Meridian Magazine : : Books Archive

How Does the Lord Speak to Us?
If the Lord speaks to us through thoughts and feelings, how are we to distinguish between His thoughts and feelings and our own?
By Gerald N. Lund

25 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself
There are many other books more entertaining, more diverting, and more fun to read if you want to stay in your head. If you want a book to help you to search your heart, this may be it.
A Book Review by Darla Isackson

New Books Celebrate Women
Several new books in the LDS market hold special appeal for women and would make welcome Mother's Day gifts. Some combine art, prose, and music in delightful packages, while others offer words of wit and wisdom.
Reviewed By Laurie Williams Sowby

How to be a Somebody
There are lots of little ways you can be somebody. Every one of us can make a difference.
By Mary Ellen Edmunds

Define Universe and Give Two Examples — A Comparison of Scientific and Christian Belief
In addition to an exposition of the doctrine of Christ, this book has a bonus in that positions of fundamental and current scientific thought are clearly presented. The author shows that there are severe limitations of science, compared to no limitations in the doctrine of Christ.
Reviewed by Richard Fairbanks

The Martha and Mary Dilemma
When you consider Jesus' comment, “By their fruits ye shall know them,” do you ever ask yourself, “What are the fruits of my life?” I do. I ask what fruits I want to bring forth. What fruits do I want to be known for?
By Chieko Okasaki

It’s Okay to Take a Nap by Debra Sansing Woods
This is the best Mom’s gift book of 2008. It is the best gift book because there is no side dish of guilt in this meal.
Reviewed by Victoria Akselsen Fisher

Books with Messages to Absorb Loud and Clear
If you like books with a message, here are three books that will absorb your attention and teach you something along the way.
By Jennie Hansen

Heritage of Righteousness
Chapter 12, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
This was Abraham's legacy to his posterity: not the substantial property that Genesis says he had divided up among his heirs, but rather the counsel to keep the commandments and to do “righteousness and justice” — the two “precious jewels” that Abraham bequeathed his children, says Jewish tradition.
By E. Douglas Clark

Temple Worship by Andrew C. Skinner
Skinner's book is written for temple-going members who wish to enhance their temple service. Readers will better appreciate the concepts discussed if they have a foundation of temple knowledge and covenants.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

March to the Bookstore for Great March Reads
If it's a good book you're looking for as winter ends and spring begins, “march” your way to the bookstore to pick up some great books by LDS authors.
By Jennie Hansen

Teaching and Preparing His Posterity
Chapter 11, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Abraham had several wives and numerous children after the death of Sarah, but he was more than a father in the biological sense.
By E. Douglas Clark

Zion and Her Atoning King
Chapter 10, part 4 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
God’s promise to Abraham focused on that one particular Descendant who would bless all nations — as Abraham himself well knew, having previously seen in vision the Savior’s birth and ministry. In fact, Abraham must now have recognized that his own intense trial had been a remarkably detailed foreshadowing of the great Atonement of Christ.
By E. Douglas Clark

Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy, by Richard G. Scott
Elder Richard G. Scott’s book, Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy, is about truth — God’s truth, and what God has revealed to us with respect to these universal wants.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Five Books for Sleepless Nights
If you're looking for a great book to curl up in bed with on a cold winter's night, look no farther. Recent offerings from LDS authors will keep you entertained until the snow melts.
By Jennie Hansen

Dedication, Vision, and a Guarantee of Eternal Life
Chapter 10, part 3 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
The rabbis observed that Isaac’s rising from the altar was as one rising from the dead. The New Testament also considers Isaac’s experience a kind of resurrection. In offering up Isaac, Abraham “considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead; from which he also received him back as a type.”
By E. Douglas Clark

Binding and Submitting
Chapter 10, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Genesis records no conversation between Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah, but at some point Abraham told him, perhaps in the words suggested by Martin Luther: “You, my dearly beloved son, whom God has given me, have been destined for the burnt offering.”
By E. Douglas Clark

Author of Un-Valentine Book Does Have Heart
Creative writing teacher Sam Beeson proves verse-atile in comic story set around Valentine’s Day. But there's a hidden secret in that the author is a softy who celebrates Valentine's Day in a big way.
By Laurie Williams Sowby

Make Me a Home by Tamra Norton
There is nothing better than curling up with a good book and completely losing track of time. That's what will happen when pre-teens pick up Make Me a Home, by Tamra Norton.
Reviewed by Michele Ashman Bell

Christianity — The “Only Firm Basis” for America
American history is currently being revised to deny any Christian influence on the Founding Fathers, or any positive influence by Christianity on American life. A new book, written by a Protestant who sounds very much like a Latter-day Saint, debunks this dangerous secular viewpoint.
By Bryce Christensen

