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Go Forward with Faith
You can always tell when you study the life of a prophet that the Lord has had His hand in his life from the beginning, says Sheri Dew, author of Go Forward with Faith . She also wrote the first biography of Ezra Taft Benson. President Hinckley made his own time available for interviews and feedback and allowed Sheri to interview his family, personal friends, and colleagues, including both of his counselors in the First Presidency and each member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He also made available personal writings, including talks, records, and journals, as well as personal and family photographs. He is a wonderful human being, and he happens to be a wonderful human being whom the Lord has tutored, and trained, and refined, and molded for this day, testifies Sheri Dew.
Hardcover
First published November 1, 1996
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About the author
Sheri Dew
31 books358 followersSheri Dew graduated from Brigham Young University. She served as second counselor in the general Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1997 to 2002. In March 2003 the White House appointed her a member of the U.S. Delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations. In 2002, Sheri Dew became president and CEO of Deseret Book Company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 560 reviews
September 28, 2010
The subject of the biography is not what is just OK, I really like Gordon B Hinckley; what I didn't care for was the biography. Pres. Hinckley just does stuff, but we gain no insight into the man; we don't know what makes him tick; we don't see his struggles and his decisions; we don't delve into what processes he goes into and uses to make decisions. All we see of the man is what he did, not how and why he came to do what he did. In my opinion, what makes a biography really interesting are the little and not so little things that he does from day to day: what was he really like as a child? Did he do anything interesting that impacted his life as a child? Why did he decide to go to work for the church? Was it always fun, or did he wish he had another job? Was it just a job, or was it always a calling? Did he have doubts? Did he wonder if he would be promoted? Did he wish he could do other things with his life? Did he ever lie awake at night wondering what his children were up to? Did he struggle with money, and if so how did he work around it? I read the book, but didn't feel like I knew much about the man and found little that I could use from it to model my own life, which is why I read biographies.
May 22, 2017
This book has made a lasting impression on my soul. I have learned so much about leadership from the life of Gordon B. Hinckley. He was a man of optimism, hard work, humility, continuous learning, industry, with a genuine love for people and a sense of humor to put anyone at ease. He was concerned about the individual. He was solution focused. He acknowledged contributions from all, he respected people and their time and was probably one of the best time managers to walk the earth. His life amazes me. To see how he was prepared to become the prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a powerful witness to me of the divinity of God and how God is involved in our lives.
October 31, 2022
President Hinckley was a 5 star president, but the book falls short for me. For such a personal man, this book keeps the reader at a distance. That being said, it is reassuring and makes me feel nostalgic for a time that felt optimistic and simple in church history. Furthermore, as a leader, he was nothing if not loveable. One more example of an English major gently moving the needle of history.
August 11, 2017
I decided to read President Hinckley's biography this year in conjunction with our study of his teachings in priesthood/relief society. I'm so glad that I did! I knew it would be an interesting read, I just didn't realize how much so! He was a great man... I found the stories of his tireless service so inspiring. I'm grateful for his example of complete dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I feel compelled more than ever to go forward with faith as the title suggests.
May 28, 2025
Gordon B. Hinckley’s humility, work ethic, and optimism set him apart, even among others who have dedicated their lives to the Lord. Reading this book inspired me to be more proactive, hardworking, optimistic, and faithful. Sheri Dew did a masterful job imbuing the pages of this book with the spirit of President Hinckley. It’s a little long, but I would recommend it to anyone looking for a spark to become more consecrated to the Lord (or to be motivated to remodel their home, which President Hinckley did several times).
Quotes
* “Cynics do not contribute; skeptics do not create; doubters do not achieve.”
* “Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.”
* “Radio, films, and literature of various kinds [which comprised his vocation early in his career] also serve to keep me praying, humble, busy, and at work for long hours... [as well as] pounding late many an evening to meet deadlines which seem to spin round as fast as my well-oiled light meter. All of which has served to make me a little more dependent upon glasses... a little more round-shouldered, a little more settled, and a little more full of wonder as to what this all leads to."
* “I got along wonderfully well with those great men [the General Authorities with whom he worked after his mission], who were very kind to me. But I learned that they were human. They had weaknesses and problems, but that didn't bother me. In fact, it enhanced my estimation of them because I saw rising above their mortality an element of the divine, or at the very least an element of consecration to a tremendous cause that came first in their lives. I saw the inspiration that was at work in their lives. I had no doubt concerning their prophetic callings or of the fact that the Lord spoke and acted through them. I saw their human side, their foibles—and they all had a few. But I also saw the great overriding strength of their faith and love for the Lord, and their absolute loyalty to the work and to the trust that was placed in them.”
