Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Family Ties: A Message for Fathers

Rate this book
“There is something we can change today to make the world a better place in which to live,” writes Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Speaking to the men of the Church, he states, “Enjoy the inspiration of God, our Eternal Father, to lead, guide, and direct your families in righteousness. You stand at the head of the only organization I know of that can be eternal. Should not that charge and responsibility receive top priority in your life?” Thus, in clear and compelling terms and in his inimitable, forthright style, Elder Perry addresses the men of the Church on their many responsibilities as husbands, fathers, Church leaders, and priesthood bearers.

This touching, thought-provoking book offers encouragement and inspired counsel on being a righteous husband and father and providing peace, security, love, and spiritual guidance to families. Elder Perry also reminds us that all members may use the strength of the priesthood to deal with the stresses of life and to seek to become true disciples of Christ. He states: “We can’t predict all the struggles and storms in life . . . but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come.”

In Family Ties, Elder L. Tom Perry presents wise, timely counsel to all those who strive to lead and guide their families in righteousness.

1. ContentsHusbands and Fathers - Your Roles and Responsibilities
2. Called of God
3. The Importance of the Family
4. Let Him Do It with Simplicity
5. Discipleship

80 pages

First published April 1, 2011

1 person is currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

L. Tom Perry

10 books4 followers
Lowell Tom Perry is a senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), having become a member of that body in 1974.

Perry was born to Leslie Thomas Perry and his wife Elsie Nora Sonne. Perry, Utah is named for the Perry's ancestor, Gustavus Adolphus Perry and his family, who were among the first settlers at that place.

From the time of Perry's birth until he was eighteen his father was bishop of their Logan ward. From 1942-1944 Perry served as a missionary in the Northern States Mission, headquartered in Chicago. Just after returning from his mission he joined the United States military, specifically the marines. He was among the United States troops sent to occupy Japan after the war. While in Nagasaki, Perry coordinated a group of marines to help rebuild a local Protestant church.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
31 (36%)
4 stars
38 (45%)
3 stars
13 (15%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
99 reviews
June 20, 2011
A short inspiring book and being a better father. I read the book in one sitting--on a plane. Good solid advice, and although nothing that we haven't heard before, presented in 5-6 short chapters that are inspiring and instructional. Certainly a good reminder of what we really need to be focused on as fathers.
Profile Image for Dorry Lou.
872 reviews
January 31, 2019
This book was written in 2011 but the message is good forever. I gave it to my husband for Christmas and he recommended I read it also. It is well written, forthright and thought-provoking. He reinforces what we know that "the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come".
Profile Image for J.R..
24 reviews
October 5, 2020
Excellent insight on fatherhood, the family, and the priesthood duties as a man. It is a great afternoon read on a Sunday and is truly awe inspiring. It had a profound impact on my life and provided valuable understandings that will help me throughout life.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
225 reviews
September 25, 2017
A great inspirational book that applies to all people, not just fathers. I loved the insights and thoughts that were presented in this book.
Profile Image for Shawn.
71 reviews
September 29, 2011
Family Ties: A Message for Fathers is divided into five sections:

1) Husbands and Fathers -- Your Roles and Responsibilities
2) Called of God
3) The Importance of the Family
4) Let Him Do It with Simplicity
5) Discipleship

It is a very quick read that contains L. Tom Perry's succinct thoughts on the importance of Fatherhood. The parts that stuck out the most to me were the sections on simplicity and discipleship. He writes that Fathers should examine their lives and focus, as much as possible, on what matters most -- family. He also suggests some mental "housecleaning" to rid our minds of distracting and damaging thoughts that impede our ability to reach our potential. Elder Perry bases most of his message on scriptures and anecdotes.