On Mount Zion: Abraham's Offering of Isaac
Chapter 10, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
The temple site for which Abraham is most remembered is not at Beersheba, but a place some fifty miles north, the destination of an unexpected journey he was called to make while living at Beersheba. It is the startling story of his supreme sacrifice, the crowning event of his life.
By E. Douglas Clark

Good LDS Novels Just Keep Coming
It’s not often that a novel absorbs a reviewer's attention so fully that she forgets her role as critic. This month's batch of new LDS fiction contains just such a book.
By Jennie Hansen

Four Gates and a Cosmic City at Beersheba
Chapter 9, part 3 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Many had been and would be the occasions when, in obeying God, Abraham would risk his reputation for righteousness. It was one of the many ironies of his life, and a sacrifice he was willing to make.
By E. Douglas Clark

Seven Rhinos: One Family’s Story of Their Journey through Adoption by Sonja Schaefermeyer
What do rhinos have to do with adoption? When adversity comes, a rhino plows forward. Difficulties and trials only toughen its thick skin and prepare the rhino to face even harder conflicts. This book leads readers through the ups and downs, joys and sorrows of the adoption process as one LDS family has experienced it.
Reviewed by Tamary Shoemaker

Ishmael and His Temple
Chapter 9, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
A great feast hosted by Abraham was a harbinger of a similar great feast the Lord will host for the righteous in the coming day. But in the middle of Abraham's feast, disaster struck.
By E. Douglas Clark

Books to Start the New Year
Now that Christmas is over and the holiday season is drawing to a close, here are two books that might tempt young people (or people who are young at heart) to spend a little more time on vacation.
Reviewed by Michele Ashman Bell

Season’s Readings
Christmas-themed books abound, and many are intended mainly to look at. But here are three that are intended to be read — and enjoyed. Last-minute shoppers still may be able to pick these up at LDS bookstores everywhere.
Reviewed by Laurie Williams Sowby

The Best of Christmas in LDS Fiction
Here are some books to kindle the spirit of Christmas in your heart. As a bonus, there's a way you can vote for your favorite LDS fiction for all of 2007.
By Jennie Hansen

Dealing with the King of Gerar
Chapter 9, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
After the destruction of Sodom, the region roundabout surely was a safer and happier place, improving the moral quality of life for Abraham and his community of Zion. Why then, as Genesis relates without explanation, and with no command of God to do so, does Abraham suddenly move?
By E. Douglas Clark

The Joy of Believing and More
Ardeth G. Kapp's newest book is a treasure. I read it the first week of December and wanted to shout to the masses, “You must read this!” So here's my chance.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Pleading for Sodom and the World
Chapter 8, part 4 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Abraham was extremely distressed when an angel told him of the impending demise of Sodom, and God not only paid attention, but also went to the trouble of coming to Earth to hear his friend Abraham in person.
By E. Douglas Clark

Apron Strings — A Reminder of Old-Fashioned Values that Never Go Out of Style
If you don't think a book about apron springs, or about the ties between mothers and daughters, applies to you, think again. This book of poetry and prose softens the hearts of all women, even if they have never been mothers at all.
By Darla Isackson

Drawing Heaven into Your Marriage — Powerful Principles with Eternal Results, by H. Wallace Goddard
Marriage is a journey. On that journey, we share everything with our spouse — our money, our space, our time, our hopes, our very bodies. A new book by Meridian writer H. Wallace Goddard helps us navigate that journey, with practical advice that helps husbands and wives claim a little bit of heaven on earth.
By Maurine Proctor

Becoming a Zion People
Chapter 8, part 3 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
It was during Abraham’s tender recovery period — just three days after his circumcision, and while he was yet “in great pain” — that three men mysteriously appeared to the 99-year-old prophet.
By E. Douglas Clark

“Live in My Presence, Be Perfect”
Chapter 8, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Abraham’s life was a perfect illustration of Joseph Smith’s statement that “when we understand the character of God, and how to come to him, he begins to unfold the heavens to us, and to tell us all about it. When we are ready to come to him, he is ready to come to us."
By E. Douglas Clark

Mothering with Spiritual Power, by Debra Sansing Woods
Here is a thoughtful collection of essays that will speak to the heart of any mother. Using twenty-five carefully chosen Book of Mormon verses as inspiration, Woods shows mothers of any age where they can find the very best parenting advice.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Visitors from Zion: Three Holy Men and Their Mission
Chapter 8, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
From the first divine promise made to Abraham about his posterity, the years of continuing childlessness had turned into decades of delay. Although Abraham was able to bless other women so their wombs bore fruit, no such blessing was forthcoming for his own beloved wife.
By E. Douglas Clark