* “I don’t know how to get anything done except by working, so let’s get going.”
* “You don’t miss what you give to the Lord.”
* “What a tremendous thing it is to be a part of a Church that has a great heritage,.. that speaks of faith and courage and sacrifice and giving. If we ever lose it, we had better close up shop. Without sacrifice there is no true worship.... As you go forward with your ambitious programs, forget yourselves now and again. Lay aside your selfishness; lose yourself in the service of others and in some great cause.”
* “Modern theologians strip [the Savior] of his divinity, then wonder why men do not worship him.”
* “There is nothing in all the world so satisfying as a task well done. There is no reward so pleasing as that which comes with the mastery of a difficult problem.”
* “We [Hinckleys] were not born to be Saturday golfers.”
* “Keep before you the big picture, for this cause is as large as all mankind and as broad as all eternity.”
* “There is no better way to cultivate a spirit of unselfishness among our people, to encourage fidelity between husbands and wives, to draw nearer to the Lord than to go to his holy house.”
* “I do not fear truth. I welcome it! But I wish all of my facts in their proper context, with emphasis on those elements which explain the great growth, and power of this organization.”
* “Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dusk, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”
* “There is nothing like this work anywhere else on earth, my brothers and sisters. I know people in many churches, and I have friends in various churches, and I appreciate them. But I know that this is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth. The Lord Himself has declared it to be so, and I make no apology for it. It may sound egotistical, it may sound arrogant, but I wasn't the author of that statement. The Lord Himself is the author, and I believe it with all my heart."
sorrel, dickey, dole (n.), collier, localism, grub (v.), scrim, Pakeha, pedicab, enervate, tatami, solicitous, brocade, provincial, altiplano, louvered, bilious, voltaic, cenotaph, credenza, multifarious, finial, mullion, brogue, lodestar
Quotes
* “Cynics do not contribute; skeptics do not create; doubters do not achieve.”
* “Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.”
* “Radio, films, and literature of various kinds [which comprised his vocation early in his career] also serve to keep me praying, humble, busy, and at work for long hours... [as well as] pounding late many an evening to meet deadlines which seem to spin round as fast as my well-oiled light meter. All of which has served to make me a little more dependent upon glasses... a little more round-shouldered, a little more settled, and a little more full of wonder as to what this all leads to."
* “I got along wonderfully well with those great men [the General Authorities with whom he worked after his mission], who were very kind to me. But I learned that they were human. They had weaknesses and problems, but that didn't bother me. In fact, it enhanced my estimation of them because I saw rising above their mortality an element of the divine, or at the very least an element of consecration to a tremendous cause that came first in their lives. I saw the inspiration that was at work in their lives. I had no doubt concerning their prophetic callings or of the fact that the Lord spoke and acted through them. I saw their human side, their foibles—and they all had a few. But I also saw the great overriding strength of their faith and love for the Lord, and their absolute loyalty to the work and to the trust that was placed in them.”
* “I don’t know how to get anything done except by working, so let’s get going.”
* “You don’t miss what you give to the Lord.”
* “What a tremendous thing it is to be a part of a Church that has a great heritage,.. that speaks of faith and courage and sacrifice and giving. If we ever lose it, we had better close up shop. Without sacrifice there is no true worship.... As you go forward with your ambitious programs, forget yourselves now and again. Lay aside your selfishness; lose yourself in the service of others and in some great cause.”
* “Modern theologians strip [the Savior] of his divinity, then wonder why men do not worship him.”
* “There is nothing in all the world so satisfying as a task well done. There is no reward so pleasing as that which comes with the mastery of a difficult problem.”
* “We [Hinckleys] were not born to be Saturday golfers.”
* “Keep before you the big picture, for this cause is as large as all mankind and as broad as all eternity.”
* “There is no better way to cultivate a spirit of unselfishness among our people, to encourage fidelity between husbands and wives, to draw nearer to the Lord than to go to his holy house.”
* “I do not fear truth. I welcome it! But I wish all of my facts in their proper context, with emphasis on those elements which explain the great growth, and power of this organization.”
