To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson

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To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson

4.47 of 5 stars 4.47 · rating details · 2,264 ratings · 706 reviews

To the Rescue is the much-anticipated official biography of President Thomas S. Monson. Beginning with President Monson's family heritage and his early years in Salt Lake City, it included his vocational preparation and his career in the world of journalism. More important, this inspiring book recounts his lifetime of Church service. Called as a bishop at the age of twenty...more

Hardcover, 588 pages

Published September 27th 2010 by Deseret Book Company

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Jan 09, 2011 Lowell rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.75 stars.

An inspiring biography of a wonderful man. Yes, it will change you. You will want to perform small, simple acts of service for everybody around you. You will serve better in your church. You will study the scriptures on a deeper level, pray better, and love your family more sincerely. You will, in essence, be a better Christian than you were previously.

So why my mediocre score?

I believe there are two ways to write an LDS biography. One says, “Look at the experiences of this prophet of...more 3.75 stars.

An inspiring biography of a wonderful man. Yes, it will change you. You will want to perform small, simple acts of service for everybody around you. You will serve better in your church. You will study the scriptures on a deeper level, pray better, and love your family more sincerely. You will, in essence, be a better Christian than you were previously.

So why my mediocre score?

I believe there are two ways to write an LDS biography. One says, “Look at the experiences of this prophet of God!” The second says, “Look at the life of this man who, because of how he chose to live and the character he developed at the crossroads of life, was called by God to be a prophet.” I prefer the latter.

There is a big difference between the outcomes of these approaches. The first doesn’t look at him as a man – it looks at him as a prophet, where everything he does is inspired and you never see the personal struggles and challenges he had to overcome. You see the result, but not the process that led to the results. Ms. Swinton takes the first approach. This is not a bad thing. However, it results in a book that means to make us love the Prophet rather than tell a detailed life story.

For me, the second approach develops greater faith. Perhaps I’m in the minority. I have a hard time relating to perfect, flawless people, because I’m not perfect and flawless. If I read of a perfect man, I realize how I can’t be like them because I struggle so much. I love Joseph Smith’s “Rough Stone Rolling” because you see Joseph Smith as a man. Ditto for the biography of Spencer W. Kimball. I finished those books inspired and thinking, “If God has the patience and mercy to work with these imperfect – but sincere and authentic – men to do His work, then just maybe I’m not as hopeless as I sometimes feel. ” Seeing them as human beings makes me want to do better, because I can glimpse what is possible in my own life.

Two small examples: President Monson served as a bishop while a young father with a very busy career. I’m in this stage right now. Did he ever struggle to balance work, church, and family responsibilities? I certainly do. When did he forego a project in his ward or office to spend time with his family? How did he determine what to attend, and what to miss?

Also, when Ms. Swinton discusses his calling as Mission President in Canada, it includes two lines that subliminally hint at his learning to balance. An apostle visited the mission, and while leaving felt impressed to remind him, “You are a mission president for only a few years, but a father forever.” This impressed me, but nothing further is said in the biography. Why would that be the final advice
shared with a young mission president? Were his priorities out of balance at all? Did Thomas Monson look at his life and need to re-prioritize?

Again, it is a fantastic book. I was edified, inspired, and can more fully sustain him in his call as a prophet of God. My score reflects personal preference on the writing style. I felt like a fly on the wall watching President Monson magnify his callings, when I wanted to know who “Thomas” is.(less)

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Oct 23, 2010 *Christie* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, lds-non-fiction

President Monson is an amazing man. Many times as I read this book I felt a flood of love wash over me and testify that he is a Prophet of God. I cried and laughed and learned. It was a great experience. I want to be more like President Monson; more concerned with people. I love that President Monson sees the big picture. In the book a story is related in which there is an attorney who had married a catholic and been inactive in the LDS church for many years. The attorney's business partner was...more

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Nov 27, 2010 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have read a lot of books in my lifetime. When I rate a book five stars, it has to be fantastic. This definitely meets my definition of fantastic, and I want to go a step further by saying that this was absolutely inspiring. I bought this book to read because I wanted to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for President Monson. I was not disappointed at all! What an amazing man he is. At a very young age he was taught about serving the less fortunate. Throughout his entire life his foc...more

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Feb 16, 2011 Corinne rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm not giving this five stars because it is particularly well-written, but more because of the overall value I found in the book. I've never read a biography of an apostle or LDS church president, so for me this book was an insight not only into Thomas Monson in particular but into the life of a modern day apostle. Since he has been influential for 40 plus years within the church, it also showed how the church was influenced by his inspiration and hard work as well as what he witnessed in leade...more

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May 04, 2011 Larsen rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: all Church members.