Saving the Best for the End
It has been a good year for LDS fiction, but some of the best books have been saved for last. If you're looking for holiday reading, or Christmas gifts, this is the place to find the cream of the crop.
By Jennie Hansen

A View of the Last Days
When God revealed the last days to Abraham, Abraham was dismayed at the wickedness of his posterity. He asked for, and received, a promise from God that He would show mercy on Abraham's descendants.
Chapter 7, part 4 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
By E. Douglas Clark

The Beloved Son Teaches the Beloved Abraham
Chapter 7, part of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
The Lord Himself called Abraham "my beloved." To this day among many of Abraham's Muslim descendants, he is still spoken of as Abraham the Beloved Friend.
By E. Douglas Clark

Scotlyn, Knightess of the Dragon, by Deirdra Eden Coppell
As Science Fiction/Fantasy books gain momentum, not only in the national market, but in LDS market as well, it’s nice to see LDS authors incorporate gospel values into their stories. Such is the case in the book Scotlyn, Knightess of the Dragon by Deirdra Eden Coppell.
Reviewed by Michele Ashman Bell

The Sweet Adventure of The Candy Shop War
The only thing better than candy is candy that gives super powers to the person who eats it. But four friends find that some things are too good to be true in this innovative book.
Reviewed by Michele Ashman Bell

Led by an Angel from on High
Chapter 7, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
When God sends an angel to comfort Abraham, He chooses an angel who has God's own name. The angel is none other than Abraham's old friend, Enoch.
By E. Douglas Clark

Armor by Kim B. Clark
Let’s be honest. How does a Bostonian and dean of the Harvard Business School leave the prominence and connections of New England for little Rexburg, Idaho? A demotion, some would say. But the reasoning behind Kim Clark’s decision (and it was a quick decision) can be traced back to the stirrings he had for this very book.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

A Vision of the Future Zion: The Ascension of Abraham
Chapter 7, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
A number of ancient sources have emerged that describe in striking detail an occasion when Abraham was indeed introduced into the presence of God in heaven, who taught him and showed him his posterity as they would exist through the ages.
By E. Douglas Clark

Please, No Zits! by Anne Bradshaw
Have you ever gone to the bookstore looking for a special gift for a teen and struggled with what to buy? Well, look no further. Please No Zits and Other Short Stories for LDS Youth is the perfect book for any youth on your list.
Reviewed by Michele Ashman Bell

Waging War and Meeting a Prince of Peace
Chapter 6, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Unfortunately, as Winston Churchill observed, “The story of the human race is war.” It was the story also of Abraham’s day, one of the most warlike generations ever, echoing Enoch’s time (see Moses 7:16) and foreshadowing the latter-days (see D&C 45:66–71).
By E. Douglas Clark

From Persecutor to Apostle — A Biography of Paul, By Thomas A. Wayment
Could Nephi and Lehi have been in the right place geographically and at the right time chronologically to become acquainted with a magnetic compass?
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Autumn Brings a Fall of New LDS Fiction
September's new literary offerings are wildly varied. They run the gamut from literary to popular fiction, edgy to off-the-wall, and they are published by a wide assortment of publishers.
By Jennie Hansen

Melchizedek and His Zion: The Rescue of Lot and the Meeting with Melchizedek
Chapter 6, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Escorted out of Pharaoh’s kingdom with highest honors, Abraham went, says Genesis, “up out of Egypt” (13:1). The words indicate, according to the Zohar, not only his travel route but also that through his experience in Egypt he had “ascended spiritually.”
By E. Douglas Clark

Deliverance, Chapter Nine: Feed My Lambs
Who were you born to become? Are you fulfilling your destiny? Here is how you can find out.
By G.G., Gregory, and David Vandagriff

Sarah’s Great Trial
Chapter 5, part 3 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
It was not only Sarah's life that was at stake when she allowed herself to be taken into Pharaoh's harem. The future of the entire chosen race hinged on her actions. It is no wonder she prayed mightily to God for divine intervention.
By E. Douglas Clark

Showing Forth the Power and Knowledge of Zion: The Wisdom of Heaven and Earth
Chapter 5, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Ironically, to preserve his own life, the righteous Abraham was now being commanded to violate one of his fundamental principles, that of perfect honesty in his dealings with his fellow men, by asking Sarah to represent herself as his sister. Or was it a violation?
By E. Douglas Clark

Deliverance, Chapter Seven: “Charity Suffereth Long”
When someone in your family has a serious problem with depression, your life changes from what you expected it would be to what the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, wants your life to be.
By G.G., Gregory, and David Vandagriff