* “Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dusk, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”
* “There is nothing like this work anywhere else on earth, my brothers and sisters. I know people in many churches, and I have friends in various churches, and I appreciate them. But I know that this is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth. The Lord Himself has declared it to be so, and I make no apology for it. It may sound egotistical, it may sound arrogant, but I wasn't the author of that statement. The Lord Himself is the author, and I believe it with all my heart."
sorrel, dickey, dole (n.), collier, localism, grub (v.), scrim, Pakeha, pedicab, enervate, tatami, solicitous, brocade, provincial, altiplano, louvered, bilious, voltaic, cenotaph, credenza, multifarious, finial, mullion, brogue, lodestar
April 26, 2021
"Good books are as friends, willing to give to us if we are willing to make a little effort." -Gordon B Hinckley
This biography was a bright spot in my reading, which usually consists of pretty dark and heavy topics. This is really more 3.5 stars because some sections, especially towards the end, read like a list of events rather than a biography, but i rounded up because I felt uplifted while reading. Some random thoughts, i didn't realize Hinckley was so against the Vietnam war, his support for education, empowering attitude women was inspiring.
This biography was a bright spot in my reading, which usually consists of pretty dark and heavy topics. This is really more 3.5 stars because some sections, especially towards the end, read like a list of events rather than a biography, but i rounded up because I felt uplifted while reading. Some random thoughts, i didn't realize Hinckley was so against the Vietnam war, his support for education, empowering attitude women was inspiring.
June 6, 2023
This is the third biography of a prophet that I have read and I have come to cherish these writing so much! It’s testimony-building to see how the Lord has prepared their ENTIRE lives for this sacred calling. I love hearing stories of their childhood, seeing what their careers were like, laughing at their personality quirks, learning about their families, in particular their wives. Their wives are such strong, independent women. They have to be with their husbands so busy. It’s fascinating to hear about how they handled their family-work-life balance. It’s amazing to see how much the church progressed under their stewardship and how the Lord uses their specific strengths to do so. My favorite are the many, many stories of the miracles they have witnessed. It’s impossible for me to read their stories and not feel the Spirit testify of them as prophets of the Lord.
October 27, 2017
Asking my brother in the summer what las book has he read that's had an impact on his life he recommended Go Forward with Faith.
I enjoyed the book as much as my brother. '
I can see why my Dad loved President Hinckley so much. He was so personable, so human. We see his strengths, but we also catch a glimpse of some of his human weaknesses. We see a man whose religion, family, and work ethic shape him into the prophet that led the church in the beginning of the internet and media age.
Some of my favorite parts from the book
-Skipping the first day of school in 7th grade with friends as a protest of having to stay at the elementary (he was supposed to move up to a jr. high, but because of overcrowding had to stay at an elementary one more year). When he was found out his mom wrote a letter to the principal apologizing for her sons actions "Dear Mr. STerns, please “Dear Mr. Sterns, Please excuse Gordon’s absence yesterday, his action was simply an impulse to follow the crowd. Gordon later explained why his mom’s response stung so deeply. “It wasn’t an impulse to follow the crowd” he said “I was one of the instigatiors. But to have mother classify me as one to do something just to follow the crowd cut me and I made up my mind then and there that I would never do anything just to follow the crowd."
-Going on a mission: in 1932, during the depression and when he was 23 bishop called him in to serve a mission. Missions were the exception rather than the rule. He accepted, but wondered how he'd finance it. The money he had saved for college was gone as his bank collapsed. “Sometime later the family discovered that for years Ada (his mother who had passed away) had nurtured a small savings account with the coins she had received in change when buying groceries and had earmarked the fund for her sons missionary service. Even after her death she continued to support and sustain him.” L
-Principles on parenting: They wanted their children to have the strength within themselves to make their own decisions and to move forward. Family prayer was central. “We pray that we may live without regret” was a common prayer. Never read a book on parenting but would teach about it often. 4 basic principles. Love them, teach them, respect them, pray with and for them.
-Father passing away-My great desire was to so conduct my life that it would reflect only good on my father and my mother. Having them both gone renewed in me that desire. I only hoped that one day I would measure up to my heritage.
I feel the same way many times about my father.
One of the best biographies I've read. The prophet of my teenage years, a prophet who helped shape me and a prophet who I always connected to. I remember his sense of humor and the way he seemed to connect with the younger as well as the older generations.
