Broken Things to Mend

by Jeffrey R. Holland

Most of us feel broken at some time or another. We face personal trials and family struggles. We get discouraged and downhearted. Many are enduring conflicts fought in the lonely foxholes of the heart, feeling their lives may be broken beyond repair. In this extraordinary book, Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands characteristic good cheer and brilliant insights offer the surest and sweetest remedy of all. He invites all readers, not just the poor in spirit, to come unto Christ and receive the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of His touch. This collection of some of Elder Hollands most memorable recent talks inspires us to maintain hope and to rivet our attention on the one Person who has the power to heal us. Broken Things to Mend provides a stirring reminder that, if we come unto the Savior, He will make us whole.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Church, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality, Inspirational

230 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 23 June 1994. At the time of this call, Elder Holland was serving as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, to which he had been called on 1 April 1989. A native of St. George, Utah, he has spent most of his professional life in Church education. He received his bachelor and master degrees from Brigham Young University and a master degree and Ph.D. from Yale University.
From 1980 until his call as a General Authority in 1989, Elder Holland served as president of Brigham Young University. He is a former Church commissioner of education and dean of the College of Religious Education at BYU.
Elder Holland is the author of several books, one of which he co-authored with his wife, Patricia. They were married in 1963 and are the parents of three children and the grandparents of 12 grandchildren.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is made up of talks given by Elder Holland, some in Conference and some not.

"Broken Things to Mend" April 2006
"A Prayer for the Children" April 2003
**"Because She is a Mother" April 1997
"The Hands of the Father" April 1999
"To Young Women" October 2005
"Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly" fireside, 2006
"A Teacher Come From God" April 1998
"The Tongue of Angels" April 2007
"Witnesses Unto Me" April 2001
"Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast" fireside, 2004
"When the Call Comes" Stake Conference, 2007
"Continuing in Prayer" National Day of Prayer, 2007
"Like a Watered Garden" October 2001
"Let There Be Light" (this one quotes Harry Potter!!) dinner, 2006
"All Things are Possible To Him That Believeth" University address, 2005
"The Restoration" Mission President address, 2005
"Prophets, Seers, and Revelators" October 2004
"Prophets in the Land Again" October 2006
"Our Most Distinguishing Feature" April 2005
"My Nerves Never Cease" April 2008
"Abide in Me" April 2004
"The Atonement of Jesus Christ" Ensign, March 2008
"The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" October 2007
"The Grandeur of God" October 2003

221 pages; 2009 total: 8107

[Gable Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the content of this book. However, I feel that the title is slightly misleading. I read the title and I assumed that this book was written by Elder Holland about healing our lives through the atonement of Christ. This book is actually just a collection of Elder Holland's talks. Of course his talks are amazing so it was good to be able to read them. However, the subject of the talks were on every aspect of the Gospel and not specifically about "Broken Things to Mend." True it can be argued that any Gospel Principle will help you come closer to Christ and, thus, become increasingly more "mended." However, I guess I just was a bit surprised that the book was not at all what I expected. Other than that, the talks were great! I couldn't really handle more than one a day... It was kind of like drinking from a fire hose. But it was a good read.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I pretty much wanted to underline the whole thing.

[Chris Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

24 mini-sermons by Jeffrey R. Holland—what more could you want from a book? I recently finished studying all of Elder Holland’s BYU speeches and found this book while looking for more of his stuff. So powerful and faith-promoting. None of the content is really novel, it’s all drawn from other speeches and talks he has given. Still worth the read. I want to read a book by him that goes deeper into a single topic next—any recommendations?