Showing Forth the Power and Knowledge of Zion: Abraham in Egypt

Chapter 5, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Some three years after Abraham and his followers arrived in the Promised Land, it was struck by famine. What made matters worse for Abraham was the fact that the last time he had seen famine years earlier, it had come in the wake of the society's failed attempt to execute him
By E. Douglas Clark

Deliverance, Chapter Six: “He Shall Prepare the Way”
A young missionary learns that people who suffer from clinical depression need to use all avenues of help — spiritual, physical, and medical.
By G.G., Gregory, and David Vandagriff

Adventure and Romance in Contemporary Novels
Volumes from two series by well known LDS authors are available this month, as well as two excellent books from authors whose names you may not recognize.
By Jennie Hansen

Seeking to Build Zion: The Power of the Pure Love of Christ
Chapter 4, part 4 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Abraham not only preached to his fellow men, but he also ministered to them. Wherever he traveled, the legends tell, people would come and ask him to pray for them, and his prayers on their behalf were answered.
By E. Douglas Clark

Deliverance, Chapter Five: “A Perfect Brightness of Hope”
There are ways to keep filling your emotional bucket almost constantly, allowing you to have hope, which leads to faith, which leads to action, which eventually can lead to success. It is not easy, but it is possible.
By G.G., Gregory, and David Vandagriff

Seeking to Build Zion: Seeking Enoch’s Zion
Chapter 4, part 3 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Great were the blessings that Abraham had sought and found, but his seeking was not over.
By E. Douglas Clark

Books to Read Before the End of Summer
Exciting sequels abound this summer, giving readers much to look forward to. Here is a list of new releases that will turn any lazy afternoon into a reading adventure. Even those who haven't read the first books in these series can enjoy these installments, then go back and read the rest of the series.
By Michele Ashman Bell

Deliverance, Chapter Four: “Abound in Good Works”
Deliverance, Part 2
In this modern world, where excesses abound, no one seems to know what "enough" is. We want more and more. We are never satisfied. Thus we become less and less able to appreciate what we have, and to find joy in the simple, basic fulfillments of life.
By G.G., Gregory, and David Vandagriff

Seeking to Build Zion: “The Souls We Had Won”
Chapter 4, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Abraham lost no time in seeking to reestablish Zion, for by the time he left Haran, he did so with "the souls we had won in Haran." Both the scriptures and supplemental texts indicate that he was a missionary par excellence, freely imparting both spiritual and physical sustenance to the people around him.
By E. Douglas Clark

“Trust in the Lord with All Thine Heart”
Deliverance, Chapter 3
It is often through those near to us that the Lord answers our prayers. Inspired ward members organized a secret fast that through "coincidence" occurred on the day of a crucial doctor's appointment. The results changed a life.
By G.G., Gregory, and David Vandagriff

“Wilt Thou Comfort My Soul in Christ”
Deliverance, Chapter 2
In order to be truly whole, we need to seek the healing of the atonement to fill our wells with living water, and then give and give and give to those who have none so that they may see the model. They are then enabled, along with us, to follow the way that was laid out for us by Adam and Eve and find our way back home to our loving Heavenly Father.
By G.G., Gregory, and David Vandagriff

Escape Bad Weather with a Good Book
While the weather seems to be in extreme mode around the world, July might be a good time to curl up with a good book. Most of this month's novels carry serious messages, though one is light and fun. All are excellent escapes from excessive weather woes.
By Jennie Hansen

Seeking to Build Zion: Ordinances and Ordination in Haran
Chapter 4, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Abraham learned that he needed the constant and immediate revelation that can come only from the Holy Ghost and the ordinances. But who would administer these ordinances to Abraham? These ordinances could be administered only by a person of flesh and blood.
By E. Douglas Clark

Reading the Records of Zion — Abraham Learns of the Cosmos
Chapter 3, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
To understand Abraham, we need to understand, to the extent possible, what he learned from the sacred records, beginning with the cosmos and creation.
By E. Douglas Clark

Depression and Deliverance
Imagine an illness that sucks so much joy out of life that even the realization of a lifelong dream feels like ashes. That illness is real. It is called depression.
By G.G., Gregory, and David Vandagriff

Gifts : Two Birth Stories
One mother learns that the "nightmare" of giving birth to a baby with Down syndrome was actually a gift — a good gift. And she responds by giving another gift to other mothers of Down syndrome babies.
By Kathryn Lynard Soper

Summer Reading Suits Every Taste
No matter what your reading tastes in LDS fiction, you will find something to interest you during this summer of a bountiful fiction harvest.
By Jennie Hansen