I enjoyed the book as much as my brother. '
I can see why my Dad loved President Hinckley so much. He was so personable, so human. We see his strengths, but we also catch a glimpse of some of his human weaknesses. We see a man whose religion, family, and work ethic shape him into the prophet that led the church in the beginning of the internet and media age.
Some of my favorite parts from the book
-Skipping the first day of school in 7th grade with friends as a protest of having to stay at the elementary (he was supposed to move up to a jr. high, but because of overcrowding had to stay at an elementary one more year). When he was found out his mom wrote a letter to the principal apologizing for her sons actions "Dear Mr. STerns, please “Dear Mr. Sterns, Please excuse Gordon’s absence yesterday, his action was simply an impulse to follow the crowd. Gordon later explained why his mom’s response stung so deeply. “It wasn’t an impulse to follow the crowd” he said “I was one of the instigatiors. But to have mother classify me as one to do something just to follow the crowd cut me and I made up my mind then and there that I would never do anything just to follow the crowd."
-Going on a mission: in 1932, during the depression and when he was 23 bishop called him in to serve a mission. Missions were the exception rather than the rule. He accepted, but wondered how he'd finance it. The money he had saved for college was gone as his bank collapsed. “Sometime later the family discovered that for years Ada (his mother who had passed away) had nurtured a small savings account with the coins she had received in change when buying groceries and had earmarked the fund for her sons missionary service. Even after her death she continued to support and sustain him.” L
-Principles on parenting: They wanted their children to have the strength within themselves to make their own decisions and to move forward. Family prayer was central. “We pray that we may live without regret” was a common prayer. Never read a book on parenting but would teach about it often. 4 basic principles. Love them, teach them, respect them, pray with and for them.
-Father passing away-My great desire was to so conduct my life that it would reflect only good on my father and my mother. Having them both gone renewed in me that desire. I only hoped that one day I would measure up to my heritage.
I feel the same way many times about my father.
One of the best biographies I've read. The prophet of my teenage years, a prophet who helped shape me and a prophet who I always connected to. I remember his sense of humor and the way he seemed to connect with the younger as well as the older generations.
April 19, 2009
When I first read this 12 years ago (!!!)I was overwhelmed by how much of my life was impacted by Pres Hinckley. He was stake president in East Millcreek before we moved in. By his decisions, the stake center (where I was in roadshows and attended seminary) was built. He bought the EMC stake welfare farm where I hoed beets and picked tomatoes. The seminary building at Skyline was his. I spent HS graduation night at a party in the OLympus seminary blding he approved. He organized the Laurelife conf. I attended at BYU in @1969 where I heard Pres Lee share his testimony and heard the presiding bishopric bless the sacrament which was then passed to 3000 girls. Because of him, my brothers got deferments from the draft to Vietnam and instead served missions. I used the uniform missionary lessons he wrote when I was a stake missionary. He worked with Jesse Stay to put the endowment on film. It goes on and on. Thanks, President Hinckley, for a great life!
June 26, 2009
Wow, this book was like a comprehensive Church history of the last 100 years. (President Hinckley was born in 1910 and been involved in Church administration since he was in his twenties.) I'm amazed at the stamina and energy he had throughout his whole life. The biggest take away lesson for me was that of Work, Work, Work. Really, this man was unbelievable. My testimony of living prophets has definitely been increased as I have read about the amazing and miraculous things President Hinckley has done in his life.
July 15, 2008
I got this book on CD as a gift and took it with me in the car when I had to go to visit an inmate at the Prison. President Hinckley's life is fascinating; he really was in the right place at the right time and has had a hand in every facet of how the church has come out of obscurity. The only thing that is distracting about the presentation is that Sherri Dew's writing style is really heavy and plodding.
October 6, 2017
There are so many things I loved about this book! First, it was hilarious how reluctant he was to cooperate with his biographer and to have any sort of fuss or acclaim. Second, he's so wonderfully humble; he never gives himself the credit for his accomplishments. The message is always the same: the Lord somehow made me able. Third, I'm adopting his life mantra: wear yourself out in the service of the Lord. Wonderful book, wonderful biographer, and I'm crying happy tears as I write this. :)
October 16, 2016
An amazing look at one of the Lord's holy prophets. The level of President Hinckley's dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ and his sacrifices to bring the gospel to the world are staggering. I'm so thankful to have been a LDS person when he was President of the Church. I well remember when he came to my stake conference in NYC and announced the Manhattan Temple. Wow.