Highlights
- “My desire is for all of us—not just those who are ‘poor in spirit’ but all of us—to have more straightforward personal experience with the Savior's example. Sometimes we seek heaven too obliquely, focusing on programs or history or the experience of others. Those are important, but not as important as personal experience, true discipleship, and the strength that comes from experiencing firsthand the majesty of His touch.”
- “If in matters of faith and belief children are at risk of being swept downstream by this intellectual current or that cultural rapid, we as their parents must be more certain than ever to hold to anchored, unmistakeable moorings clearly recognizable to those of our own household. … What do our children know? From us? Personally? Do our children know that we love the scriptures? Do they see us reading them and marking them and clinging to them in daily life? Have our children ever unexpectedly opened a closed door and found us on our knees in prayer? … Do they know that we have fasted for them and their future on days about which they knew nothing?”
- (Quoting a young mother) “Maybe [God] secretly hopes we will be anxious and will plead for His help. Then, I believe, He can teach these children directly, through us, but with no resistance offered.”
- “Jesus’ entire being, His complete purpose and delight, were centered in pleasing His Father and obeying His will. Of Him He always seemed to be thinking; to Him He seemed always to be praying. Unlike us, He needed no crisis, no discouraging shift in events to direct His hopes heavenward. He was already instinctively, longingly looking that way.”
- “In that most burdensome moment of all human history…Christ sought Him whom He had always sought—His Father. … This is such a personal moment that it almost seems a sacrilege to cite it. A Son in unrelieved pain, a Father His only true source of strength, both of them staying the course, making it through the night—together. Fathers, may we be renewed in our task as parents, bolstered by images of this Father and this Son as we embrace our children and stand with them forever.”
- “No eternal learning can take place without that quickening of the Spirit from heaven. So, as parents, teachers, and leaders, we must face our tasks the way Moses faced the promised land. Knowing he could not succeed any other way, Moses said to Jehovah, ‘If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence’ (Exodus 33:15). That is what our members really want when they gather in a meeting or come into a classroom anyway. … They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, the best we possibly can. We can only do that if we ourselves are striving to know God, if we ourselves are continually seeking the light of His Only Begotten Son. Then, if our hearts are right, if we are as clean as we can be, if we have prayed and wept and prepared and worried until we don’t know what more we can do, God can say to us as he did to Alma and the sons of Mosiah: ‘Lift up thy head and rejoice. … I will give unto you success.’”
- “God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe.”
- “My first appeal is to each of you individually to nurture your own physical and spiritual strength so that you have a deep reservoir of faith to call upon when tasks or challenges or demands of one kind or another come. Pray and study, fast appropriately, search your soul and search the heavens for the testimony that led our pioneer parents. Then, when you need to reach down inside a little deeper and a little farther to face life and do your work, you will be sure there is something down there deeper and farther to call upon.”
- “What we are shines more brightly than anything we say or do. If we are to fill the world with light, we must first face any tattered remnant of darkness that remains in our own souls.”
- “As we fill the earth with art (and media) that is good and uplifting—as we fill the earth with light and knowledge—our children will see the darkness for what it is. They will see that it is counterfeit, that it brings only sorrow, pain, and emptiness. They will come to prefer light and be attracted to that which is good and true.”
- “Your love for Jesus Christ and your discipleship in His cause must be the consuming preoccupation and passion of your mortality. You must strive every day to know the Savior in the most personal way that you can—to study His life, to learn His teachings, to follow His doctrine, to reverence His priesthood.”
- “This Church is the Lord’s vehicle for crucial doctrines, ordinances, covenants, and keys that are essential to exaltation, and one cannot be fully faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ without striving to be faithful in the Church, which is its earthly institutional manifestation.”

plaintive, catty, roadbed, opprobrium, mien, immanent

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This newest book from Elder Holland is an instant classic. Following the same format as Trusting Jesus and However Long and Hard the Road, this is a wonderful collection of faith-promoting discourses that is meant for everyone.

Most LDS readers will recognize a great majority of the chosen talks republished in this book - but has been edited to read very quickly and powerfully. Its a 220 page book - but I was able to read it in just hours.

A few chapters in particular really stood out - one about being a father (which touched me too personally to discuss here) and another entitled "A Prayer for the Children." Having seen it happen way too often and recognizing my own need for repentance this quote really stood out to me:

"To lead a child (or anyone else!), even inadvertently, away from faithfulness, away from loyalty and bedrock belief simply because we want to be clever or independent is license no parent nor any other person has ever been given. In matters of religion a skeptical mind is not a higher manifestation of virtue than is a believing heart. Analytical deconstruction in the field of, say, literary fiction can be just plain old-fashioned destruction when transferred to families yearning for faith at home."

