Rating: 
Summary: "Simple Truth Miscalled 'Simplicity.'" Sonnet 66
Review: This book is geared towards the youth and teenagers, and is a companion volume to President Hinckley's "Standing For Something." So don't expect the King Follet Discourse when you read this book. Instead expect straight talk and simple language about what the youth can do about improving the world.I found this book to be refreshing in that it focuses on the way youth need to be, and what they can do to themselves to improve. It doesn't advocate the type of "Superman" activism, where people go off to other lands for a certain amount of time and solve everyone else's problems. Nor does the book rely on political-governmental solutions to the world's problems. Instead, President Hinckley suggests nine habits, or virtues, that the youth can incorporate in their lives to help change themselves. This is a quiet book. It doesn't advocate a new government bureaucracy, or tax cut to solve the problems the youth are facing. It suggests the simple and soft things we can do to make a difference. Much like the three servings of leaven that filled the whole loaf.
Rating:
Summary: "Simple Truth Miscalled 'Simplicity.'" Sonnet 66
Review: This book is geared towards the youth and teenagers, and is a companion volume to President Hinckley's "Standing For Something." So don't expect the King Follet Discourse when you read this book. Instead expect straight talk and simple language about what the youth can do about improving the world. I found this book to be refreshing in that it focuses on the way youth need to be, and what they can do to themselves to improve. It doesn't advocate the type of "Superman" activism, where people go off to other lands for a certain amount of time and solve everyone else's problems. Nor does the book rely on political-governmental solutions to the world's problems. Instead, President Hinckley suggests nine habits, or virtues, that the youth can incorporate in their lives to help change themselves. This is a quiet book. It doesn't advocate a new government bureaucracy, or tax cut to solve the problems the youth are facing. It suggests the simple and soft things we can do to make a difference. Much like the three servings of leaven that filled the whole loaf.
Rating:
Summary: It's worth your time.
Review: This book is very simple and it's a quick read (you can finish it in an afternoon). It's also fun and inspires without being preachy or using guilt. The heartfelt suggestions encourage one to simply be a better person and the themes are memorable. It's worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: "Be" Attitudes!
Review: This is quite a friendly book. It has very soft and relaxing pictures that match its soft and reassuring message. Admittedly, this book has a pastoral feel to it, and isn't a deep theological work. Some people see things work in practice, and wonder if they can work in theory. This book is very practical. It is directed to the youth of the world, primarily pre-teen and teenagers, but I believe it works for anyone of any age. In it, President Hinckley outlines nine "Ways to Be." In this sense, it is a youth edition of this "Standing For Something," which lists ten virtues for adults. The nine "Ways to Be" are: Be Grateful.
Be Smart.
Be Involved.
Be Clean.
Be True.
Be Positive.
Be Humble.
Be Still.
Be Prayerful. Each chapter discusses why these virtues-or "be-attitudes"-are important, and how we can live these virtues. President Hinckley's strength is that he uses homespun examples, and simple language, much like the Bishop Bienvenu in "Les Miserables." Sometimes, getting to heavy with doctrine, such as Elder Bruce R. McConkie or Thomas Aquinas taught, can put people off and be counter-effective. However, President Hinckley keeps the language simple, clear, and very prophetic. I found his chapter on "Be Still" to be intriguing. It is said that religion is the opiate of the masses, except in Utah where it is an amphetamine. The opening ceremonies at the 2002 Winter Olympics was done by local volunteers. However, President Hinckley encourages us to seek the quieter times and places in our lives. It reminds me of Jesus Christ seeking places of solitude during his ministry. It sticks in my mind because it is so unusual. I think the most enchanting thing about the book is that it is affirming. There isn't any negativity, doom and gloom, or hellfire and damnation, but a clear message of what we individually do within our spheres of action and in life.
Rating:
Summary: "Be" Attitudes!
Review: This is quite a friendly book. It has very soft and relaxing pictures that match its soft and reassuring message. Admittedly, this book has a pastoral feel to it, and isn't a deep theological work. Some people see things work in practice, and wonder if they can work in theory. This book is very practical. It is directed to the youth of the world, primarily pre-teen and teenagers, but I believe it works for anyone of any age. In it, President Hinckley outlines nine "Ways to Be." In this sense, it is a youth edition of this "Standing For Something," which lists ten virtues for adults. The nine "Ways to Be" are: Be Grateful.
Be Smart.
Be Involved.
Be Clean.
Be True.
Be Positive.
Be Humble.
Be Still.
Be Prayerful. Each chapter discusses why these virtues-or "be-attitudes"-are important, and how we can live these virtues. President Hinckley's strength is that he uses homespun examples, and simple language, much like the Bishop Bienvenu in "Les Miserables." Sometimes, getting to heavy with doctrine, such as Elder Bruce R. McConkie or Thomas Aquinas taught, can put people off and be counter-effective. However, President Hinckley keeps the language simple, clear, and very prophetic. I found his chapter on "Be Still" to be intriguing. It is said that religion is the opiate of the masses, except in Utah where it is an amphetamine. The opening ceremonies at the 2002 Winter Olympics was done by local volunteers. However, President Hinckley encourages us to seek the quieter times and places in our lives. It reminds me of Jesus Christ seeking places of solitude during his ministry. It sticks in my mind because it is so unusual. I think the most enchanting thing about the book is that it is affirming. There isn't any negativity, doom and gloom, or hellfire and damnation, but a clear message of what we individually do within our spheres of action and in life.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This is the perfect book for our family with 15 grandchildren. We gave a copy to every one of them and it is referred to daily. What wonderful direction for youth (and adults) in a very confusing world. Thanks to Gordon B. Hinckley. dd
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