July 21, 2008
President Hinckley lived an exceptional life with many faith promoting experiences. It did seem too lengthy in spots and sometimes after reading it I would tell my husband "I feel tired and lonely" (insider's joke ~read it!)
February 15, 2009
Wonderful biography. I love the man and his counsel. He has helped me over the rough spots in life. I also came away with a deep awe of Sheri Dew's literary prowess. She edited/wrote the book but retained his voice.
July 31, 2017
LOVE this man. He's one of the most influential of my life. Very inspiring book, though pretty long and essay-like. However, I highly recommend reading about this amazing prophet and his life. I'm striving to be a better person because of it.
Currently reading
March 26, 2008It's a long book--I'm about half way--an amazing man!
October 24, 2008
He was such an amazing man!! What a gift that we have this insight into what made him who he was and is!
February 4, 2011
I gained such a great respect for Pres. Hinckley by reading this book. It helped remind me that God molds these men from thier youth so that they are prepared to take on the call of Prophet.
September 11, 2012
Great book with fascinating insights into the life of a wonderful Prophet of God.
October 6, 2024
Gordon B. Hinckley was the name signed at the bottom of my call to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the first prophet of my lifetime I have distinct and vivid memories of and I was so sad when he died. I'm so glad I had the chance to read his biography now, more than 16 years after his death and nearly 30 years after it was originally published.
Reading about Pres. Hinckley's life was a trip down my personal memory lane as well as a look at the modern history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in 1910, having served a mission in the early 1930s, so much about the Church today happened during his life. Asked to work professionally for the church upon returning from his mission, Pres. Hinckley gave his entire adult life to building and evolving how the Church fulfills its mission. Given this life, it was joy to see how the Hinckelys made the most of their life together and how they maintained their humility, sense of humor, and perspective. I just loved it.
Having just finished Insights from a Prophet’s Life: Russell M. Nelson, I feel like I was better prepared to see how Pres. Hinckley was uniquely prepared to lead the church during the time he serves as the prophet of the Church. These two books together made me appreciate how the Lord prepares each of us in a unique way to fulfill our individual potential.
Two additional notes...
1. If I didn't know that the book was written by the same author (Ms. Sheri Dew), I would never have guess it having read both so close together. Kudos to her for the way she adapted both the construct and her style to these distinct and distinguished men.
2. I read this as part of the 2024 52 Book Club Challenge, prompt 44, "includes a wedding" not because it was about a wedding, but because I knew there was one in there. If you want wedding details, read something else. If you want to see a life well lived, read this book.
Reading about Pres. Hinckley's life was a trip down my personal memory lane as well as a look at the modern history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in 1910, having served a mission in the early 1930s, so much about the Church today happened during his life. Asked to work professionally for the church upon returning from his mission, Pres. Hinckley gave his entire adult life to building and evolving how the Church fulfills its mission. Given this life, it was joy to see how the Hinckelys made the most of their life together and how they maintained their humility, sense of humor, and perspective. I just loved it.
Having just finished Insights from a Prophet’s Life: Russell M. Nelson, I feel like I was better prepared to see how Pres. Hinckley was uniquely prepared to lead the church during the time he serves as the prophet of the Church. These two books together made me appreciate how the Lord prepares each of us in a unique way to fulfill our individual potential.
Two additional notes...
1. If I didn't know that the book was written by the same author (Ms. Sheri Dew), I would never have guess it having read both so close together. Kudos to her for the way she adapted both the construct and her style to these distinct and distinguished men.
2. I read this as part of the 2024 52 Book Club Challenge, prompt 44, "includes a wedding" not because it was about a wedding, but because I knew there was one in there. If you want wedding details, read something else. If you want to see a life well lived, read this book.
May 9, 2023
Enjoyed the book, great man. I loved hearing his voice in my mind and the cadence of the prophet of my formative years. Always enjoy the story of common persons doing amazing things and having great experiences. Seeing the history the church, the US, and his life was enjoyable. The book is a bit long and fairly repetitive. He did do everything and visited everywhere and didn’t really slow down so there is a massive life to summarize…difficult job for the author. Would have appreciated more focus on the major moments and their connection to the kingdom/world vs the endless recitation of what he did as a “Globetrotter for God”. Lastly, I miss him.