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the last four chapters of this wonderful book after allowing it to get pushed to the back of my ever-growing stack for way too long. This compilation of Elder Holland's talks and articles resonates with me since I too often feel broken. In addition to his insight of and reminders about the Savior's ability to mend us, I was strengthened by his strong personal testimony of Jesus Christ.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jeffrey R. Holland. His talks and writings really strike a chord with me. This book is his most recent compilation of sermons given throughout the past decade. My favorites in the collection were "Broken Things to Mend" and "All Things Are Possible to Those Who Believe."

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolutely wonderful collection of essays/talks from the author. I've been reading them one-by-one over time and savoring the messages shared.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes what I need is a book I can skip around in. This book allows that. Good spiritual nourishment for various needs.

[Melynne (mels_booknook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was just excerpts from Elder Hollands different talks or other addresses over the years.

[Tani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt just like a collection of Elder Holland’s talks - and not all about the topic of “broken things to mend.” While nice, it wasn’t really what I was hoping for.

[Umar Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to preface this by saying that I’m not a member of the LDS church, but I do admire the church, its history, and its people. I read this work because I had a friend, a church member, who admired Dr. Holland’s sermons, lectures, and speeches; their love for him prompted me to purchase this and read it. And I’m glad I did.

This book is structured as a compilation of speeches, talks, and sermons given by Dr. Holland, along with several original reflections. It’s organized thematically; each section encompasses a broader spiritual topic, containing chapters that explore more niche subtopics. For example, the section on family includes dedicated chapters on the roles of mothers and fathers, and the section on true prophets and true principles includes chapters dedicated to continued revelation and the Restoration. In my honest opinion, every part of it is worth reading.

The title of this book might lead you to expect a spiritual self-help guide for those struggling in their faith. While this work addresses that audience among many, it isn’t designed to cover that exact struggle in depth. Because of its broad scope, the treatment of each topic it covers is concise, so if you’re looking for a book that focuses exclusively on spiritual healing during times of difficulty, other books by Dr. Holland and Church leaders may speak more directly to that need. This book, however, functions more as a comprehensive spiritual encyclopedia.

Dr. Holland covers a wide range of subjects: from controversial issues like addiction, to reinforcing the family unity; from the challenges faced by youths to the importance of tithing and missionary work; from the relevance of the current dispensation and the Restoration, to remembering Joseph Smith (from the First Vision to the Kirtland vision and beyond). He also explores forgiveness, both of others and ourselves; how to minister and teach effectively; theology; the defense of LDS doctrines; the trials of faith; the love of Christ; and the heart of the Father, among many other topics.

In complement to the content, it’s also easy to see that Dr. Holland possesses a warm, friendly candor; he’s sincere, and his down-to-earth personality speaks through his words. There are times when some sermons and speeches may feel condescending or distant, like you’re being talked down to, but there was nothing like that within this book. This was a guide guiding and doing so with care.

It's also clear that this book was crafted with an LDS audience in mind, but it was easy to look up information regarding what I didn’t know, and all of it felt accessible. When I finished, I actually felt more aware of Church doctrine.

To give you a better sense of what to expect, I’ll use the rest of this review to highlight some of the introductory material in the book.

In the initial section on family, Dr. Holland reflects on the spiritual significance of parenting. Although I’m not a parent myself, I found this chapter noteworthy. Dr. Holland emphasizes that parenting isn’t just about bringing your children to services; it’s about how we live, embody, and teach our faith in the present moment. If we trivialize our faith, whether through apathy or skepticism, this will be reflected in the outlook of our children.

