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Guide Me to Eternity
A wife and mother's powerful true story of watching her husband drown while she was expecting their 6th child. The book in her own words, touchingly shares her pain and her transcendent love for her husband and coming to the firm knowledge of life after death.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 15, 2008
This book was written by my good friend and YW leader, in fact, this true story happened while I was in her MiaMaid class. She was always an inspiration to me but it wasn't until after I read this book that I realized the true depths of her spirit and the strength of her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
April 4, 2008
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I highly recommend this book. When I was single (and stupid) I took a "detour" off the right path. I read this book and because of the testimony of the author, it made me want to "go back" and retake my place in life, hoping for the Spirit to come back into my life. I moved home, and soon after met my husband. We have been sealed in the Temple and have been married almost 12 years now. I am currently reading the Book of Mormon for the umpteenth time in my life, but this time I plan on reading it from cover to cover. I am so grateful for the Gospel in my life.
September 21, 2015
2.5 stars. I read this out of respect for the book club member who chose it since I would hope others would give my picks a try as well. This was not quite what I was expecting, which made it better than I thought. Some of it was entirely too personal and/or sacred to share but the rest was appropriate, in my opinion. It is difficult to critique this kind of book without sounding like I am critiquing the person's experience. The writing seemed embellished unless she has an extraordinary memory for minute details. It was fine. Not my genre of book. I feel like if these kind of books are true stories then they are casting their pearls before swine for profit when they publish and sell their experience. These personal experiences seem more appropriately shared with family and close friends only. But then I tend to be pretty private about things close to my heart.
July 29, 2008
I met this author about 13 years ago and she has such an amazing story. This book is about her experiences losing her husband and how he has stayed by her side watching over her and her children.
February 3, 2013
Amazing and inspirational. Helps you realize that we do have what it takes to make it through hard times - The Savior. You will need a box of tissues to read this, but it's worth it
October 3, 2019
Got to start of saying THIS IS NOT MY TYPE OF BOOK. So many books out there are "faith promoting" and "feel good".
I only want to "feel good" if it is in the service of coming to a higher state of being or having learned some truth or gained some concrete piece of knowledge that helps me be more effective in the world. While I will say that this book does give you SUCH empathy for her situation (as one reviewer mentioned, she sometimes gets VERY personal--but, with one MAJOR exception, I appreciated those parts for what they were, and I'm sure the traditional audience for this book ATE IT UP).
But all in all, it was a travel log. This happened, then this happened, I felt this way, etc. Which again, for this genre of book, is what many people want to know. It was a true tragedy, and having gone through tragedy myself as well as my sister something shockingly similar, that connection is valuable. But doctrinally, I just could not get on board with--and this was the exception alluded to--the "extra doctrinal" approach that goes against what I believe the Plan of Salvation to consist of. IF it is true that her dead husband talked to her and took her to the spirit world... and a few other events... I just... it is inappropriate to share in such a public, profitable forum. But who am I to say that God doesn't make exceptions to His rules, if that is what His children need?
[But Elder Packer DID say that the most sacred things we should keep to ourselves, only to be shared in PRIVATE meetings WHEN the spirit prompts]
I only want to "feel good" if it is in the service of coming to a higher state of being or having learned some truth or gained some concrete piece of knowledge that helps me be more effective in the world. While I will say that this book does give you SUCH empathy for her situation (as one reviewer mentioned, she sometimes gets VERY personal--but, with one MAJOR exception, I appreciated those parts for what they were, and I'm sure the traditional audience for this book ATE IT UP).
But all in all, it was a travel log. This happened, then this happened, I felt this way, etc. Which again, for this genre of book, is what many people want to know. It was a true tragedy, and having gone through tragedy myself as well as my sister something shockingly similar, that connection is valuable. But doctrinally, I just could not get on board with--and this was the exception alluded to--the "extra doctrinal" approach that goes against what I believe the Plan of Salvation to consist of. IF it is true that her dead husband talked to her and took her to the spirit world... and a few other events... I just... it is inappropriate to share in such a public, profitable forum. But who am I to say that God doesn't make exceptions to His rules, if that is what His children need?
[But Elder Packer DID say that the most sacred things we should keep to ourselves, only to be shared in PRIVATE meetings WHEN the spirit prompts]
September 4, 2019
Wow!! I'm not sure what I was really expecting out of this book but I got a lot more than I bargained for.
A mother of 5 and 1 on the way watches her husband die, if that's not harrowing enough it just grows and grows from there. As she struggles to keep it together for her children and to be healthy for the growing fetus she receives visits and help from her husband beyond. This story will make you not only cry but laugh as well and have an appreciation for all those on the other side really do to watch over and protect us.
A mother of 5 and 1 on the way watches her husband die, if that's not harrowing enough it just grows and grows from there. As she struggles to keep it together for her children and to be healthy for the growing fetus she receives visits and help from her husband beyond. This story will make you not only cry but laugh as well and have an appreciation for all those on the other side really do to watch over and protect us.
April 5, 2025
I listened to the author speak when I was a kid and as is often true she told parts of the story not in the book. However this was a great book about a true story of her husband, excellent shape, who swam out to get their drifting boat and started struggling with the wind and waves. She swam to save him only to look back and see that her toddler was following and knowing she had to choose- husband or child.
The book is about the sorrow and joy and peace that comes after loosing one you love so much.
The book is about the sorrow and joy and peace that comes after loosing one you love so much.
