My Father, David O. McKay

by David Lawrence McKay

David O. McKay was president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1951 to 1970. In a personal reminiscence about this beloved leader, his son David Lawrence McKay combines excerpts from the previously unpublished writings of his father with his own cherished memories of this "great man of strong feelings and deep spirituality."

Genres: Lds

275 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1989

Reviews

[Susan Jane]

The sweetest biography I have read to date. Because this was compiled by President McKays son there is a very personal and intimate feel to the book. Many of the pages are filled with President McKay and his wife’s correspondence through letters as he traveled. While there are many details in this book that are left out, I still found it to be very enjoyable and informative.

[Bentley Mitchell]

This is a beautiful book about David O. McKay’s life, written by his son. It is clearly an admiring look at a great man and church leader. But the real heart and soul of this book is the way it discusses David O. McKay as a husband, father, and grandfather. Interwoven with letters from him, his wife, and others, you get a deep sense of the incredible love David O. McKay had for his family—and especially his wife.

Other books give a great perspective on the history and importance of President McKay’s work as a church leader and prophet (David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism by Greg Prince is among the best). At the end of the day, this gives you a great sense of David O. McKay as a person, above all else. And that perspective is a critically important one for those interested in church history and McKay’s place in it.

[Rex Cluff]

This is an intimate view of the life of Pres. McKay written by his eldest son, David Lawrence McKay. The source material for this book comes from letters and journals written by Pres. McKay, his wife, Emma and the author's own letters, journals and experiences. The main theme of the book is the love between David and Emma for which they were renowned. I enjoyed reading it because I lived through the last 19 years of his life and was well acquainted with his loving reputation. The volume also includes many stories of divine intervention in his life and in the work he was called to do. While seeming to be talking about an ordinary man given great leadership positions and responsibilities, it also shows that he was aided by spiritual means to accomplish all that he did.
I recommend it to any who would like to know what the daily lives of prophets and apostles might look like.

[Christy]

David O. McKay was president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1951 to 1970. In a personal reminiscence about this beloved leader, his son David Lawrence McKay combines excerpts from the previously unpublished writings of his father with his own cherished memories of this "great man of strong feelings and deep spirituality."

[Jared]

I really enjoyed this book. I really knew nothing about this man who was such a romantic person and loved his wife deeply. This book shows a great example of how a man should act towards his wife and children.

[Nancyann]

This biography was written by his son, sharing how he personally remembered his dad. It was a very sweet perspective. The McKay's treasured their family. I especially enjoyed the insights from President and Sister McKay on parenthood and raising children - definitely role models in that area!

[Korance]

I've been interested in David O. McKay as an educator and church leader and while there was some of that the most valuable perspective from this book was David O. McKay as a husband and father. One golden quote "Father never used physical punishment but he had a firm rule: Never repeat a clear command." This and other golden examples have given me some new insights as a parent.

[Debbie]

I enjoyed this. It was really great to see the prophet from the eyes of his son, really see him as father, grandfather, and husband. Loved the letters between him and Emma Ray. Sweet and real life love story. Just great.

[Heidi]

A son's perspective of his father's life. Focuses on letters and journals of David O McKay. Mostly shows the family relationships he loved so much.