To members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell M. Nelson is a prophet, one who stands on the mountain top and warns of dangers ahead. While I've listened to him speak at the General Conferences of the Church over the years, I knew little about him.

For example, though I knew he had been a cardiovascular surgeon, I didn't realize he had actually been one of the pioneers of heart transplants. I knew he had 10 children, but I didn't realize he had had nine daughters before finally having a son. I knew he had learned Chinese, but I didn't realize he had learned several other languages, as well. I knew he had remarried after his first wife, Danzel, had passed away, but I hadn't heard how or why. And, to be honest, beyond the basics, I didn't know much about the man who led the Church. I had a smattering of facts that I knew, and I had felt the power of his testimony and mantle many times, but I did not know much about him.

This book, which is not a full biography, but a smattering of snapshots, is a great way to begin to know him. It covers his entire life, from his youth, as the son of inactive members of the Church, to a brilliant academic career, to his innovations in heart surgery, to his church service, and finally to his calling as a prophet and the changes in organization, temples, and procedures. Sheri Dew knows President Nelson, and she makes the story personal and inspirational, and I was constantly touched and moved. It's a fast read, and while perhaps only an overview of the highlights of his life, it's a good place to start for someone looking to learn about Russell M. Nelson's life. ( )

I sometimes wonder if we do history a disservice by writing biographies before the subject has finished their life. In this instance, I got the feeling that, though Dew has definitely closed the gap from where Condie's ended, there is at least 3 or 4 more chapters left to come.

Not that Dew does a poor job. On the contrary, as her relationship with Wendy Nelson predates her marriage, this is an intriguing look at his life (especially as they began to date and after their marriage). I also appreciate that she has done her homework. Everything is clearly documented, stories are not revised, but the first public instance of their being published is often used, with occasional clarifying remarks. She is clear, concise, fair, personal and professional.

The photos also add to the fun. The chapters are short and organized. I'm reminded of [b:I Will Lead You Along: The Life of Henry B. Eyring|19729360|I Will Lead You Along The Life of Henry B. Eyring|Robert I. Eaton; Henry J. Eyring|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1387727605s/19729360.jpg|27787924], which was a masterful, modern biography. It really makes me happy that Desert Book publishes books of this caliber. ( )

This book makes me want to be a better person.

I was delighted to find in it a version of how Russell M. Nelson and Wendy Watson met, as well as many other cases of him receiving revelation.

Sheri Dew has became a favorite author of mine. I’ve been impressed with everything I’ve read of hers. ( )