The Wind and the Waves and Through Cloud and Sunshine by Dean Hughes

 

These two books by Dean Hughes were great. I started with The Wind and the Waves with some hesitation because I didn’t know the author, and it’s hard for me to get more into historical fiction unless it is truly fantastic. Let’s just say my attitude was changed.

This story follows the life of two couples separated by one and a half centuries and about five generations. Their names are Will and Liz Lewis and Jeff and Abby Lewis. Will and Liz are some of the early converts to the church in the 1840’s. Their story is similar in date and in context to the Steed’s in the Work and the Glory. They go through their own troubles such as getting over social issues, crossing the ocean, and taming a wilderness. Jeff and Abby are in a more modern setting, going through hard financial times, moving from place to place, and an unexplainable feeling of needing to do something but not sure what.

Dean Hughes does a masterful job of weaving the two stories and connecting them in ways that will surprise and excite you. I loved how as we would learn more about Will and Liz, Jeff and Abby would find out those same things as they did their family history. Though they are on different sides of a millenium, they still go through the same basic struggles that everyone can relate to in their own lives and be uplifted by the simple faith of these early and modern saints.

I say you cannot go wrong with these two books. I have no qualms in handing these over to anyone who has any interest. I say go ahead, have fun, and hope that he continues the series soon!

- A fourteen year old

Angels -- Agents of Light, Love, and Power by Donald W. Parry

When I saw this book being offered by Deseret Book for review, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. The doctrine about angels is something that has interested me for years (and my interest in the topic has only increased with time). I looked forward to seeing what Brother Parry had to say.

We as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a unique and important doctrine as it relates to heavenly beings. They were the instrument of the Restoration, for one thing. But in a world where people seem to crave a connection with the divine, or at least with other-worldly forces (some people seek such connections through alien watching or using radio hosts as go-betweens to those who have passed on, or....) I don't think the importance of such a compilation of information can be understated, both for those within the Church and for those not of our faith who seek to understand more about angels.

The book has three main sections, as follows:

Part 1: About Angels
Part 2: Angels Minister with Love to Mortals
Part 3: Five Symbols Associated with Angels

Within those three sections are 33 chapters on various topics such as what angels might wear, how they may appear to people, how they communicate with mortals, and much more. He uses scriptural examples to explore different kinds of work angels may do (such as announcing children yet to be born or protecting sacred space). In the chapters in the last section, he is deliberate about exploring some of the scriptural symbolism tied to mentioning of angels in sacred writings, but he mentioned other symbolism throughout the book as well.

The book wasn't quite what I was expecting (although I'm not sure I could fully articulate what I was expecting). Maybe I can explain it this way: It is different from a lot of doctrinal titles from Deseret Book in that it's not interpretative. It's informational. Truth be told, I'm more accustomed to the former style (although sometimes, interestingly enough, such a style can, at times, make me feel uncomfortable when it can feel like too much interpretation is offered that perhaps should be left to the reader to ponder). I think I was expecting more personal reflection. I will go so far as to say that it almost feels as though it could (should?) have been labeled as a reference book or compilation because there was so little in terms of thoughts or reflections from the author himself. Brother Parry, in fact, had very little to say. But he had a lot of information to share!

So, when considered as a reference book, I am comfortable saying that the book accomplishes its purposes. It appears to be a well-researched compilation of prophetic quotes and scriptural references about angels, and as far as I know, it's the only book of its kind on this topic. As such, I feel this is an important work, and I'm sure there are many layers to what I can learn from it. It's one I imagine I will refer to many times in the future as I continue to ponder the doctrine surrounding angels in God's plan. I would definitely recommend it as a valuable addition for the library of anyone interested in the topic.

Suit Up and Armor Up by John Bytheway, Brad Wilcox and others

Book Review for Suit Up and Armor Up by: Brad Wilcox, John Hilton III, Anthony Sweat, John Bytheway, Hank Smith, Laurel Christensen (with Jennifer Platt contributing to Suit Up as well)

I loved these two books that Deseret Book sent us. That is the first thing that I want to say. I am still a few years from a mission myself and they were very informative and insightful. 

The books are split into sections with an author writing each one and telling their different stories and inputs on things needed in a mission and in everyday life to fight the evil in our lives. What I really like was the end of the chapters. The authors had scriptures to look up but more importantly they had challenges that you could follow up on that would better prepare you for life.

While most of the things in these books are for those preparing for missions, I think that these books would be great for anyone of any age to read. These have really good life advice for anyone who feels that the world today in general is less than stellar and wants some guidance. Two thumbs up and a recommendation to anyone to read these books!

~ A fourteen year old