As Dr. Holland states, “No child in this Church should be left with uncertainty about his or her parents’ devotion.” That uncertainty can build a void in our children, and it’s entirely human to seek ways to fill these voids. As Dr. Holland reminds us, children, being naturally inquisitive, will instinctively jump to whatever is most popular in the “intellectual currents and current climate” around them. If they can’t find a coherent identity grounded in religion and the accompanying validation that comes with it, they may search for that validation elsewhere in repackaged forms, such as immersing themselves in self-help ideologies and niche subcultures, or pursuing other religions or even atheism. At worst, in their search for meaning and identity, they may be drawn to harmful, reductive belief systems, such as the toxic ideologies associated with the modern manosphere culture or the oversimplified, polarizing narratives found at the extremes of both the far right and far left. The key point is that these are attempts to find purpose and belonging, and while some of these paths can provide a temporary sense of meaning, there is no alternative for the meaning, identity, and moral anchoring that religion can provide.

So, faith isn’t something we should wear like a coat, only throwing it on when we walk through the doors of a church. It should be something constant; something permanent woven into our identity. If we treat faith like an accessory, our children will too. And if we respond to every challenge we face with logic alone, they’ll come to see turning to faith in moments of crisis as out of place. Dr. Holland expresses it best when he warns against becoming people whose “whole-souled devotion always seems to hang back a little, who at the Church’s doctrinal campsite always like to pitch their tents out on the periphery of religious faith.” To extend that analogy: remember that those who camp on the periphery are the most likely to wander away. And if the center of any campsite is where the greatest sense of identity and purpose is felt, then our children, longing for this, may go searching for a different campsite altogether, one where they could draw nearer to that center. So, don’t camp on the edge; camp in the center, on full display.

Dr. Holland reminds us that if you’re a parent, ask yourself what your children truly know about your faith. Have you prominently displayed it? Have they ever opened a door and accidentally found you praying? Have they ever seen you fast? Do they know what you pray for, or that you pray for them? Have they witnessed you supporting or donating to your church or place of worship? Have they seen your faith revealed through your character? Have they ever asked why you act with sincerity or kindness? Have they ever caught a glimpse of you, at a random moment, reflecting on scripture?

Personally, it's also worth noting that the way we communicate our faith to our children should not only be informative, but also compelling; something that draws them in by speaking to both their hearts and minds. Too often, parents dictate, without explanation, what their children should believe or what rituals they ought to observe. This approach works when they’re young, but as they grow older, so does their capacity for skepticism. And at that point, they no longer need commands; they need reasons. They need to be reminded why they believe what they believe, and why those practices matter. For example, Dr. Holland defends the LDS concept of the trinity in a later chapter; read that chapter. The way he articulates this doctrine using both faith and reason is precisely the way these truths should be shared with your children. Don’t just tell them “Believe it”; give them a reason to believe. And remember this: belief only deepens when it’s conveyed with affection, reason, and understanding.

To help children develop a coherent, faith-centered worldview, we can also strive to articulate our faith as a meaningful and reasoned response to life’s challenges. Think of it this way: in introductory biology, we learn about enzymology; how each ligand must have the proper fit and orientation to bind to its respective enzyme. Similarly, our children need to see how faith “fits” the complexities and challenges of life. For example, a friend once told me that their joy stems from the belief that they’ll be reunited with their family eternally in heaven. For a child who fears losing those close to them, this kind of reassurance is a blessing and a beautiful gift. Remind them of that. When I was younger, I served as a peer mentor for a church in Michigan, where I met someone who would constantly struggle with guilt over the mistakes they’d made. What brought them peace wasn’t misdirecting their attention elsewhere or denying what they felt. What helped them was the idea that repentance is possible; that God offers both forgiveness and renewal. For a teenager burdened by failure and shame, and consumed by memories of their worst moments, knowing there is a way out means everything. Another example could be helping your child navigate the anxiety and tension they feel about the future, whether it's a test grade or a college acceptance letter. Remind them that God is there to provide direction. We may not always know His plan, but we can trust that it was crafted to guide us in the ways we need most. Or, if a child is struggling with self-worth, remind them that God knows them intimately: their flaws, their fears, their hopes, their identity. Their worth, to him, was not something to be earned, but was always inherent; it was made apparent the moment they came into this world and will always remain so.

