To My Friends

By Jeffrey R. Holland

“If you need a burden lifted, I want you to imagine I am in a personal, private, closed-door chat with you. I want to help you if I can.” With those words, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland invites every reader of his latest book to become a friend, to receive instruction and encouragement, counsel and comfort.

Elder Holland addresses these powerful messages “to my friends who love the Lord,” “to my friends who want to change,” “to my friends who face opposition,” and more. Each chapter begins with a beautifully designed quotation to help convey the message in an artistic way, making the book a lovely gift for friends to share. Throughout, Elder Holland’s powerful witness of the Savior shines through, for, as he writes, “I am grateful for the greatest friend any of us could ever have, in time or eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

First off, how can you go wrong with Elder Holland? This is a LDS book (A book geared more toward members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) written by one of the apostles. Elder Holland has a way of being personable even in book format, and he speaks from the heart to the heart. This is a great addition to my library and would definitely be for yours too. With messages that uplift and bring comfort and hope in a world where it’s difficult to find peace and truly live a Christian life, this is the book to study and give as a gift. I found the formatting to be as beautiful as the contents, which only adds to it in my opinion. My favorite chapters were Chapter 9: To My Friends Who Seek to Build Zion, Chapter 13: To My Friends Who Want to Move Forward, Chapter 16: To My Friends Who Stand as Witnesses, and Chapter 18: To My Friends Who Seek Happiness. I was surprised how much this helped me with my perspective, though I probably shouldn’t have been. I especially liked the chapter about Zion. It talks about making Zion a place in your heart so you’re able to live in the world but not get swallowed up by it. I loved it and needed it. All of the sections are wonderful, but a few hit me especially hard, and I would recommend this to anyone. LDS or any Christian, though like I said, certain things are not going to make a lot of sense if you don’t know about the LDS church. The principle is there though, and it’s beautiful.

I give it a 4.75 out of 5 

However Long and Hard the Road

By Jeffery R. Holland

“It is difficult to make a man miserable while that man feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.” Often in our most difficult times the only thing we can do is endure. We may have no idea what the final cost in suffering or sacrifice may be, but we can vow never to give up. In doing so we will learn that there is no worthy task so great nor burden so heavy that will not yield to our perseverance. We can make it…however long and hard the road.
Elder Holland tells how others have overcome temptations and feelings of inadequacy and, through repentance, have obtained forgiveness and strength- and how we too may find success in our searchings.

I haven’t read too many books by the general authorities and apostles, and what I have read is sometimes difficult to understand, though it has much to offer. Elder Holland is different in this respect. He does not mince words, and he writes in a way where all can understand. This book had so many treasures in it, with so much to offer those who struggle with living this earthly life. Whatever may be your affliction, trial, or challenge, Elder Holland gives many examples from the scriptures, modern literature, and his own experiences, to help us find the way to God despite all that may cause us pain or doubt. Everyone who would read this book thoughtfully will come out the better for it if they put into practice the hope-filled messages contained in this book.

Interesting info: Elder Holland has also written: Christ and the New Covenant, Of Souls Symbols and Sacraments, and Broken Things to Mend.