Review
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Title: A Future as Bright as Your Faith: Counsel and Inspiration for Each Day of the Year
Author: Thomas S. Monson
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Nonfiction
Year Published: 2015
Number of Pages: 396
Binding: Hardback
ISBN10: ISBN13: 978-1-62972-113-2
Price: $15.99
Reviewed by Kristie Wilkins for the Association for Mormon Letters
Over his astonishing 52-year ministry President Thomas S. Monson has testified of every aspect of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. His words have resonated in the hearts of millions of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints around the world and countless others with whom those words have been shared. Lives have been changed; hearts have been touched by the love and faith of this brilliant leader and humble, gentle, man.
“A Future as Bright as Your Faith: Counsel and Inspiration for Each Day of the Year” is a delightful way to keep the words and counsel of President Monson in your mind each day. Presented as a devotional calendar, the book provides a scripture and quote from President Monson on a different topic daily for an entire year. The words of ancient prophets are confirmed and expounded upon by a modern day prophet, seer and revelator and therefore the spirit more powerfully conveys the topics presented.
I loved the way the book itself was designed. Intended for daily use, President Monson begins with January 1st and continues through the year. The pages are watermarked with simple, beautiful images from nature that reinforce both the topics presented and the various seasons of the year, such as wheat in September and blossoming branches in April. I noticed many topics are placed in the book by season as well. As topics head each page, the book is easy to use as a quick reference by simply flipping through it. Because of its hardback binding and small size, only 4.5 X 6″, it can travel in purses, briefcases and cars to be used anytime, anywhere.
The only addition I would recommend for this delightful book is a reference at the bottom of each page to the talk or devotional from which the quote was taken. This would allow readers who are particularly inspired by a passage to easily access the rest of the talk for further study into what President Monson is trying to teach.
I would highly recommend “A Future as Bright as Your Faith” to people of all ages and circumstances. President Monson is known for his amazing memory, his humor and his kindness and generosity. He has the ability to speak to young and old as dear friends. All of these remarkable qualities shine through in the quotes from the book. Whether you use this book to begin your day or go to the book for a respite from a busy schedule you will find inspiration, strength and comfort through the divine inspiration and insight of a prophet of God to help guide you through life’s many challenges.