In another early chapter, Dr. Holland covers a theme I found particularly meaningful: gentle speech. He starts by quoting a passage from James: “out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:10). He then reflects on it: “the voice that bears profound testimony, utters fervent prayer, and sings the hymns of Zion can be the same voice that berates and criticizes, embarrasses and demeans, inflicts pain, and destroys the spirit—both of oneself and of others.”

This notion, that we often bless and curse with the same tongue, is something Dr. Holland applies across many kinds of relationships. One notable example he covers is the relationship between spouses. If you’re married, it’s good to remember: your wife has voluntarily entrusted herself to you; something she was never obligated to do. In other words, she chose you. More than that, God has entrusted one of his daughters into your care, to be your lifelong companion. It should go without saying that she deserves to be honored and cherished. Treating her with love and care lies at the heart of a happy marriage, and as Dr. Holland affirms, “Happy marriages are the rule. They are not the exception.”

Dr. Holland urges us to center our thoughts on the emotions we felt during the most cherished and memorable moments we shared with our spouses. Those feelings, thoughts, and memories should remain omnipresent and guide how we speak to and treat our partners. Keeping gentle speech in mind, the takeaway is clear: there should never be a place in marriage for any kind of derogatory language. Not only is behavior like this harmful to the foundation of your marriage, but, more importantly, as Holland warns, it risks breaking both the heart and spirit of your wife. And in every situation, regret follows immediately after. So don’t give yourself a reason to regret; instead, remember the reasons to cherish. And if a difficult situation presents itself, don’t demean one another; instead, reframe the difficulty as both of you working together to overcome it, not against each other.

Again, I'm not a Saint, but what Holland said on this matter moved me, and I believe it can resonate with people of all faiths. He urged us to remember the blessings we once gave to one another. Remember the sacred moment when you placed your hand on her and she placed her hand on you. Remember praying for her. Remember that she is your partner, not just in the here and now, but through eternity. And if you have children together, remember that she is the mother of your children, their safe haven, their strength, and their light. Remember that she chose to walk beside you through every joy and every storm, just as you did. She gave you hope when you felt hopeless, and she showed you goodness when the world felt cold. So choose her, again and again, in the ordinary and the chaos. And don’t let a passing moment of anger give rise to harsh words that could leave deep wounds that may last for years, especially when those words are directed at someone who would give everything for you. As the sage Elder Donald L. Hallstrom once said, “From our first date to marriage, we [cherished] the gospel…we had no desire to prove who’s right, only a desire to prove what’s right.”

Another theme that Holland subtly returns to throughout this section is the idea that one of humanity’s primary purposes is to give rise to itself; that becoming mothers and fathers is among our most fundamental responsibilities. I understand this sentiment, but at the same time, I believe it’s essential to remember that marriage is, first and foremost, a sacred and spiritual bond.

One of the first and most significant decrees in Genesis is not “I will make man a companion so that he might produce offspring,” but rather, “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him’” (Genesis 2:18). The calling of husband and wife to union isn’t solely to bear physical fruit in children, but to bear spiritual fruit, in worship, love, and good works. Remember the words of Paul in Ephesians: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it... So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself” (Ephesians 5:25, 28–29).

Yes, children are a blessing worth pursuing, and Dr. Holland is right to affirm that. But, for reminder’s sake, let me reiterate that it’s one duty among many, and one of the most central, if not the most essential, functions of marriage is love, companionship, and the mutual strengthening of one another in drawing closer to God. I say this because I’ve seen what happens when the purpose of marriage is reduced to procreation; it trivializes the agency, role, and identity of women, and it robs the union of both the sustaining power of love it was meant to embody and the true worth of your partner. This type of role reductionism can also inadvertently signal to those who cannot have children that they have no divine purpose. That’s simply not true; every soul has a purpose. A woman isn’t confined to a single role; she’s composed of many, each a facet of who she is. And we must remember: her worth isn’t measured by reproductive capacity; her worth is inherent as a child of God, and how she chooses to honor that identity is through her character and faith. Remember Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth; remember that Scripture honors them for their character and faith above all else. (Hebrews 11:11; 1 Samuel 1:10–28; Luke 1:6). In other words, motherhood is not a necessity for worth; your wife’s worth speaks for itself. Remember that.

