually admits she loves, even be enriched by him, but she is not defined by the males in her life, nor their attributes. She is her own woman--one that has the capacity to bless (p. 156)."

"If love is to endure, it must embrace such honest tenderness (p. 159)."

"It is God's intention to save the world through people, male and female, who go through it two by two (p. 172)."

"'It is usual to speak in a playfully apologetic tone about one's adult enjoyment of what are called 'children's books.' I think the convention a silly one. No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and often far) more worth reading at the age of fifty--except, of course, books of information (p. 175).'"

"'Isn't there anything at all I can do to win an immortal soul (p. 177)?'"

"I suppose Aslan is a literary gift to the child in all of us from God, speaking through the pen of C.S. Lewis. I can't tell you how much Aslan has taught me about Christ, nor how much my love for the Savior has been intensified by the great Lion (p. 187)."

"The more we know of Christ, the greater He becomes (p. 188)."

"God does not impose himself into our lives, and though we pray, we might not be talking to Him about those central things that lie at our heart's core (p. 190)."

"'You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be (p. 191).'"

"The greatest author is Jesus of Nazareth, and the best story of all the beautiful stories is that of the Prodigal Son (p. 193)."

"'There is something wonderful and admirable in the parables... They are addressed to the conscience and not to the intellect... They are strong and direct but not definite. They are not meant to explain anything, but to rouse a man to the feeling (p. 194).'"

"It is not surprising that the multitudes followed Him. Not only were His teachings enlightening, they were interesting and engaging, even entertaining. They stimulated self-examination. Wen we take them as a whole, we are given the opportunity of choosing what kind of people we wish to be. This opportunity of choice constitutes a major component in the power of the best books (p. 195)."

"There are general themes in the parables, but foremost among them is to acquire an understanding of the nature of our Father in Heaven and His desire for us to develop that same nature. This was one of the main missions of Jesus (p. 195)."

"Be not afraid! Do not allow your weaknesses or delays to trouble you or cause you to hold back another moment... we hear the Father's voice and gentle welcome... He is a Father who will respond to our prayers if we keep knocking... Fathers don't give stones to children who need bread, or scorpions to the child who asks for an egg (p. 198)."

"The stories roll on and on. With each one our image, our understanding, our love of the Father increases. We hear His voice (p. 199)!"

"Eternal life is inherited by love of our neighbor and our neighbor is anyone for whom we can do anything... No one is too great or too dignified to do the least act of service or kindness for another. And we are never too busy to stop if one is in need (p. 200)."

"Perhaps a visit to a national park or just a drive in the woods is exactly what we need (p. 206)."

"Knowing His own children's potential, God would surely never cease trying to awaken all that was within (p. 207)."

"I conclude with my love for Joseph Smith and what he gave us. He did not create powerful fictional characters... he gave us real ones who live and speak in our memories--King Benjamin, Alma the Younger, Captain Moroni, the Brother of Jared, the Stripling Warriors... He was one of the great authors! He was a giver of 'best books (p. 210).'"

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his book Out of the Best Books J. Michael Wilcox discusses classic literature and principles from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that can be used in day to day living. The works of fiction discussed in Wilcox’s book as well as the principles readers can learn from them, teach eternal truths that touch on topics of lessons on life, faith, and eternal characteristics. In addition, this book teaches that readers can learn from the best of books. This is an excellent book that readers will thoroughly enjoy reading as they delve into the depth of the influence of classical literature and applied gospel principles.

Genre: non-fiction, LDS
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: October 1, 2018
Number of pages: 224

A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege to work with Brother Wilcox at the University of Utah Institute when I was attending school there. He was an amazing teacher there and his book was a work of art. I enjoyed looking at these beloved stories from a different, gospel light. It was interesting to read some personal experiences he had with some of the books as well. Many observations gave me something to think about the next time I pull these stories out. On a personal note, for me, it was difficult to read those chapters that had so many quotes and citations within the text. I know that wouldn't bother some people, but it was a distraction for me. Dispite that, I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilcox writes about why we should seek after and learn from great books, then includes chapters about some wonderful great books. I especially love his thoughts on To Kill a Mockingbird and Les Misérables. His insights added so much more to my own understanding.

This hasn't been a straight-through reading, going from beginning to end. I've tried to read the chapters around the same time I read the books they were about, though most I know well enough to follow. There is only one book in here that I haven't read. Guess I need to add that to my list.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Wilcox picked some awesome books to talk about. Some were not surprising and I already love them and some I had never heard of before. I decided to read all the books he analyzed before I read his synopsis. I did this with all but one (which I am still waiting for on overdrive 6 months). I loved how Wilcox found truths in all types of stories, even in The Wind and the Willows. I totally recommend this one.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the way the author takes well known and well loved books and relates the main characters to gospel principles. He does this is a way that is both easy to read and engaging.