I rate this book at five stars because of its subject. We all need to learn more about Thomas S. Monson and to learn to follow his example. I particularly enjoyed learning more about President Monson's growing up, his early life, and family background. He is a real person after all and came from a real family that had its weaknesses and many strengths. Also the book was extremely informative and very inspirational about all that President Monson helped to accomplish in what was East Germany. The...more

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Mar 16, 2013 07KierraM rated it 4 of 5 stars

To the Rescue! Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His biography To the Rescue is very good at helping me learn about his life, history of the church and helps me feel the spirit in my everyday life; however, there were areas in the book that were not quite as good at keeping me entertained because I got kinda bored from the length of the book.

President Boyd K. Packer said "He is more Christlike than the rest of us. He's known for emphasizing an...more To the Rescue! Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His biography To the Rescue is very good at helping me learn about his life, history of the church and helps me feel the spirit in my everyday life; however, there were areas in the book that were not quite as good at keeping me entertained because I got kinda bored from the length of the book.

President Boyd K. Packer said "He is more Christlike than the rest of us. He's known for emphasizing and elevating things that are most important, the ordinary things. He is the one for whom the widow and the orphan are not just statements in a book." That to me hits it home and makes me feel the spirit so strong when the oldest Apostle can say he knows he is more Christlike. Because he is pretty old and has almost seen it all! I'm very glad I have found this religion that makes me so happy. To the Rescue is very good at helping me feel the spirit.

"To understand Thomas Monson you have to reach back to his childhood..." this was said by Elder M. Russell Ballard. Reading about President Monson's childhood was really cool and to learn about his passed to understand the things he has gone through and has conquered! A funny thing from his past was he wanted to be a cowboy when he grew up, it's very funny. It is just one of the few things that this book talks about. Just a tiny fact, but when you look at the big picture it helps! To the Rescue is very good at helping me learn about his life.

528 pages is a lot to read. For this girl, it's even worse! I'm still not even done reading it. I get bored at times when i'm tired and reading is the last thing I want to do. But I make myself read it because I know it will benefit me in the end and it makes me very happy once I think about that. But it makes me learn in a fun way and will make it stick in my head forever.

From the evidence above, the book To the Rescue by Thomas S. Monson is a very good book. Thomas Monson is my Prophet, that I love and have faith that he receives revelation from the Lord to help lead and guide our Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To the Rescue is very good at helping me learn about Thomas Monson's life, history of the church, and helps me feel the spirit in my everyday life; however, there were areas in the book that were not quite as good at keeping me entertained because i got kinda bored from the length of the book. I love this book and hope my review makes you want to read this book. (less)

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Oct 04, 2012 Mimi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult

If you have ever wanted to know more about the prophet, this is definitely the book for you. It was written under the request of Thomas S. Monson, and he collaborated greatly with the author. Heidi S. Swinton did an excellent job at showing the prophet's life and introducing readers to what President Monson was like as a boy, teenager, and man long before he ever became the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I will say, this is quite a tome. Obviously I read a lot of bo...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Preethi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, biography, religious

I almost feel guilty giving a 3-star rating to a biography about the beloved prophet of our church. While I enjoyed learning more about his ministry, however, the writing was decidedly sub-par.

My biggest gripe is the lack of personal flavor in the book. Having read several other prophet biographies, I thought this one was severely lacking in personal anecdotes, and was almost devoid of characterization outside of the obvious and ubiquitous commentary about his love, kindness, and willingness to...more I almost feel guilty giving a 3-star rating to a biography about the beloved prophet of our church. While I enjoyed learning more about his ministry, however, the writing was decidedly sub-par.