Dr. Holland also covers gentle speech regarding parenting. We need to understand that, even unconsciously, our words can leave a lasting impression on children. Even something as seemingly inconspicuous as offering compliments at the same time can have unintended consequences. Dr. Holland illustrates this: if you tell one child they’re smart and another that they’re pretty, both will become preoccupied with why they didn’t receive the other’s compliment. This will linger with both and become a point of fixation and tension. Even slight jests, like calling a child “weak” or “fat”, can have lasting wounds on their self-esteem. Our speech should always be constructive and compassionate.

Anecdotally, whenever I’m out with my oldest nephew and he’s facing something that requires courage, whether it’s going down the tallest slide at the park, introducing himself to a new group of friends, or holding onto the monkey bars, I never tell him to stop being afraid or to just “get over it.” Instead, I try to motivate him to conquer his fears, even if that means accompanying him or providing support through the process as needed. It’s only when he inevitably knows that my support will always be there, regardless of the outcome, that he finds the courage to act (to be fair, the promise of ice cream might help too).

Dr. Holland also offers practical remedies. For instance, if you want to compliment your children, do it individually and in isolation. Highlight their unique strengths, and when you notice a weakness, don’t spotlight it. Instead, reinforce the behavior you want to encourage. If sharing is an issue, don’t simply scold them; instead, model the correct behavior. Let them see you sharing your “toys.” Even if it’s staged or artificial, a demonstration like this can make a lasting impression when done consistently and with compassion.

Lastly, there was a chapter directed towards church members, but its message still resonated with me. Dr. Holland recounts the story of an early Saint who, during the foundational days of the church, was preaching overseas in Scotland. Initially, he faced stiff resistance when sharing LDS scripture and doctrine, so he chose to focus his time solely on preaching the Bible. However, he did so only for a short time because in his heart, he felt like he was betraying both himself and the integrity of God’s message.

Again, I'm not a Saint, but that story resonated with me. Dr. Holland explains that to be part of this Church is to embrace it thoroughly; not to hide aspects of one’s faith or identity, but carry it sincerely, both inwardly in heart and outwardly on display. As a Muslim who grew up in the post-9/11 era, I know what it’s like to feel the pressure to hold back expressions of faith. Looking back, I wish I’d had the courage to take pride in who I was; to find the strength to reach the same realization that Saint did.

And take it from an outsider: one of the aspects of the Church that I find most compelling is something Dr. Holland also highlights as one of its greatest blessings: the doctrine of continuing revelation. In light of this, faith isn’t something to conceal, but it’s something to be proud of and celebrate. The same could be said for the full spectrum of beliefs that the church carries. For most believers in other traditions, it would be an unimaginable dream to know that God continues to speak into the present day; that living among apostles and prophets isn’t some bygone relic of the past, but a reality of both the present and future. I would take immense pride in that.

At one point, Dr. Holland also addresses critiques of the Church as outside the fold of Christianity. He defends the church’s doctrines directly through scripture, and his arguments are thoughtful and compelling. But, in my view, the Church doesn’t need to rely solely on scriptural defense. Its adherents have already provided one of the most powerful testimonies of Christ: their character and faith. And that, I will continue to attest to for the rest of my life.

[Michael Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually have this book and on my 2nd go. Is a real blessing..

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Very uplifting and inspiring.
Some favorite quotes:
"no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse."

"Satan is certainly not subtle in his teachings; Why should we be?..."let us never make our faith difficult to detect."