Reading the Records of Zion — Abraham and the Patriarchal Records in Haran
Chapter 3, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
What Abraham read in the records of his forefathers made a deep and indelible impression, changing the course of his life and the course of history. Those records gave him his bearings, guiding and shaping his life, and providing the blueprint of what he would spend the rest of his life building and seeking and becoming.
By E. Douglas Clark

"Get Thee Out!”
Chapter 2, part 4 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Not only did Abraham and Sarah have to deal with infertility, but they also had to uproot themselves and move to a new homeland — a prospect that may have been just as daunting to this faithful couple.
By E. Douglas Clark

10-9-8-7-6-5….
Now Launching: Meridian Publishing!
Something fun is in the works at Meridian—again. A natural outflow of all that we’re doing at Meridian is to form a print-publishing arm—and so we have: Meridian Publishing. And we have published our first book! Come and see.
By Scot Facer Proctor

Sarai the Princess
Chapter 2, part 3 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
If Zion begins in the heart, it culminates in the union of righteous hearts, the first step of which for Abraham was his marriage to the lovely Sarai.
By E. Douglas Clark

High School Novels Provide Summer Reading Fun
Two new books about the excitement and trauma of high school are sure to keep teen readers reading during their summer vacation.
Reviewed by Michele Ashman Bell

“Abram, Abram!”
Chapter 2, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
With Abraham lying bound on the altar, his death already seemed a fait accompli, for the odds appeared overwhelming. With the vast multitude gazing on, Abraham was apparently given a final opportunity to recant.
By E. Douglas Clark

Novels are Springing Up All Over
May has burst forth with a wide selection of novels sure to suit varied reading interests. Humor, philosophy, mystery, romance, and history all appear in this month's selections.
By Jennie Hansen

Mine Elect Hear My Voice: The Gathering of Israel
It is not possible to understand the Lord's work of the latter days except in the context of the gathering of the house of Israel. A new book, which is a comprehensive study of the history and doctrines pertaining to Israel, draws exclusively from the four scriptural standard works of the Church, thus avoiding opinion, commentary and conjecture.
By Daryl Hoole

The Beginnings of a New Zion: Divine Intervention, Marriage, and Seeking a New Home
Chapter 2, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
There are striking parallels between young Abram's life and that of Joseph Smith. There are also parallels to the life of the Savior. Recent archaeological evidence illuminates young Abram's peril and confirms information illustrated in the Book of Abraham.
By E. Douglas Clark

The Latter-day Gathering of Israel
The prophecies are clear that, in the end, the gentile nations will largely reject the gospel of Christ. As for the remnants of the Book of Mormon's people of Ephraim and Manasseh, the prophecies are wonderfully different.
By Marvin R. VanDam

Idolatry and Its Evils
Chapter 1, part 4 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Abraham came into the world at the worst of times. Not since the generation of the Flood had the earth seen such a depraved, antifamily society.
By E. Douglas Clark

Introducing The Timechart History of Mormonism
A new form of history, the timechart, has been applied to Mormon history, and the result is a rich visual presentation that is illuminating for Church members and nonmembers alike.
By Christopher Kimball Bigelow

Two Terrific Comfort Books for Mom
Mothers spend a great deal of time every day dispensing comfort to the children in their care. But most moms are best able to provide such comfort when they receive ample comfort themselves.
By Debra Sansing Woods

Reasonable Defense of Christianity
A fascinating book marshals little known facts and a clear and very readable prose to make the case that it is Christianity, and specifically Christian theology, that is directly responsible for the most significant intellectual, scientific, economic, and political developments of the past thousand years.
By Daniel C. Peterson

I Am a Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson
Here is an important message that has been taught before. But for some reason, we need to hear it again. Stories like hers should be told and retold, lest we forget the magnificence of our calling as mothers.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Mine Elect Hear My Voice: The Gathering of Israel
The sacred history of this world will someday be written in terms of Israel — God's covenant with Israel; God's struggles with wayward Israel; God's subsequent scattering of Israel; God's latter-day restoration of the gospel to Israel; God's gathering of Israel, and Israel's ultimate habitation of this world when it becomes celestialized.
By Marvin R. VanDam

Purity and Prayer in Seeking God
Chapter 1, part 3 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Charity would become the governing principle of Abraham's life, for which he is still remembered among his Jewish descendants as the embodiment of hesed, for the decisive factor in Abraham's personality was the unceasing urge to help others."
By E. Douglas Clark

Jane Clayson Johnson: I Am a Mother
Jane Clayson Johnson was at the top of her game as a national broadcast celebrity when she decided to do something that mattered even more to
her — become a mother. She describes why it mattered so much in a new book.
By Maurine Proctor

April Books for Spring Shower Days
Just what did happen to the stones that provided light for the Jaredites' passage to a new land? There have been stories of unexplained lights in "divers places" throughout much of the world's recorded history; could some of them be explained as The Lights of Mahonri Moriancumer?
By Jennie Hansen