My biggest gripe is the lack of personal flavor in the book. Having read several other prophet biographies, I thought this one was severely lacking in personal anecdotes, and was almost devoid of characterization outside of the obvious and ubiquitous commentary about his love, kindness, and willingness to serve. While I certainly appreciate all those characteristics, I'm certain he has other personal traits outside of his remarkable spiritual gifts. The book was superficial in its treatment of his character; while I wasn't looking for faults, Swinton placed him on an unnatural pedestal lacking dimension and depth. Additionally, the constant use of the word "rescue" and his focus on doing so was tiresome and forced.

Similarly, I felt Swinton glossed over President Monson's relationships, failing to delve into them with any sort of rigor or meaning. She mentions some mentors, and occasionally throws out the name "Frances," but I came away from the book knowing virtually nothing about them or their interaction with him. I was particularly puzzled by the lack of detail about his wife; Swinton only mentions her a handful of times in terms of being the mission mom and cooking meals, and in referencing the prophet's love for her - a given, in my book (no pun intended).

Finally, the book's organization was confusing and difficult to follow. My husband (with whom I read it) and I were constantly asking each other, "what year is this, again?" and "where are we?" Every biography doesn't need to be chronological - I understand that. But To the Rescue just seemed haphazard. The chapters didn't make sense, the paragraphs themselves skipped around a ton between years or even decades, and thoughts would often end abruptly with little to no transition to the next thought. Some random little stories were included (ones that didn't have much of a point and made us wonder whether they were from a relative of the author), while bigger, more important people and events received little attention (for instance, you get the impression from the book that President Monson's father only became active in the Church in his later years, but there is no discussion about how this did or didn't affect his son).

Overall, I really enjoyed learning more about the Prophet's preparation and experience, especially regarding his work in East Germany. That was, by far, the most engaging part of the book, and the part I feel sure I'll reference often. The rest, however, could've used a good dose of personalization and editing.(less)

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May 29, 2012 Phillip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although, I have been aware of Thomas S. Monson as a General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint since my early teens, to have read his biography has been an eye-opening exercise. How impressive an upbringing he has had in preparing him to take on the mantle of the presidency of the church. How carefully the Lord has molded his youth and directed his career leading up to and through his service as a bishop, a mission president and a member of a stake presidency. What an i...more

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May 21, 2012 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book is inspiring and at times made me laugh and cry. I'm glad to learn more about Pres. Monson's life. I loved the chapters on East Germany, and I enjoyed many of the stories and experiences throughout the book. I would recommend it as overall very worthwhile and enjoyable to read.

But specifically, I was less impressed with the author's writing style, although it didn't ruin the book for me (but it was distracting). I didn't like the way sometimes each paragraph was a unique story, and ther...more

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Apr 01, 2012 Kristen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I should probably justify my 3-star rating by saying biographies are hard for me to read, because they often contain SO MUCH detail. To that end, I think Swinton did a pretty good job of sticking to main themes rather than a solely chronological structure. Some reviewers have complained that it did skip around a bit; I definitely noticed it/was a little confused by it but wasn't super bugged by it.

I read this book because I wanted to have a better appreciation for President Monson, and to that...more I should probably justify my 3-star rating by saying biographies are hard for me to read, because they often contain SO MUCH detail. To that end, I think Swinton did a pretty good job of sticking to main themes rather than a solely chronological structure. Some reviewers have complained that it did skip around a bit; I definitely noticed it/was a little confused by it but wasn't super bugged by it.

I read this book because I wanted to have a better appreciation for President Monson, and to that end, I think it's impossible NOT to after reading. What I learned is that President Monson is the same person he is on the stand as he is in life. Some of the stories we have heard him tell over the pulpit; I especially enjoyed the stories we haven't heard before (like his work behind the Iron Curtain) or the countless times when he followed a prompting and something miraculous occurred.