"In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground we have already won even if that ground is limited and under attack. In the course of life, problems are going to come, questions are going to arise, some spiritual equivalent of this foaming and gnashing loved one is going to face us. ". . . When you are confronted with challenges that are difficult to conquer or have questions arise, the answers to which you do not know, hold fast to the things you do know. Hang on to your firmest foundation, however limited that may be, and from that position of strength face the unknown."

"The first rule of holes is, when you are in one, stop digging." Surely the first rule of fueling faith is not to start by saying how much of it you don't have. You've got more than you think, and if you will assert that first, limited as it is, the miracle of it will lead you on, step by step.."

"To you who think you are lost or without hope, or who think you have done too much that was too wrong for too long, to every one of you who worry that you are stranded somewhere on the wintry plains of life and have wrecked your handcart in the process, we call out "Jehovah's unrelenting refrain, "My hand is stretched out still" (Isaiah 5:25: 9:17,21). "...His mercy endureth forever, and His hand is stretched out still. His is the pure love of Christ, the charity that never faileth, that compassion which endures even when all other strength disappears".

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was typical Elder Holland. I could not read it without hearing his voice. It's basically a collection of talks he has given over the past couple of years, talks most are probably familiar with. But so worth the rereading. He has a way of lifting and giving hope and also telling it like it is.

Some of my favorite passages:

*When you are confronted with challenges that are difficult to conquer or have questions arise, the answers to which you do not know, hold fast to the things you do know. Hang on to your firmest foundation, however limited that may be, and from that position of strength face the unknown.

*There is no place in our homes or our society for acerbic or abrasive expression of any kind, including gossip or backbiting or catty remarks.

*When Christ comes, the members of His church must look and act like members of His Church are supposed to look and act if we are to be acceptable to Him. We must be doing His work and we must be living His teachings. He must recognize us quickly and easily as truly being His disciples.

*We must never, in any age or circumstance, let fear and the father of fear (Satan, himself) divert us from our faith and faithful living. . . . God is in charge. He knows your name and He knows your need.

*Satan is certainly not subtle in his teachings; why should we be? Whether we are instructing our children at home or standing before an audience in church, let us never make our faith difficult to detect.

*Live the gospel as conspicuously as you can. Keep the covenants your children know you have made. Give priesthood blessings. And bear your testimony! Don't just assume your children will somehow get the drift of your beliefs on their own.

[Andrew Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great compilation of 26 discourses from Elder Holland. So many inspiring words and thoughts. Many of these talks come from past general conferences.
In my opinion the subject material, Elder Holland, the gospel, everything is great. I think when rating a gospel book (especially when it relates to your own beliefs or religion) it is easy to say that it deserves an automatic 5 stars. Books in other genres, that in my opinion are probably insignificant to mankind and trivial, might deserve a 5 star rating and one might say, "But how can you rate and give more recognition to a NOVEL than a book that speaks religious truth?". My answer is that they are in a different category of literature and compete and are compared to other like books within their own genre. I think that we ought to be more reflective when rating books, compare and contrast books to their own kind. Compare one brand of apple with another brand of apple...don't compare an apple to a broomstick. This book is awesome, there is nothing NOT to like about it...but it just doesn't fall into a 5 star category within my personal religion section of books (BofM, Jesus the Christ, Our Search for Happiness, Our Heritage, Rough Stone Rolling, etc). This book is 4 star material...It's awesome, it's uplifting and edifying, and I really liked it. Elder Holland is such a great example of true Christianity and it is my belief that anyone who reads this books will grow spiritually and will come closer to knowing truth.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

2016: Elder Holland has become one of my favorite General Conference speakers, and this book lived up to my expectations. The chapters are not overly long and there are some written specifically for all groups of people like youth, women etc., which I liked because they make it easy to share with my children. I look forward to reading more of Elder Holland's books.

2019: I just reread this book, not even realizing I had read it before! I even borrowed it from an LDS Institute library, completely unaware that it sat on the shelf at home! Crazy! This is what I wrote for the review this time before I noticed the previous review:

Elder Holland is one of my favorite speakers and writers. I love the way he words things, and helps us "get" what he is trying to convey. He also has a great sense of humor. This collection of talks and addresses is superb.

