Book Reviews
by Robert J. Matthews
W. Jeffrey Marsh, His Final Hours. Deseret Book, 2000. 127 pages. $15.95
As conveyed by the title, this book is about the last few days of Jesus’ mortal existence, with emphasis upon the last supper, Gethsemane, the betrayal, the formal trials, crucifixion, death, spirit world activity, and the triumphant resurrection of our Lord.
Before discussing each of the foregoing items, Brother Marsh establishes the doctrinal foundation of who Jesus is, why he came to earth, and the infinite significance of his atonement. This puts all other things in perspective.
Readers will be impressed, maybe even charmed, with Brother Marsh’s wide range of quotes, mostly from General Authorities, and the scriptures. The practical application of all of this is found on pages 114-115 in which are listed 23 things we can do for others because of what Jesus has done for us. The chapter in which these are found is appropriately titled, “Even as I Am” with the subtitle, “Come follow me.”
A most delightful statement on the character of God comes from President Heber C. Kimball, given on page 111. The “Parable of the Grateful Cat” by Elder James E. Talmage is found on pages 102-103. Each of the eleven chapters has a lead-in scripture that exactly fits the particular emphasis of that chapter.
A notable feature of this work is its simple eloquence. It is a beautiful document, well-written, right to the point, easy to read, informative, serious yet pleasant. It is in essence, a book of praise and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. (RJM)
Timothy Robinson, Three Days Without Light. A Nephite Easter Story. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Bookcraft, 2000. 29 unnumbered pages. $15.95. (ISBN 1-57345-567-9)
This book will be useful in impressing children of the Savior’s personal ministry to the Nephites. Once they have journeyed through the book with an adult reader, they will want to return to it again on their own. The cover is sturdy; the pages are thick and strong, not easily torn, to withstand the children’s touch. (RJM)
Barbara B. Smith and Shirley W. Thomas, eds., In Wisdom’s Paths. Bookcraft, 2000. 256 pages. $17.95. (ISBN 1-57345-640-3)In Wisdom’s Paths is a splendid publication that fully supports its title.
When I hold a new book in my hands, I first look for the name of the author. Then I read the table of contents, then scan the entire index, and finally read the Preface (or Foreword). I can pretty well get a quick fix on the nature and content this way, and in this case the system was not only effective, but extremely engrossing.
The name of the two authors/editors and the fourteen other sisters with their captivating chapter titles present an almost irresistible invitation to get deep into the book at once. The 6-page index includes so many interesting concepts that I immediately turned to page after page of the text along the way, to feast on what was reported. Just the initial exposure caused me to be refreshed, informed, uplifted and eager for more. The short “review” made it necessary to read it all.
The subject matter is diverse, with quotations from General Authorities, poets, and other writers not only of religious but of physical health. But most of all the personal character, strength, commitment and integrity of each individual sister comes through on every page. These are women who have experienced the joys and the heartaches of mortal life, and they are succeeding in the struggle for loyalty to their testimonies of Jesus Christ. When they speak of honor and of faith and of body and soul, they speak what they themselves know, and feel, and are.
Although the subtitle and the Preface indicate that this collection of essays is directed toward the more “experienced” and mature sisters of the Church, and is intended to “celebrate the whole idea of growing older,” this book will have a much wider impact and appeal, because those who read it will recommend it to others.
Sisters Smith and Thomas have blessed the entire adult population, both men and women, by making this collection available. The language is beautiful (sometimes with a touch of humor), the message is clear, direct, and persuasive. It is a common practice to neglect the preface of a book-but please, in this instance, read the Preface and the delightful poem, “Rose Is a Rose, Is a . . .” (RJM)
2001 Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