My personal observation is that the modern Father is bombarded daily with an overemphasis on career achievements. Dads are told that success in their job determines their value as a man, husband and father. Experience has taught me that focusing all your energy on your job might springboard you to financial success but it will ultimately leave you feeling empty and unsatisfied with your life in general. True joy and fulfillment can only come from actively engaging family in your role as a father and husband. Real manhood is sacrificing self for your wife and children. The world needs more real men.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
521 reviews
November 20, 2012
This book was really good, but these books that Deseret Book is putting out lately crack me up. All this book consists of is 5 talks from Elder Perry. Great information, but when you can get the talks free online, I don't know why you'd want to pay 13.99 for the book. But I guess it's just evidence of the over-commercialization of holidays and the need people feel to give gifts for every holiday (this was a fathers' day gift). That, or people don't realize that the books are just conference talks.
Profile Image for Shauna.
24 reviews4 followers
Read
May 25, 2011
I enjoyed the great thoughts in this awesome book. I really like Chapter 3 that talks about the importance of the family. What a blessing it is to know the family is eternal! This uplifting book will make a perfect gift for Father's Day! Come enter to win a copy of this book here: http://bookgiveaways.blogspot.com/
54 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2011
My daughter gave this to her dad for Father's day
L.T. Perry once gave his children this choice: You can either have this
big new house or more time with your father. His children said,
"the house. You're never around much anyway." A lot of kids
probably feel the same way.. Hopefully more dads will read this
book and make some necessary changes.. Moms too.
Profile Image for Monica.
188 reviews20 followers
October 21, 2013
Family Ties by L. Tom Perry is a masterful message to men of the priesthood. In the most straightforward way Elder Perry outlines the many responsibilities and obligations of a priesthood holder and encourages them to follow through. In five inspired chapters he touches on standards, discipleship, and leadership in the home and family.
Profile Image for Cheri.
2,149 reviews71 followers
May 14, 2011
This book is a message for Fathers but I think Mother's would like it as well. I really enjoyed all of the messages. One of them is from 1977, with a little story about President David O. McKay and his wife.
Profile Image for Kristen.
960 reviews17 followers
June 19, 2011
Great book about the responsibilities of husbands and fathers. Straight forward and concise but also spiritually uplifting. It gave me great hope while reading this. Marvelous book, not only for men but for women to read so they can help their husbands/fathers reach their true potential.
Profile Image for Cameron Reid Armstrong.
Author 2 books2 followers
July 11, 2011
A great book and great reminders of how to be a great husband and father. The keys are just being unselfish and to give your time and love to each other. I like his writing style and enjoyed the book. Be a good one to read once or so a year. shot read.
Profile Image for Ed.
66 reviews
July 8, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a spiritual uplift. And I remembered again the eternal importance of families. This is a book that I need to read and reread to get all out of it. I have read it once and am half way through it again. I have it by my bed and will keep reading it over and over.
Profile Image for Bre.
495 reviews
June 20, 2011
This is such a great book for fathers! It focuses on the roles and responsibilities of a father. Makes a good gift, too!
Profile Image for Alissa Faust.
674 reviews
June 20, 2011
The talk I liked the most in this book was the first one. I really liked the part where he talked about naming our kids something that they can live up to.
Profile Image for Jaclyn.
301 reviews
July 5, 2011
A very short but sweet message for fathers. And mothers. And families. So uplifting and a great reminder to all. Will definitely be pulling this out often to re-read.
Profile Image for Tenille.
619 reviews
July 27, 2011
Great message for the men in our lives. Reminds them to have a good relationship with their spouse, with their children, and with our Heavenly Father. Easy reading!!
Profile Image for Christophe BEZIER.
39 reviews
September 2, 2011
"[As a father and husband] you stand at the head of the head of the only organization I know of that can be eternal"
Profile Image for Ted Gambles.
60 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2014
I found this book to be a great guide to fathers. I found many areas that I could be better as a father. And I found many areas that I could see my father as having done, and I am trying to do.
Profile Image for Sanz.
526 reviews
December 27, 2011
Super quick read. Terrific message. Not just a book for fathers, but for mothers as well.
Profile Image for Casey Harris.
226 reviews
January 22, 2012
A good book that reminds fathers of their responsibilities to their families. A gift from my father-in-law, this is a book that I'll need to read regularly.
Profile Image for Tanjua.
100 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2012
This was a conference talk. Nice to have in hardcover, but reading online or the Ensign works too. Good overall message.
Profile Image for Valerie.
1,253 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2012
Even though it was for fathers, it was a great read and I took away so much from it. I think it is just for parents in general. I always love his stuff!
Profile Image for Blake.
132 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2013
I've been thinking a lot lately about what it is to be a man. This book has a ton of good answers.
Profile Image for Michael.
110 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2015
Basically a compilation of five general conference talks from over Elder Perry's decades as an apostle, Family Ties is a short, powerful, and timely read on fatherhood.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.