Some of the other reviewers have wished we would have learned more about what made President Monson who he is - his struggles and hardships (of which there must have been plenty). I agree. In fact, the only example I can think of in the entire book is a time when he failed to follow a prompting immediately and by the time he arrived at the hospital to give a brother a blessing, he had died. That taught him never again to delay acting on a prompting. That was a powerful story and I would've liked to have seen more of that in his biography. But I also don't think that's Swinton's fault. As most of her source material was President Monson himself (either his interviews, talks, or journals), I think it's consistent with who he is. He doesn't dwell on his struggles but focuses on the job ahead.

So why only 3 stars? The writing is a bit folksy at times ("That's President Monson," is said several times to illustrate his character). There is probably too much time spent on some parts of his life. But overall, I am really glad I read it, because it gives me an appreciation for President Monson, and makes me want to reach out and have more of a concern for others, just as he does. (less)

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Mar 30, 2012 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: All Latter Day Saints

Recommended to Megan by: Shari Dew

Shelves: bookgroup

It was an honor to read a book about a Latter Day Prophet of God and have insight into his life and stories. We had a wonderful book discussion on this book. I had known about President Monson's personal ministry, but not about his managerial skills and organization and efficiency. On a purely intellectual level, he is the perfect prophet of our church; because he started in church service at such a young age he has served on every church committee and knows them all inside and out. On a spiritu...more It was an honor to read a book about a Latter Day Prophet of God and have insight into his life and stories. We had a wonderful book discussion on this book. I had known about President Monson's personal ministry, but not about his managerial skills and organization and efficiency. On a purely intellectual level, he is the perfect prophet of our church; because he started in church service at such a young age he has served on every church committee and knows them all inside and out. On a spiritual level, I felt confirming witness that Thomas S. Monson was called by God and is led by Him to direct Christ's church on this earth.
Some of my favorite parts: Finding out about some of his mischevious childhood. Learning more about President Monson's mother and realizing how much he is like her. Finding out how President Monson is at heart a simple man with simple desires; he'd have been happy to stay in Utah forever and to fish and hunt. He never had grandiose designs or plans for himself. His mission presidency in Canada. The East Germany sections. Some of the day-to-day workings of the apostles and prophets, from taking the sacrament in the temple to attending meeting after meeting after meeting. The thousands of people he has ushered out of this world--funerals attended, graves visited, blessings given in nursing homes and hospitals, etc. Realizing that President Monson is so adept and quick at acting on any inspiration that the Lord must love working with him.
Places where I came within 6 steps of connectedness: I worked at the Deseret Printing Center which he directed for years. I hated working there. It was the worse job of my life and pure motivation to finish college so that I'd never do assembly line work again. Several mentions of my mission President, President (now Elder) Neil L. Andersen. Traveling to East Germany after the wall came down with the Lamanite Generation from BYU and hearing about the dozens of miracles that took place to get the temple built, and finally for the wall to come down. My dad worked with President Monson when he was the managing editor of the New Era, later the Liahona, and finally the Ensign. They had that printing thing in common!
This book has a great spirit about it and you will not be disappointed in reading it and finding out more about this great man.(less)

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Feb 12, 2012 Tamhack rated it 2 of 5 stars

His character is truly Christlike. He is very close to the spirit and always looking a ways to server others in the Church and outside of the Church. He is truly the Lord's prophet to the World here on the earth today. He had many fine examples and mentors.

He is always the optimist. "For President Monson, being made "whole" does not mean being fixed, repaired, or made good as new. Wholeness is much more that that; it is a description of a life on earth filled with the Spirit of God and one in th...more

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Feb 10, 2012 Emily Adams rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was a treat to learn about Thomas S. Monson's life and the responsibilities of leaders for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I had no idea how rigorous the schedule is for general authorities of the church (sometimes he would be gone for 5 weeks at a time overseeing the church members in the Pacific, Europe, etc) and how supportive their wives and children need to be. I found myself in tears several times, overwhelmed by some of the Christ-like accounts of President Monson's go...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Jody rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a hefty tome but well worth the read. The five stars really are attributed to President Thomas S. Monson, current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Prophet of God here on the earth today. If I were rating the author, it may only earn four stars, but she did a really good job at this monumental task anyway. I read the biography of President Gordon B. Hinckley by Sheri S. Dew and loved it so much that I then listened to the whole thing on audio. I guess I pre...more

