Tom Christofferson

I had to split this book up over several weekends and, about 10 minutes after I picked up the book the second time, I thought "This book is classy in hardback form."

But, as I continued to read, unable to put off finishing it for another week, I realized I was wrong. One of the synonyms of classy is stylish. Which, to me, signifies something that changes every so often, fickle, something that doesn't go past the skin. And, when I looked it up, the definition also included the word "sophisticated," which also doesn't seem to fit this book. It's definitely full of wisdom, but it's accessible.

And it goes much deeper than that. It is good, genuine, and rich---like a dessert that you need to savor in order to get the full benefit of the experience.

Christofferson wrestles with the hard questions and, sometimes, the harder or, depending on how you look at it, easier answers. He makes it seem simultaneously a relief and concern as he walks you through the reasons that charity should be our focus. Do we need to worry about a long list of do's and don'ts, how to's and how not's as we encounter surprises and, in some cases, each other as we move along life's path? No. But, lest we think that makes it easier, we must be genuine about it. It has to be internalized and that can be much harder.

Particularly haunting (in a good way) was his quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His stories, metaphors, and weaving together of quotes were also memorable. I was also impressed at the wide range of quotations. There were the usual brilliant minds but also James, Whittier, and Austen. My one quibble? (And it is a tiny one) I wanted a list of all the books he quotes at the end. But that's me.… (lisätietoja)

A thought-full book. I found much to ponder and, frankly, enjoy. He writes well, without judgement or (so it seemed to me) rancor that often seems to be present in similar conversations. His compassion and empathy are worth emulating and his life experiences bring much to the table. I thought the last several chapters were particularly well-done---giving actionable tips for families in all situations and truly testifying of the Savior.

Also, I would like to be like his mother.



*My one minor quibble, and not a huge one because the sequence of events could not be predicted, was that a certain name was dropped and I happened to read this book when that certain name ran for a political office. It was completely bad timing on my part and probably not the author's intention. I just felt bad because it turned a nice experience into a political one for 10 minutes and made me relive that last nasty ad campaign. But now I'm wondering what would be a Christlike response to "trigger" situations.… (lisätietoja)

I found this book to be very engaging and personal. It is written to both LGBTQ people, and to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The main message that Tom has is love for fellow men. Can we love all of our fellow men (and women)? This is the challenge that the Savior has given us, and he truly does love all of mankind. Unconditional love by definition eliminates how you love someone - you love simply because. Love means caring for someone without judgement. I believe that is why Christ said while he was on Earth that he "judges no man" (John 8:15-16), but in his Eternal glory, his is the judge of all.… (lisätietoja)