A Remarkable and Portentous Birth
Chapter 1, part 2 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
It was high time that Abraham, the "friend of God" should make his appearance upon the earth, for already there had arisen a pretender who audaciously claimed the patriarchal authority of Zion to rule over the human race and all living things: the proud and powerful King Nimrod.
By E. Douglas Clark

God's Universe — A Sensible Explanation
It only makes sense that the reason the earth is so ideally suited to human existence is that God made it that way. This new book by a non-LDS Harvard professor reaffirms the truth of God's hand in our lives.
By Daniel C. Peterson

Alone with God in a World without Zion: Young Abraham in Ur
Chapter 1, part 1 of The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
In a sense, the world was created "for the sake of Abraham" and his wife Sarah. And more than a mere beneficiary, Abraham was actually a participant with God in the creation, according to the rabbis. "God created the world — with Abraham," says rabbinic tradition.
By E. Douglas Clark

A New Abrahamic Drama of Zion
In the spring of 1820 in upstate New York, when a fourteen-year-old farm boy knelt in a secluded grove of trees to pray, the scene was one of history's most dramatic reenactments. Some three and a half millennia earlier, another fourteen-year-old had similarly sought the Creator in the solitude of prayer. His name was Abram.
By E. Douglas Clark

The Blessings of Abraham: Becoming a Zion People
Today begins a serialization of a book that is the product of 35 years of research and fascination with Abraham, and is essentially his biography and a discussion of what is entailed in creating Zion. Be enthralled as the author describes the world in which Abraham was born — a world without Zion — and then delineates Abraham's stunning and remarkable life.
By E. Douglas Clark
With a foreword by Truman G. Madsen

More New Testament Study Helps for 2007
Respected LDS writers and scholars obviously anticipated this year's church-wide study of the New Testament. Commentaries are unusually plentiful. They are fresh in subject matter, engaging, and largely focused upon the New Testament world. Here are reviews of five you may want to read.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Sergeant Nibley, Ph.D.
Although Mormon scholar Hugh Nibley died in his mid-nineties in February 2005, his remarkable legacy is being preserved and even extended with books written by and about him. The latest, Sergeant Nibley, Ph.D., is a fascinating work that chronicles the life of a philosopher in a time of war.
By Daniel C. Peterson

A Mormon in the White House? by Hugh Hewitt
Should Latter-day Saints applaud the candidacy of Mitt Romney for the presidency of the United States, or should they dread the experience? A new book, written by a nonmember, tells us that we have nothing to fear.
Reviewed by Lowell C. Brown

The Mormon Way of Doing Business
After many years of doing business in "the Mormon Way," Jeff Benedict finally got to write a book about it. His book chronicles the lives of eight LDS business leaders, who have achieved great success with business practices that reflect their standards as members of the Church.
By Bryan Gentry

A Glimpse at what's New for March
Here are three new books for LDS readers, two of them by first-time novelists and one by a seasoned pro. If you're looking for something to put on your nightstand, one of them may appeal to you.
By Jennie Hansen

What LDS Readers Want
Readers have spoken from as far away as Russia, listing the things they like and loathe about LDS fiction. See if you agree with what they have to say.
By Jennie Hansen

Why Fathers Count: Fatherhood and the Future of Our Children
In a culture that questions the value of men in family life, we need a fresh perspective on what men can contribute to their families and communities as well as insight into the ways in which fathers and father figures make a meaningful difference.
By Sean E. Brotherson and Joseph M. White

Peace on Mount Moriah
Chapter 24 of The Anatomy of Peace
Meridian Magazine's serialization of The Anatomy of Peace concludes today. Read all 24 chapters online, or purchase the book to read in its entirety.
By The Arbinger Institute

God, Science, and Intelligent Design
Several scientists, among them a Utah university professor, see evidences of God in science, and are not afraid to tell the world what they have learned.
By Daniel C. Peterson

Lessons
Chapter 23 of The Anatomy of Peace
If our correction of others isn't working, the last thing the situation needs is more correcting.
By The Arbinger Institute

Determing Who Really Cares
A new book has made it much harder for secularists to preen themselves, as a class, on their superior compassion without supplying actual evidence to demonstrate it.
By Daniel C. Peterson

A Strategy of Peace
Chapter 22 of The Anatomy of Peace
It isn't enough to deal with things that are wrong. You also have to help things go right.
By The Arbinger Institute

Why Fathers Count
An important new book, to be serialized in Meridian, takes readers on a voyage of discovery about fatherhood and explores ways that fathers make a difference in the lives of their children.
By Sean E. Brotherson and Joseph M. White

