To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson by Heidi S. Swinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book is inspiring and at times made me laugh and cry. I'm glad to learn more about Pres. Monson's life. I loved the chapters on East Germany, and I enjoyed many of the stories and experiences throughout the book. I would recommend it as overall very worthwhile and enjoyable to read.

But specifically, I was less impressed with the author's writing style, although it didn't ruin the book for me (but it was distracting). I didn't like the way sometimes each paragraph was a unique story, and there was no separation between that and the next story; you thought you would be reading more detail about something, but it jumped right into another unrelated experience. And often the phrases she used were very cliche. Also, I would have enjoyed a bit more insight into Sis. Monson and her personality and influence, but it seemed to be purposely avoided.

Despite the drawbacks, I loved the way the book made me want to be better, and do more for others. Pres. Monson is a wonderful man and a wonderful prophet, and he doesn't miss opportunities to do what he is on this earth to do.

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Prologue: The Brothers by Chris Stewart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The setting is the pre-existence, leading up to the war in Heaven. The author has some interesting ideas, and I found this novel thought provoking. I would have given it 3 1/2 or 4 stars, but the quality and style of writing just wasn't that impressive to me, and it could have used another round of careful editing. This is the first in a series of three books.

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Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A really interesting look at Walt Disney's life. I was impressed with his determined and optimistic vision, his drive to work hard, his standard for excellence, and his desire to keep expanding his accomplishments beyond each success he achieved. Also, this book dispelled a myth I had heard that upon his death he had his body frozen, hoping that some future medical breakthrough would extend his life. He was cremated.

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Counseling With Our Councils: Learning To Minister Together In The Church And In The Family by M. Russell Ballard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elder Ballard illustrates how councils within the church and family should work. This book is filled with inspired guidance which can benefit couples/parents and all church members as they strive to be more effective in their callings. Should be part of the church handbook!

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Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found it inspiring and uplifting to read this book. I had new insights and couldn't help but turn down the corners of a few pages. It was also great to get little glimpses into the lives of Relief Society sisters from the past, and to learn some new things about what Relief Society sisters and leaders were involved in over a span of 170 years.

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Seven Miracles That Saved America: Why They Matter and Why We Should Have Hope by Chris Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great book with a great message. God has not given up on America, and the authors use seven situations dating from Columbus to Ronald Reagan to illustrate the point. Within each of the chapters is a dramatized "story" retelling some of the events, and my only complaint about the book was that sometimes (not always) I found this distracting/annoying. Other than that, I loved it. Definitely a book worth recommending to teenagers to get a more interesting and insightful analysis of history than is found in textbooks!

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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

See my general review of the series under "The Hunger Games."

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