S Michael Wilcox uses original illustrations from the books that he references. I thought that was a great way to keep the reader engaged. He also uses quotes from each of the works.

My favorite chapter was probably either the one about Anne of Green Gables, complete with plenty of Anne-isms, or the one on Little Women. These are some of my very favorite books ever. I loved reading what the author thought about them. And I was surprised to learn that he’s read these many times.

I hadn’t read all of the books that were referenced in this one. It looks like I have some extra reading to work on!

This book is perfect for any book lover you know! They’ll love it.

[Jason Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilcox discusses some of his favorite classic literature - from Jane Austen to Shakespeare to Jesus Christ and how they tie into the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have not read many of the works discussed, so I wasn't as familiar with them as others may be, but it was still interesting to learn more. It may not inspire me to read more of the classics, but I love how you can learn of Christ in so many of these!

[Scott Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it! I’d like to read more literature and the author provides a great list!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Wilcox put into words what I have always felt to be true - great literature is a gift from God that brings us closer to Him.

[Chad Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great review of many of the "best books," including a few I hadn't even heard of before. I really enjoyed Wilcox's take on some of my favorite stories, letting me see them in a greater gospel light. Definitely worth the read.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that analyzes and discusses the merits of great books is also a great book!

If you start to notice reviews of classic literature popping up in my feed this summer, now you know why.

[Meredith Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Best Books is a wonderful exploration of edifying secular literature that points us to Gospel truths. The writing style is conversational but also informative. I have read most of the books Mr. Wilcox explores, although there are some which I have not read an otheres with which I need to become reacquainted. My favorite chapters were Chapter 11, which focuses on children's literature and Chapter 12, which beautifully explores some of Christ's parables. Of course, Lewis's Narnia series is discussed, but Wilcox brings out themes I had never considered, especially the theme in Prince Caspian when Lucy acknowledges that Aslan looks bigger to her. Aslan responds that it is because she is older, which was an acknowledgement of how the more we grow, the more our faith will expand as we continue to learn.
The study of the parables was so wonderful as Wilcox expostulates they are truly the best literary masterpieces, particularly The Prodigal Son in Luke Chapter 15.

Chapter 1 was such a delight as the focus is on the character of Anne Shirley from the Lucy Maud Montgomery books. The chapter discusses Anne's propensity for mistakes, her sincere sorrow, and her eternally joyous and imaginative spirit. "Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it". The book also discusses Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, (the lighting of candles to combat the darkness in the world). Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, (what song will we sing?) is wonderfully explored as well. I loved Chapter 7 because it was a discussion of the theme of rebirth in Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem entitled "Renasance". i had never encountered this poem before, and it was utterly beautiful. I hope to read more of Millay's poetry.
This book is a superb resource if you are looking for edifying literature that provides hope. Wilcox will hopefully whet your appetite to explore profound books as he did for me with the chapter about Dosteyvsky and his novel The Brothers Karamisov. (Please bear with this spelling. I listened to this book).
I thoroughly recommend this accessible and beautifully written resource. Happy reading, and God bless you all.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had a resurgence of thinking about why I read, what I choose to read, how intentional I am about the reading process, and how these questions impact me as a person. I've been watching a lot of Benjamin McEvoy's videos on Youtube and listening to his podcast which has prompted me to examine these questions and has made me think more deeply about classic literature, read and unread by me personally. This book is one more thought-provoking step in that journey which also highlighted spiritual aspects. I don't think I am ready to give up my "just for fun" reads, but I think it is important to examine those questions and think about which books truly have impact on me and real staying power and the need to seek out more of them.

It was fun to revisit some old friends in this book. Some I have in common with the author and some I've yet to meet. The author himself is an "old friend". I went on a tour of Europe with him, his sweet wife, and his infectiously cheerful daughter. They touched my life in much the way these beautiful works of literature have- briefly but with staying power. When I think of them it is with a smile of gladness to have shared such an impactful and memorable journey. It's always nice to be reminded of truly happy times- with a good book or with good company.

[James Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

LDS Author tying in D&C 118:88 to some of the most popular books in literature. It was a great read and helped explain why I like most of the classics of literature. It helps to be familiar with the books he is relating to. I doubt I would have enjoyed this book as much if I had not red the books he references. They are:
1. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
2. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
4. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
5. Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
7. Renascence by Edna St. Vincent Millay
8. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
9. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
10. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
11. As You Like It by William Shakespeare
12. The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen
13. The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson
14. The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen
15. The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde
16. The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde
17. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
18. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
19. New Testament Parables
I would suggest one becomes familiar with the above stories before reading this book.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading/learning/hearing/being reminded of some of the great books. I anxiously awaited each chapter to find out which book would be discussed next. The biggest lesson for me in the book: Is it more important to be right or to be kind. When I stand before God, do I want Him to say "Your beliefs have been all wrong and the covenants you've made have missed the mark. But you have been kind, charitable, generous and loving. Come with me and in about 10 minutes I can straighten out your beliefs." Or would I rather be told "Your beliefs, covenants and rituals are correct and you have it all right. But you have been judgemental, stingy and unkind. I can't do anything for you because I can't change who you are." I choose kindness and the best books show us those shining examples of Jesus's character that we too should emulate.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