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Jul 05, 2011 Danette Matthews rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved reading about President Monson. He is such a kind and thoughtful person who reaches out to individuals in such a unique way. His life is inspiring and makes you want to be a better person. I finished this book on a plane ride from Aruba to Miami. As I was finishing it, I noticed the man next to me was looking at his phone and I saw "The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" on the screen. I asked him if he was a member. He said Yes. He was from the Dominican Republic and he works...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Dave rated it 3 of 5 stars

I had a hard time keeping a consistent interest in the book, there were some chapters I really enjoyed, however they were few and far between. I think the author was trying to write a tribute rather than a biography.....still some really good stories worth reading like the chapters that covered his service in communist Germany. In all, I really enjoyed learning more about Thomas Monson and have really gained an appreciation for the kind and compassionate person he is

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Mar 24, 2012 Haley Reeder rated it 5 of 5 stars

Talk about "seek learning out of the best books"- this book was so inspirational! I loved every single word on every single page. The life of President Thomas Monson is so inspiring and so uplifting. I can't help but strive to be a better person as a result of reading of his life. He never started out seeking to be in the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and certainly as a younger man never dreamed of becoming a Prophet of God. However, he was asked to serve and he'...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was inspiring, faith-promoting, testimony-building. It changed me. I learned so many things - not only about Thomas S. Monson, but also about church organization, church history. etc. It helped me develop a deeper love for this remarkable man and strengthened my testimony in many ways. I highly recommend it to everyone because there is so much to be gained from it. There was just one thing that bothered me a tiny bit about this book - and I hate to even sound like I am complaining - bu...more

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Jul 22, 2011 Alan Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are a select few books over the years that have literally changed my perspective and made a real difference in my life. This book is one of those. I think I just read it at the right time and place in my life for it to hit me the way it did. I would recommend this book to anyone, whether they be of the LDS faith or not. The characteristics that make President Monson so special are applicable to anyone, anywhere, at anytime.

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Feb 03, 2011 Kendra Player rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm not good at writing reviews and, in this case, I'm sure I wouldn't do it justice. There were times when I thought the author jumped around a little much but I gave it 5 stars because of the impact it had on me. I came away realizing what a great man Pres. Monson is and I'm sure he's humble enough that he was uncomfortable with the idea of a biography written about him. What a Christ-like life he has led.

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Jul 16, 2012 Nick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: spiritual

This was an excellent description of the Prophet's life. The focus centered on President Monson's efforts to reach out to people in need on an individual level. The book also gave an excellent history of the church and the strugglews faced by members in East Germany during the communist era.

I would say my two favorite quotes from the book were:

1. While serving as a mission president in Canada a missionary wrote to President Monson saying, "President, the tempurature is 40 degrees below freezing....more

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Aug 21, 2011 Greg rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paper, mp3

While the subject matter of this book is definite 5-star material, the execution left very much to be desired. So many entire paragraphs in this book were simply lists of names or dates or places with absolutely no point. Honestly, I would rather read Leviticus and Numbers than ever pick this book up again. This author would labor over details of the background of a anecdote, only to complete it without giving any of the important details of the resolution. One in particular stands out in my min...more

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Jan 30, 2011 Jeff rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was inspired. There are not many books that cause me to think about myself, but this one did. His life and his character are a wonderful example of true Christianity. He exemplifies the pure love of Christ, and his life story is more about one on one interactions with the humble than it is about leadership and association with the lofty.

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Dec 16, 2011 Ruth rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars.

Most of you probably know that Thomas S. Monson is the current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is an absolutely fascinating man. One of his strengths is his personal warmth and love for other people. In 2009, Slate.com ranked him number one in its list of eighty most powerful octogenarians in American.

This book is full of lots of details and many wonderful anecdotes about President Monson, but overall, it was kind of uneven writing. Some parts moved ri...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Lydia rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first few pages were slow for me (though interesting) but I flew through the last 400 pages. What an amazing example of caring about every single person. I have found myself sharing stories and insights from this book many times over. I also found his time behind the wall in Germany fascinating.