New Testamaent Study Helps for 2007
With 2007 upon us, members of the Church worldwide are commencing a study of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ found within the pages of the New Testament. Fortunately, there are excellent study aids available to give us a background into the life and times of the Savior.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Action
Chapter 21 of The Anatomy of Peace
Only you have the tools you need for keeping yourself out of a box, or for getting yourself out once you are there.
By The Arbinger Institute

A Look at Today’s LDS Fiction
What do you like about LDS fiction? What are your favorite books? What needs to be improved? Your opinions are important.
By Jennie Hansen

Finding Outward Peace
Chapter 20 of The Anatomy of Peace
A bitter young man leaves his war-torn homeland and finds peace on a war-torn American university campus.
By The Arbinger Institute

Two Books Not to Be Missed
Two new books by general authorities deserve a place on your nightstand for 2007. Don't overlook these faith-promoting treasures.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Locating the Peace Within
Chapter 19 of The Anatomy of Peace
It is possible to be in a box and outside a box at the same time. If you find yourself in a box, you may be helped by recalling situations where there is no box around you.
By The Arbinger Institute

Surrender
Chapter 18 of The Anatomy of Peace
Even if an apology never reaches the person who was wronged, it can still heal the soul of the person who repents.
By The Arbinger Institute

Marching Bootless
Chapter 17 of The Anatomy of Peace
We can't be agents of peace until our own hearts are at peace.
By The Arbinger Institute

Christmas Shopping List
If you've saved Christmas shopping for the last minute, these books written by Church members will make your bookloving friends think you found the perfect gifts for them. Be sure to borrow them after Christmas and read them yourself!
By Jennie Hansen

A Gift in Wartime
Chapter 16 of The Anatomy of Peace
Lou and his fellow students start to learn how old enemies become friends.
By The Arbinger Institute

Apologies
Chapter 15 of The Anatomy of Peace
If you have made a mess of your life, the first step in making things right is to recognize what you did wrong. The next step is to determine to make things better. Then come the apologies.
By The Arbinger Institute

The Path to War
Chapter 14 of The Anatomy of Peace
Human beings build boxes around themselves. Unless they learn to recognize those boxes they will never escape them, and their hearts will never be at peace.
By The Arbinger Institute

More Germ Warfare
Chapter 13 of The Anatomy of Peace
If you find yourself not getting along with others, it may be that you perceive yourself as worse than they are. Or you may be focused on the idea that they must see you as a specific kind of person, even if the evidence indicates otherwise.
By The Arbinger Institute

Why Fathers Count ― New Book Stresses Importance of Fathers
In a culture that questions that value of men in family life, this book provides a unique and compelling perspective on what men can contribute to their families and communities, and insight on the ways in which fathers and father figures make a meaningful difference.
By Sean Brotherson

Germs of Warfare
Chapter 12 of The Anatomy of Peace
Once we see ourselves as better than our neighbor, the natural response is to treat him with contempt.
By The Arbinger Institute

Redemption Road by Toni Sorenson Brown
Redemption Road is more than an unforgettable book. Once read, it becomes part of the fabric of the reader's life.
Reviewed by Jennie Hansen

A Need for War
Chapter 11 of The Anatomy of Peace
Even if your life has been a war zone, it is possible to find peace.
By The Arbinger Institute

Choosing War
Chapter 10 of The Anatomy of Peace
When we dig a little deeper, we discover something fascinating about self-betrayal.
By The Arbinger Institute

The Soft-Spoken Parent
The Top 10 Strategies to Turn Away Wrath
Rather than accuse, confront, and threaten, parents might respond to the message of pain and confusion that a child's behavior represents. They can help the troubled child against their common enemies of confusion, alienation, and fear.
By H. Wallace Goddard

The Beginning of an Idea
Chapter 9 of The Anatomy of Peace
Do we choose war, or does war choose us?
By The Arbinger Institute

Reality
Chapter 8 of The Anatomy of Peace
What happens when theories of peace butt up against the realities of the outside world?
By The Arbinger Institute

Saboteur by Dean Hughes
This many-faceted book explores what happens when a small-town bishop's son has to learn to lie and kill as a spy for his country.
Reviewed by Jennie Hansen

Just Listen — #8 in the Top 10 Strategies to Turn Away Wrath
It may be that the children who have drawn our ire are just little strugglers doing the best they know how. They may feel confused, lonely, and sad. They may not know how to do any better.
By H. Wallace Goddard

Three Books to Tickle Your Toes
Every once in a while, you run across a book that is a miracle on paper. Here are three little miracles, just in time for the Christmas gift-giving season.
Reviewed by Michele Ashman Bell