May 2, 2021
President Hinckley holds a special place in my heart. As the Prophet of my childhood and youth, I love this man. I loved reading the stories of his youth and seeing how he was prepared by the hand of God to hold the office of President of the Church. It was amazing to see throughout his life how humble and unassuming he was. How relatable and hardworking. I also loved seeing how despite his challenges, he overcame. He did things he hated (travel) in order to accomplish the work of the Lord again and again and again. With great enthusiasm and love.
March 12, 2019
It was really interesting to see how his experiences prepared him for further Church service, but realizing he was completely humble the whole way and willing to work hard - devote himself to the Lord. It impressed me how the Church was changing a lot then, which should give us less surprise to see continual changes in the Church today. He is a great example of faith and fortitude, from drawing on the experiences of the faith to provide optimism for the future. Overall, a great read.
January 31, 2024
Incredible biography. Beyond impressive man, and beautiful, engaging, well organized writing. This man was the prophet of my youth and young adulthood. He will always have a special place in my heart. Until I read this book, I had no idea just how faithful, indefatigable, gregarious, and capable this man was. Truly a role model for all people, he preached about families, hope, and goodness.
May 11, 2025
Nearly 600 pages and 5 months later and I’m filled with an even deeper admiration for President Hinckley. What a Christ like man. Was so wonderful to learn of the BTS of all he did to give his life in service to God.
November 14, 2019
I loved this book! Sheri is an awesome author her writing style kept me constantly wanting to read more! I love President Hinckley what an inspiring man ❤️
February 3, 2021
I forgot how much I liked him until I went through this again. President Hinckley was quite relatable.
October 12, 2025
BOOK REVIEW - Go Forward with Faith, The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley, by Sheri L. Dew (1998)
I was called as stake president the Palmyra, NY Stake year this biography was published and started reading it shortly thereafter. About a year later I received a call from Pres. Hinckley about his desire to build a temple in Palmyra. I was fortunate throughout that experience to have a lot of interaction with him. For a variety of reasons, he wanted to keep this under wraps. Consequently, very few of the Brethren knew about his interest and efforts.
I have been an avid reader of biographies for many years. This biography is more devotional in nature than academic. Nonetheless, it provides one of the most comprehensive and compelling portraits ever written of a modern Latter-day Saint prophet. The book chronicles the remarkable life of Gordon B. Hinckley—his humble beginnings, his decades of behind-the-scenes service, and his transformative leadership of Church. What emerges is both a spiritual biography and an intimate chronicle of dedication, vision, and quiet strength.
Few leaders in Church history came to the presidency with a broader, more intimate understanding of its global operations than President Hinckley. His service spanned more than six decades—beginning in the Church’s public relations department in the 1930s and continuing through every level of administration. This lifelong engagement gave Hinckley a panoramic grasp of the Church’s needs, from missionary work and media relations to temple building and international expansion. His unique exposure to nearly every function of the Church prepared him to meet the demands of a rapidly growing worldwide faith.
The biography captures not only Hinckley’s steady hand during difficult times—when he carried extraordinary administrative burdens—but also his optimism, humor, and faith. Dew details his pivotal role in periods of transition, including times when he acted as a de facto leader during illness or death among the First Presidency. His calm resolve and capacity for hard work preserved continuity in leadership and inspired confidence among members. As Dew shows, Hinckley’s leadership combined deep conviction with pragmatism—he was at once visionary and deeply practical.
Dew portrays President Hinckley as the architect of the modern, outward-facing Church. Under his direction, new temples were built at an unprecedented pace, the Church’s media outreach expanded globally, and the message of the restored gospel reached corners of the world never before touched. His travels to dozens of nations, his media interviews, and his engagement with public life reflected his conviction that faith must be lived openly and shared with confidence. Dew highlights his accessibility and warmth, which endeared him to millions and helped reshape perceptions of the Church in the late twentieth century.
The biography captures not only his public leadership but also his private devotion—as a husband, a father, and a man of prayer and humor. It is ultimately a story of faith in action—one that reveals the human heart behind prophetic authority.
On a personal note, from my experience, he seemed to know when people told him what they thought he wanted to hear. I was retained to handle the legal issues associated with the temple. On more than one occasion I need to circumvent lower management because I could tell that Pres. Hinckley was not getting the unvarnished truth. He appreciated it and told me never to worry about the “line of communication on this project.” As he said, “There is only one Palmyra, and me must get this right.”