For the most part I really enjoyed listening to Brother Wilcox's take on classic literature. I had never heard of the poem he talked about, and so I didn't enjoy that chapter quite as much. However, shortly after listening to it, I heard him talk about it on a podcast. Maybe because had already been introduced to it, I got a lot more out of it the 2nd time around. (Okay -- there was a little bit of pride here as well. I was rather impressed with myself that I had read all of the other books he talked about other than the Wind in the Willows and a couple of the fairy tales he mentioned.)

I would really like to discuss Shakespeare with him, because he and I definitely have a different understanding of Shakespeare's writings.

Overall, a really interesting commentary on Gospel principles found in classic literature.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually reread books, but I find myself going back to this one often. I've read several of the books that he refers to, but his ability to recreate the story and seamlessly incorporate gospel doctrine is nothing short of astounding. I love the way Michael Wilcox' mind, so full of beautiful doctrinal principles, is able correlate so much of these classical stories with Heaven and the divine. He brings out so much of the beauty and draws our attention to the timeless, lyrical passages. I experienced these stories in an even more uplifting light. As if the characters didn't already possess such lifelike qualities, some are now elevated to angelic status! Yes, I do gush! It's really that good!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the Best Books reads like a series of scholarly articles. It's dense and full of quotes and citations. It's not a book I would recommend reading from cover to cover. I would suggest reading one of the books highlighted in the text and then reading the chapter that covers it similarly to how you would read a literary piece for a class and then reading the criticism on it. I liked the parts in the book when the author shared personal stories that reflected the lessons from the literary pieces.

I received a copy from the publisher to facilitate this review, however, all opinions are my own.

[Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I have read just about every book S. Michael Wilcox has written. This book intrigued me because he has selected some of his favorite books and discusses why they are important to him, why they have endured through the years, and what truths they have to teach us. I think it would be helpful to have read the books he highlights, but there were a few I had not and now I want to add them to my pile. This book is a good reminder to me that it matters what we spend our time reading - "we give our life to that which we give our time". Today there is an abundance of reading choices, but that requires more sifting and discerning.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author shares with us several novels that teach us gospel of Jesus Christ principles. Three examples are Anne of Green Gables, Sense and Sensibility, Huckleberry Finn. He pulls from the novels statements that are correct and important for us to grasp as well as make them become part of our lives. Wilcox quotes appropriate scriptures where the principles apply. Well done book. I will be more aware as I read of what other things apply to my understanding of correct principles. I like Wilcox’s writing.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilcox writes to remind us of the truths found in literary characters from classic literature. He focuses us on the lessons on life, faith, and eternal characteristics learned therein. I was surprised by how much I got from reviewing the many characters I was already familiar with and how much I wanted to get to know those I haven't read, for example The Brothers Karamazov and Anna Karenina. Also, I'm realized that I hadn't thought of the parables of Jesus as literature and how much more I appreciate their value as such.

[Christi · Rating 1 out of 5]

As soon as I saw the title of this book advertised in a Deseret Book mailing, I wanted to read it. I had been compiling a list of books quoted in general conference and have been making an effort to read out of the "best books." I knew Bro. Wilcox had a reputation for being a talented speaker and teacher. For all of these reasons, I had looked forward to this book! My husband gave it to me after finding out I wanted it and I was excited!

But it wasn't for me. There were 5 or 6 places in the book where I felt, "Yes! That's true!" There were far more parts that left me thinking, "what?!" Much of the book was not something that I would pass on to my children or my siblings.

[Cathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could there be anything better than Michael Wilcox writing about great literature?! I loved reading about some of my favorite books and authors, as well as a few that weren't as familiar to me, and I loved finding out why these were Michael Wilcox's favorites. There are a couple of things I want to read again (The Brothers Karamazov and As You Like It), since it's been a long time and I have fresh insight that I didn't have before. This is one of those books that can best be described as UPLIFTING and JOYFUL and is a reminder of just what power the written word can have in our lives.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like going to a literature class lead by a brilliant professor where you only discussed your favorite novels. It was wonderful. Wilcox summarizes the books and then discusses the beautiful truths found in the plots and characters. It made the books I have already read become more beautiful and motivated me to read the others. I tend to gravitate towards nonfiction, but this was a good reminder that we can find eternal and moving truths in all forms of literature.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always thought that literature taught great truths about the human condition. This book takes it to the next step: Good literature teaches us great truths - including gospel and moral truth.

I enjoyed seeing the Gospel connections the author made with characters and situations from authors such as Dickens, Austen, Shakespeare and even poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Basically this is a love letter to good literature. I liked it.