Walk in Their Shoes — #7 in the Top 10 Strategies to Turn Away Wrath
Do you remember feeling painfully self-conscious as a child? Do you remember blushing with embarrassment over things you said? Do you remember being made fun of by classmates? If so, you may have the humility to understand your child.
By H. Wallace Goddard

Escalation
Chapter 6 of The Anatomy of Peace
When we feel mistreated, we look for allies. This natural behavior only prolongs and intensifies the conflict.
By The Arbinger Institute

The Pattern of Conflict
Chapter 5 of The Anatomy of Peace
When somebody annoys us, we may not be the innocent victims of conflict. We may actually be in collusion with that person to provoke childish behavior in both of us.
By The Arbinger Institute

Songs of the Morning Stars by Sarah Hinze
We have all heard about experiences people remember after near-death events. What about pre-birth experiences?This new book, which explores pre-birth memories and related manifestations, offers new insights about life before birth.
Reviewed by Paul Thomas Smith

Beneath Behavior
Chapter 4 of The Anatomy of Peace
The key to successfully working with people is to see them as people, not as objects. Nobody can successfully negotiate with a child, an employee, or anybody else without first seeing that person as a human being.
By The Arbinger Institute

Peace in Wartime
Chapter 3 of The Anatomy of Peace
Who was the military leader who rewarded the people who fought against him, and what was his secret?
By The Arbinger Institute

At the Journey’s End by Annette Lyon
Rarely does a book get it all together as At the Journey's End by Annette Lyon has done. Even readers who do not traditionally like romance novels will want to get their hands on this book.
Reviewed by Jennie Hansen

Look on Them with Compassion — #4 in the Top 10 Strategies to Turn Away Wrath
Far more often than we realize, our children are injured by painful encounters with life. They come home bruised, skinned, and bleeding. If we try to understand their challenges, we are likely to look upon them with compassion rather than judgment and impatience.
By H. Wallace Goddard

Deeper Matters
Chapter 2 of The Anatomy of Peace
We should spend much more time and effort helping things go right than dealing with things that are going wrong. Unfortunately, however, these allocations of time and effort are typically reversed. We spend most of our time with others dealing with things that are going wrong.
By The Arbinger Institute

Look into the Child’s Heart — #3 in the Top 10 Strategies to Turn Away Wrath
Children's motives are much like ours — only probably a little purer. They are trying to find ways to get their needs met and enjoy life. They probably even want to do what's right as much as they can. They aren't purposely trying to drive us crazy.

By H. Wallace Goddard

Enemies in the Desert
Chapter 1 of The Anatomy of Peace

Could a forty-day survival course turn a group of dysfunctional teens into productive human beings?

By The Arbinger Institute

The Anatomy of Peace Serialization Begins
Typically we assume that people who are in conflict want solutions. But there may be even something more important than solutions. This book serialization, which begins today, will explore finding the cause of conflict. If the cause is understood, human beings may be able to eradicate bitterness, envy, and resentment.
By The Arbinger Institute

Get Our Hearts Right — #1 in the Top 10 Strategies to Turn Away Wrath
If all of us were filled with the pure love of Christ, anger would not be a problem for any of us. But we are not, and it is. Most of the time we operate between mild irritation and total annoyance.
By H. Wallace Goddard

A Listen and a Read
This month's book review consists of a read by Emily Watts and a "listen" by S. Michael Wilcox. Wilcox teaches us that we can walk on water, and Watts focuses on trying not to burn the toast of life.
By Catherine K. Arveseth

The Soft-Spoken Parent: Strategies to Turn Away Wrath
Sometimes anger is nothing more than simmering irritation. Other times it is fire in our soul. Yet even as we ready for the holy battle, we have the sneaking suspicion that our anger is not good for us or for our unlucky target. We are right. Anger is very destructive.
By H. Wallace Goddard

The Counterfeit by Robison Wells
Are you looking for humor and suspense in one package? Here's a book that will satisfy you on both counts.
Reviewed by Jennie Hansen

A Little History of the World , by E.H. Gombrich
The little history book is written in such a delightful way that readers of virtually any age will enjoy it. Its imagery, metaphors, and personal commentary are enough to captivate any age.
Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Two Great Books for Readers Young and Old
Scripture stories and romance novels are nothing new in the LDS market, but two new books on bookstore shelves give a fresh, fun twist to these themes and are sure to please young adults and children.
By Michele Ashman Bell

Five for Five
If you think LDS novels are all the same, here are five novels that are vastly different. The only similarity is that the characters in each are members of the Church.
By Jennie Hansen

Readers Respond with Open Hearts
Readers share their "open heart" experiments, showing how little efforts can make differences in their lives and in the lives of others.
By Catherine K. Arveseth