On one occasion my wife and I were driving his daughters to the airport after the dedication of the restored Grandin Building and Smith Log Cabin. My wife asked about an incident in the book where Pres. Hinckley began a major remodel job (of course he did all the work) within days of his daughter’s wedding reception to be held at the home. They both laughed and confirmed the story saying nobody ever got in his way once his mind was made up.
Quotes:
“He had seen the Church from the inside out, from the basement of the Church Office Building to the top floor of the Salt Lake Temple. He knew its strengths, its vulnerabilities, and above all, its divine destiny.”
“When the weight of leadership rested upon his shoulders, Gordon B. Hinckley did not shrink. With his characteristic optimism, he lifted others by reminding them that faith is not merely a belief—it is a call to move forward, to build, to serve, and to go forward with faith.”
I was called as stake president the Palmyra, NY Stake year this biography was published and started reading it shortly thereafter. About a year later I received a call from Pres. Hinckley about his desire to build a temple in Palmyra. I was fortunate throughout that experience to have a lot of interaction with him. For a variety of reasons, he wanted to keep this under wraps. Consequently, very few of the Brethren knew about his interest and efforts.
I have been an avid reader of biographies for many years. This biography is more devotional in nature than academic. Nonetheless, it provides one of the most comprehensive and compelling portraits ever written of a modern Latter-day Saint prophet. The book chronicles the remarkable life of Gordon B. Hinckley—his humble beginnings, his decades of behind-the-scenes service, and his transformative leadership of Church. What emerges is both a spiritual biography and an intimate chronicle of dedication, vision, and quiet strength.
Few leaders in Church history came to the presidency with a broader, more intimate understanding of its global operations than President Hinckley. His service spanned more than six decades—beginning in the Church’s public relations department in the 1930s and continuing through every level of administration. This lifelong engagement gave Hinckley a panoramic grasp of the Church’s needs, from missionary work and media relations to temple building and international expansion. His unique exposure to nearly every function of the Church prepared him to meet the demands of a rapidly growing worldwide faith.
The biography captures not only Hinckley’s steady hand during difficult times—when he carried extraordinary administrative burdens—but also his optimism, humor, and faith. Dew details his pivotal role in periods of transition, including times when he acted as a de facto leader during illness or death among the First Presidency. His calm resolve and capacity for hard work preserved continuity in leadership and inspired confidence among members. As Dew shows, Hinckley’s leadership combined deep conviction with pragmatism—he was at once visionary and deeply practical.
Dew portrays President Hinckley as the architect of the modern, outward-facing Church. Under his direction, new temples were built at an unprecedented pace, the Church’s media outreach expanded globally, and the message of the restored gospel reached corners of the world never before touched. His travels to dozens of nations, his media interviews, and his engagement with public life reflected his conviction that faith must be lived openly and shared with confidence. Dew highlights his accessibility and warmth, which endeared him to millions and helped reshape perceptions of the Church in the late twentieth century.
The biography captures not only his public leadership but also his private devotion—as a husband, a father, and a man of prayer and humor. It is ultimately a story of faith in action—one that reveals the human heart behind prophetic authority.
On a personal note, from my experience, he seemed to know when people told him what they thought he wanted to hear. I was retained to handle the legal issues associated with the temple. On more than one occasion I need to circumvent lower management because I could tell that Pres. Hinckley was not getting the unvarnished truth. He appreciated it and told me never to worry about the “line of communication on this project.” As he said, “There is only one Palmyra, and me must get this right.”
On one occasion my wife and I were driving his daughters to the airport after the dedication of the restored Grandin Building and Smith Log Cabin. My wife asked about an incident in the book where Pres. Hinckley began a major remodel job (of course he did all the work) within days of his daughter’s wedding reception to be held at the home. They both laughed and confirmed the story saying nobody ever got in his way once his mind was made up.
Quotes:
“He had seen the Church from the inside out, from the basement of the Church Office Building to the top floor of the Salt Lake Temple. He knew its strengths, its vulnerabilities, and above all, its divine destiny.”
“When the weight of leadership rested upon his shoulders, Gordon B. Hinckley did not shrink. With his characteristic optimism, he lifted others by reminding them that faith is not merely a belief—it is a call to move forward, to build, to serve, and to go forward with faith.”
January 16, 2023
This was a DNF for me. There was simply too much detail, and it overwhelmed me. I think Sheri Dew had an impossible assignment–to write the biography of President Gordon B. Hinckley while he was still alive. How could she leave out anything, knowing he would read it?
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