August 23, 2017
I cried throughout most of this book. It was so sad and hit close to home. It was also very inspirational and a good reminder that no matter what we go through in this life, if we are faithful in keeping our covenants we will be able to have eternal life and be with our families forever.
March 11, 2018
Sweet story. Many gospel truths are taught from Christine Monsen’s experiences. Thanks for sharing.
June 25, 2024
Would definitely recommend reading this book! Very eye opening, and has helped a lot with growing my faith<3
December 30, 2011
Wow... I can't believe what happened to this family! This is a true story about a family who went boating one day and the husband drowned. The wife tried to save him, but their little kids were following her into the water so she had to choose... either try to save her husband or save her kids and watch her husband die. The last half of the book talks about her having a strong relationship with Heavenly Father and she has an amazing experience when she was delivering her baby. I would recommend this to anyone, but especially those who have lost a loved one.
November 28, 2013
This is a woman's very personal story of family, faith and love. I don't believe it is possible or right to pass judgment on someone's life story because only they have lived it in all its incongruent, seemingly dissonant and yet perfectly coordinated sublime nuances; and so giving this book stars seems awkward and misplaced because it would be like rating the author. That's not my place; so my star rating is pointless. The story is not mine to critique, just to listen to and ponder. I appreciated her honesty and her testimony of the Savior. It gave me much to think about.
November 7, 2011
This is a valuable book for those of us who have lost a loved one. It shares sacred and very special events as well as encouragement and guidance about what we each need to do to be better prepared for eternity both in the future as well as right now in mortality. Our foundation should always be our Saviour and our cornerstone should be the church and all that is associated with being a faithful member daily. Pray always, study the scriptures and give service.
February 6, 2008
The first time I read this book I was working the night shift as a nurse and had some quiet time in the middle of the night to read at work. This story touched me so much that I was sitting at the nurses station with tears running down my face. This is an amazing story that shows the great love of God during such hard trials.
February 10, 2009
I had to take a day, cuddle up on the couch, read this book, and bawl. When I almost lost my own son I was left feeling hopeless for those who lose loved ones. So I've taken some opportunities to learn about others own suffering and learnings when losing someone so close. It has helped me find hope and not feel so vulnerable to things of this world. This book was one of those stories.
June 29, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. It touched my heart, especially since her experience was so similar to mine. Both lost our husbands to an accident after 8 years of marriage, had small children, and the feeling expressed were exactly the same at times. Her testimony was lovely to read and I found her story easy to read as well.
July 14, 2014
Story of a woman who's husband drowns right in front of her. Some of her later experiences were neat and I'm sure it was cathartic for her to write this book but it was hard for me to get past the description of the actual event. Very heart wrenching and disturbing - it gave me anxiety - and I already have more of that than I need :)
May 13, 2008
This book so touched my soul. My own experiences that I have had in my life. I know that our family that has gone one before does watch over us and helps us when we are in need.
This is a must read.
This is a must read.
October 18, 2008
This book was recommended to me by my older sister Beth. She liked it alot. I thought it was okay, and interesting to learn the story of Christine Tuttle who lost her husband at Yuba Lake. It was one I struggled with though and wouldn't necessarily list as a favorite.
November 17, 2008
I loved it, but it totally made me cry. So read when you have nowhere to go because your eyes are going to be puffy!
It is such a reality check, makes you remember what is truly important in life!
It is such a reality check, makes you remember what is truly important in life!
May 19, 2012
I was crying so hard I thought I would have to have someone read the rest of the book to me. Profound truths unveiled after a tragic accident. I would recomend this book to everyone! Thank you to my daughter Jill for giving this book to me.... I love you!
May 15, 2009
This is so not my kind of book but it had some good messages about love, death, etc. It's the story of a young couple in Central Utah. The wife is pregnant with her 6th baby when her husband drowns on a boating trip. It tells of her experiences with him on both sides of the veil.
August 29, 2011
An incredible story of love, loss, comfort, support and eternity. Definitely a kleenex box book. It is a wonderful expression of her faith and depth of spirit. It's message provides comfort and support.
September 16, 2011
Good book, sad :( Easy read I read it in two days. This is about a lds woman who loses her husband in a tragic drowning and her life as seh picks up the pieces and raises their 7 children without him.
February 18, 2012
Oh my goodness! This is a true story so it makes it that much more heart wrenching, but with so much love. I would hate to be placed in her position but she tells the story wonderfully and with lessons to be learned.
April 11, 2013
This book is very intimate and tender. I almost felt like I was intruding on personal moments of the author's life. It gives an interesting perspective on the afterlife. I think it would be helpful to someone who has lost a spouse at a young age.
July 8, 2013
Heartbreaking and yet beautiful that she was able to see that it was meant to happen. She had some amazing experiences of seeing life after death and knowing that her husband was doing great work up above.
August 21, 2017
Saddest thing I've ever read!
2/12/14 just read it again! Cried on my flight to Chicago!
Read 8/20/17 Gosh, you know that kind of crying where you breathe out so hard your chest aches. That's the kind of crying that happens in this book. But such a hopeful story of eternal life.
2/12/14 just read it again! Cried on my flight to Chicago!
Read 8/20/17 Gosh, you know that kind of crying where you breathe out so hard your chest aches. That's the kind of crying that happens in this book. But such a hopeful story of eternal life.
May 8, 2015
true story of an LDS woman forced to choose between saving the life of her husband or kids. amazing spiritual story. I read it a long time ago. found it at a thrift store. Can't wait to read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews