This is too good not to share. I saw that my book is #6 on Amazon's list of hot new Mormon releases (whatever that means).

Higher on the list is the new "Teachings of Thomas S. Monson." The first review is amazing:

"Compiling this book is not as easy as one might think. President Monson has such a strong speech style--the three points with alliteration/consonance, plus the heartwarming case studies--that it does not lend it self to a topical book. In fact, it may be better to get get his other books--Pathways to Perfection: Discourses of Thomas S. Monson, Be Your Best Self, Live the Good Life, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson, An Invitation to Exaltation (Timeless talks)--for the "full throttle" Thomas S. Monson experience.

"This is not to criticize him, his speaking abilities (he's the Mormon Ronald Reagan), or Lynne F. Cannegieter. It's just that we have this tradition, and a pressing need, to have the words of the living prophet in one place. I just wonder if we should have gone the "Discourses of Thomas S. Monson" rout like "DDiscourses of President Gordon B. Hinckley, Vol. 2: 2000-2004." It would be truer to who Thomas S. Monson is.

"But as it stands, this is the book we need. Organized topically, you can find what you need. And if not, the index is always there. I'm grateful--and this a big "plus"--for the scripture index. He gets panned as being "The 'warm fuzzy' specialist. Low octane doctrine. High octane emotion." Just look at the scriptures he cites, and cover your face in shame.

"I found it helpful--not for the new things, but the reaffirmation of old things. As John A Widtsoe said, "A seer is one who sees with spiritual eyes. He perceives the meaning of that which seems obscure to others; therefore he is an interpreter and clarifier of eternal truth." (Evidences and Reconciliations)

"And so we have one."

I thought about what I could say in response to the review, but I think it's best to let it speak for itself.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/01/2011 10:16AM by runtu.

I just thought it was hilarious. He says Monson's "speaking style" does not lend itself to a topical book. What this says to me is, "Monson doesn't really talk about anything but himself and heartwarming stories, and you can't make a book out of that."

I love how he points out the "three points with alliteration/consonance," better known as the passive triplet ("hearts were gladdened, spirits were lifted, and stomachs were filled") as if it were a sign of rhetorical skill instead of an overused gimmick. And how are we supposed to react to the stories of widows, parakeets, train sets, and dying sailors as "case studies"?

Ronald Reagan, whatever you think of him, was a gifted speaker. Monson, not so much.

But there's a thread called "Heaven Up Here - A Great Read" that links to it.

"the 'full-throttle' Thomas S. Monson experience"

Sounds like some sort of horrifying ride at a Mormon version of one of the Christian theme parks.

I just read about a survey where people say they want to add old Ronnie's face on Mt. Rushmore.

That's bad enough but imagine Monson. Those teeth!!

that was "W" senior that coined that phrase.!!

Well, since I couldn't stand Reagan and his smarmy attitude either, there might be something to it. LOL.

The above idiot is a troll

What about my post makes me a troll? Genuinely curious.

I think a post was removed. Don't remember the guy's name b ut he kept posting stuff about Mormons being in the mafia.He was probably the troll.

Thanks for clarifying. I'm a lot of things, but I don't think I'm a troll, at least most of the time.

You aren't. Maybe I'm the troll since the post is right after mine. LOL. I'm pretty sure the mafia guy was in this thread. He was pretty prolific and he was probably the troll.

BTW, did you guys know that Monson had like 200 widows in his ward that he visited every Christmas? I wish I had a penny for every time I have heard that story from him or another source.