Here are some outstanding new books of inspiration, and perseverance, to accompany this past weekend’s general conference messages:

I want to begin with a tremendous historical fiction book by the acclaimed author, Gerald N. Lund.  The Undaunted:  The Miracle of the Hole-In-The-Rock Pioneers is based on one of the most treacherous travels in American history. When a small company of men, women and children were called to settle an area in Southern Utah back in 1879, the thought was that it would take about six weeks.  But foraging through an area without trails and attempting to maneuver teams and wagons on slippery red rock seemed almost impossible. But the most amazing part of the story takes place here. Mr. Lund discovers pioneers who rose to the occasion, who became unsung heroes and overcame difficulties beyond belief! 

His story is unique in that the main characters are fictionalized, but he takes great strides to present the non-fiction throughout by placing endnotes right along with the story.  This gives the reader the full impact of what actually happened as well as interpreting the emotional and spiritual aspects of his characters.  In other words, he captures the heart of this death defying event!  This is what the author does so well and he won’t disappoint.  Even though this thick book is over 800 pages in length, you’ll immerse yourself with the protagonists and re-live this journey right along with them.  Mr. Lund has also created a website to help you actually see the horrific terrain that he describes as nearly impossible to describe on the written page.  There are also maps of the trail and other information found here. 

My recommendation to help involve your children ages 8 and older in this adult book is to retell the story as you read through the events.  You will completely have your children amazed and engulfed in the story as well!

If you’re looking for an informative book that kids will enjoy and actually learn from, then this next book is perfect!  Book of Mormon – Busy Book:  Fun Stuff to do Over and Over Again, by Val Chadwick Bagley, is an interactive board book that is packaged to mark up and place your answers on and then wipe them off.  The simple activities are highlights of stories that are familiar to children and that they will enjoy, along with giving them a chance to clean off and begin again.  There’s even a marker included.  This book is good for ages 6 to 10.

The Promise of Enough: Seven Principles of True Abundance,by Emily Freeman, and gorgeously illustrated by Simon Dewey, shares the abundance of our spiritual strengths that await us as we go through life if we will only open our hearts and minds to what the Lord has already given us.  Each principle is listed as a chapter heading along with a scriptural reference that ties in and the last chapter culminates all of the principles into the true meaning of “abundance”. The book is beautifully packaged with heavy, embossed pages and it will open your eyes to see all that awaits you while on this earth. 

Hard Times and Holy Places, by Kristin Warner Belcher, is a true re-telling of the author’s trials as she faced them and what she discovered along the way.  She was very young when she lost the sight in one of her eyes, but years later she also lost the sight in her other eye.  She faces some very “hard times” but through the refining fires she discovered the spiritual strength of our Savior and how to live life to the fullest.  She shares these experiences with a heartfelt truth that all of us can learn from to apply in our lives.

What the Scriptures Teach Us About Raising a Child,by S. Michael Wilcox, takes us through examples of Christ’s teachings and how He taught His disciples in His ministry.  The author uses the many scriptural references and stories to relate to families and how we can learn in order to teach our children effectively, earnestly, humbly and with a righteous desire.  The remedy here should build families with spiritual and emotional strength to last forever!

I Hate it When Exercise is the Answer:  A Fitness Program for the Soul,by Emily Watts, is a delightful, funny and educational book to help us by relating day-to-day events to spiritual worthiness.  For instance, how a tax return teaches long-reaching perspectives and the importance of indulging or not indulging in righteous endeavors.  This book is definitely a nice pick-me-up for the soul!