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Dec 18, 2011 Zinger rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

This was a very well written biography about Thomas S. Monson. I realized one of the major differences between him and I, is that he looks at the world and sees all the positive things in it and is attracted to it. I see lots of negative things in the world and am repulsed by it. A big difference in how to view the world.

The only reason I did not give the book 5 stars, was because I thought the it was lacking in talking about his challenges in life. The book covers a lot of topics, but one is l...more

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May 06, 2012 Ann rated it 3 of 5 stars

Great beginning... but what happened in the middle? From reading this book one would think that Germany was the only country who suffered the ravages of war between 1939-1945!
Also, where was any connection between President Monson and President Hinckley who had worked together for so many years? I was sorely disappointed! - Only a brief note of sadness at President Hinckley's funeral in the penultimate chapter!
I fully realise that this is an autobiography about President Monson,but surely he ha...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Loralee rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: my family

Shelves: biography, religious

Several years ago, my sister Barbara and I were attending a Women's Conference at BYU. Pres. Monson was the concluding speaker of the Friday afternoon session. We were so excited to hear him speak that we didn't leave the Marriott Center all day. As each session ended, we moved closer and closer to the front of the large room until we had extremely good seats. When President Monson walked into the room, we reverently stood. The Spirit confirmed that he was an apostle of God. As he spoke that aft...more Several years ago, my sister Barbara and I were attending a Women's Conference at BYU. Pres. Monson was the concluding speaker of the Friday afternoon session. We were so excited to hear him speak that we didn't leave the Marriott Center all day. As each session ended, we moved closer and closer to the front of the large room until we had extremely good seats. When President Monson walked into the room, we reverently stood. The Spirit confirmed that he was an apostle of God. As he spoke that afternoon, we laughed together with his self-deprecating humor and wept as our spirits were touched with his poignant memories.

A few years later, I attended the Sacramento Temple Cultural Celebration. He and President Hinckley walked in the ARCO arena together--President Hinckley waving his cane in greeting. They both spoke primarily to the youth who were about to perform their hearts out for these men. Again, I felt the Holy Ghost whispering to me that these men have truly been called of God.

On February 4, 2008, I watched the press conference where President Monson spoke as the newly ordained prophet of God. As he introduced his new counselors, the Holy Ghost confirmed once again that he is the prophet of God. I have always loved listening to President Monson at conferences and other meetings. I was so excited when his biography was recently published.

For the past few months, this has been my book of choice for Sunday afternoons. I completed it this morning. The thing that I take away from this book is his love and interest for the one. He truly is someone who tries to follow our Savior's example of reaching out to others and building them up. I loved learning that he wasn't a perfect boy growing up, yet he was very teachable. His father wasn't particularly active in the church, but he didn't let that become an excuse for becoming less active himself.

This is a book I heartily recommend to others who want to learn more about a man of great integrity and compassion. (less)

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Jun 28, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved learning more about our Prophet! His life is full of examples of blessing others by following spiritual impressions. President Monson is a remarkable example of faith and service. His life story is absolutely inspirational and uplifting. There was so much I didn't know about him. I loved reading about his childhood and was also especially interested in his work in East Germany. President Monson always cares for the individual. I'm so glad I read this book and would recommend it to anyone...more

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“He measures the abundant life by the capacity "to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility.” — 6 people liked it

“At the Veracruz Mexico Temple dedication six weeks later, he spoke of the temple helping the members there. "We all have certain talents, and the Lord knows what they are," he said. "We all have limitations and the Lord knows what they are. Whatever our limitations may be, the Lord said this: 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,' [Matthew 5:48.] He would not give us commandments we could not fulfill. We can become perfect in our love of God. We can become perfect in our love of our fellow men. We can become perfect in the payment of our tithing. We can become perfect in living the Word of Wisdom. We can become perfect in our home teaching. In other words, all of those degrees of perfection are within our reach... We know what we must do.” — 3 people liked it

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8971659-to-the-rescue?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1285809186l/8971659.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8971659-to-the-rescue?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson by Heidi S. Swinton[/url]

To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson

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