Students of the Restored Gospel discussion

There are many great books about our prophets and leaders. I think this would be a great thread for discussing them.

I read part of a book a few years ago (and had to return it to the library and haven't subsequently checked it out again - maybe I'll do that soon) that was about all the Counselors in the First Presidency . What I read of it - the first 100 or so pages - was excellent.

Recently finished Pres. Monson's biography. I was surprised at how much I didn't know about his life. Especially loved reading about his work in Germany during the height of the Berlin Wall. I had no idea how involved he had been during the height of the Cold War. Since it was essential for a consistent person to influence the events in Germany over a period of many years, it was obvious why the Lord had needed to call him as a general authority at such a young age.

I haven't read it yet, but I'm interested in that, too. The thought of going to East Germany (as it was then called) was a factor in my decision to serve a mission.



President Monson wrote his own book on the subject of the East German saints called "Faith Rewarded" that is on my list, but I haven't read it yet, either.

I really enjoyed reading president Monson's biography too. Like Janell I was also surprised at how much I didn't know about his life. I really enjoyed reading about his young life growing up in Salt Lake City. I was touched by his love and faithful service through the years. A truly great man. I am currently reading "The Teachings of Thomas S. Monson" a compilation of excerpts from his talks.

I started "Faith Rewarded" (which is from President Monson's journals from his experiences with the East German saints). It's wonderful, but I have other books that have a shorter deadline.

One fast read biography that I read not to long ago was Elder Oaks "Life's Lessons Learned." He goes through certain events of his life and talks about what he was taught by those experiences and how they have shaped him. As I read it I found myself thinking of some of the lessons that I have been taught in my life and pondered on what I will continue to learn.

I haven't read that one, but it's on my list. I met Elder Oaks in May; he was looking for an alarm clock at the Walmart where I work, so I showed them where they were and shook his hand on the way there. (It was insignificant to him, I'm sure, but it was pretty neat for me!)

That's pretty cool! I used to work at BYU in the Religion Dept when I was a student. They dedicated the new Religion building when I was there and I rode up in the elevator with Pres. Monson and Pres. Packer.

Those experiences are invaluable!

I read "My Name Used to be Muhammed" by Tito Momen. It is his story of his conversion from Muslim to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was going to school to be a Muslim Cleric and had questions caused by his study that led to his conversion. Great story.

Thanks, Kelley! That sounds like a pretty cool book. I like unusual conversion stories. I have this one somewhere in my storage; I'll need to dig it out:

So How Come a Nice Jewish Boy Became a Mormon? by Norman Rothman

For those interested in Kelley's recommendation, this is the book:

I have read So How Come A Nice Jewish Boy Became A Mormon. My family was acquainted with Norman Rothman. One interesting, happy guy. You may also be interested in Nethermost: Missionary Miracles in Lowly Places, just published this week, which I wrote with my father, Francis M. Gibbons

Thanks, Daniel! I love your Dad's biographies of the prophets, also.

Here is the book cover of Daniel's book:



Here is the link to the author page for Francis M. Gibbons, for those interested in further exploration:

Francis M. Gibbons

I neglected to notice that Daniel and Francis M. Gibbons have another book:

A Gathering of Eagles: Conversions From the Four Quarters of the Earth

That sounds like it is a related book, Daniel, but please feel free to tell us more about each of these titles, as many of us are interested in conversion stories. :)

No Ordinary Mission This is the incredibly true story of one mans journey through No Ordinary Mission. Great read please review.

Sounds like a good book. How can we get a copy of it?

Excellent! Good luck with your book - I hope you can secure a publishing deal.

I received this book for Father's Day but haven't had a chance until today to read it:

Russell M. Nelson: Father, Surgeon, Apostle

I also have begun (but haven't gotten very far - it's been a busy summer!) The Autobiography of Elder Helvecio Martins. Elder Martins is an emeritus seventy, and I decided to read this after attending the "Be One" 40th anniversary celebration of all worthy male members being eligible for the Priesthood.

There is a sequel to "The Other Side of Heaven" coming out soon. Many of the stories from John Groberg's mission can be found in these two books (I've read both). Some of the movies portrayals are embellished for the movie or combined.

Elder Groberg (an emeritus general authority) raised his children near his wife and me, and we went to school with one of his daughters.

The Other Side of Heaven by John H. Groberg
Fire of Faith: The Memoirs of John H. Groberg by John H. Groberg

I listened to I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring by Robert I. Eaton; Henry J. Eyring. This was an inspiring read and a good look into the life of a general authority, the way they work together and the way they make decisions. Large parts of it are exact quotes from President Eyring's journals.

President Eyring is an extremely humble and teachable man. I expect to read this again in a few years to let some of the things learned sink in better.

Sounds like I need to move it up to the top of my list!