One of my favorite memes: "When Satan goes to bed at night he checks under his bed for Jeffrey R. Holland." :)

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. In it, Elder Holland has compiled 24 talks into an inspiring book. Many of the chapters were familiar, in that I'd heard them before. But re-reading was no chore; just a great reminder. Topics this book covers are: pornography, motherhood, the strength of youth, the Godhead, the restoration of the gospel, revelation, prayer, and faith. One reason I love Elder Holland is because of his sensitivity to people with depression and anxiety. I feel that he is able to console and comfort the weary and wounded hearts. He has with mine. A great addition to any gospel library.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It usually takes me months, if not years (hello, how long have I been wading through "Infinite Atonement"?) to finish church books. I picked up Elder Holland's book on Christmas and was captivated from page one. His chapters were a collection of talks reworked to fit into concepts on living a better, more fulfilled life centered around the Gospel. I would recommend this to readers and non-readers alike.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love each and every one of Elder Holland's books--all basically compilations of speeches given at other times, and most of them from LDS General Conference addresses (it's interesting to read the ones that come from other venues, though, since they are completely new to me). There are several that were extra-powerful to me this time around. I read my mom's copy of this book; it made me want to own it and add to the other two I already have. Masterful and powerfully motivating.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully inspiring book. There is literally a talk/story for everyone in here. Never had I felt the spirit so strongly while reading a book (other than the book of mormon). Many times I would find myself in tears because I truly felt as if my own personal struggles and trials in life were being lifted even more for me. This book can help heal you. It will help you realize you are not alone. And it will let you remember that you are a child of God, and you are not forgotten.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love Elder Holland! I loved this book. There were chapters where I just cried, i.e., Ch 21 "Abide in Me" and Ch 22 "The Atonement of Jesus Christ". Elder Holland has such a beautiful way with words, an ability to put into words such profound actions as the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the joy that comes in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Clearly, as a religious book, it gets a g rating. Love it!

[Angee · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not love Elder Holland?! What an inspiring book! It's simply a collection of talks he has given, which is an amazing resource to have. I also liked that I could read a talk quickly, then put the book aside for awhile and come back to the book later not feeling like I was lost in a storyline. Amazing!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter is based on a talk from Elder Holland, many of them given at General Conference. Basically if you love listening to Elder Holland speak, then you would love this book! This is one of those books I need to re-read often, Elder Holland is a gifted and inspired writer and speaker; reading his talks builds my faith and inspires me to do and be better.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great.
Nevertheless, it has a misleading title. "Broken Things to Mend, and Other Talks" (or speeches) would have been a better title.
The talks were great and ranged from personal growth, faith, family, the importance of Prophets and modern revelation, to the Godhead, the Atonement, and LDS basic beliefs.
This is a great read and can be very inspirational in personal study.

[Don Markland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a collection of talks given by Elder Holland. It was a great supplement to daily scripture study. I found reading 1-2 talks a day really brought the Spirit into my daily life. Quotes "Your love for Jesus Christ and your discipleship in His cause must be the consuming preoccupation and passion of your mortality."

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like his conference talks, then you will love this. A personal favorite of mine is "Abide with Me" it is a talk he gave about some experiences in Chile. He even talks about one of my companions who sold her violin to come on her mission.

[Juliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of talks given by Jeffrey R. Holland. I was disappointed that this wasn't an in-depth analysis of healing, forgiving and "mending" as the title implies. I was looking forward to the spiritual analysis of how to move past hurt and pain in life.

[Kellee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This is probably the third non-fiction book I have read all the way through and I loved it. Especially the chapter "Because She is a Mother!" I learned a lot and Elder Holland has such a straight forward down to earth way to say things that I really appreciate.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give more than 5 stars, this would get it! This was an amazing read and I felt as if Heavenly Father was talking directly through me through Elder Hollands words. So amazing!!! I don't think my mom will be getting her copy back!