Synopsis:

Rick is facing some problems in his life. Because he is feeling unappreciated and unloved in his marriage he is considering calling it quits. Through a few special visits from his Grandfather, he learns that “being mistreated is the most important condition of mortality, for eternity itself depends on how we view those that mistreat us.” He learns how to use Christ’s atonement to heal his heart and start anew.

Review:

I love this book and believe that if you only read 5 books in your life, this should be one of them. This book initiated such a profound change in how I search the scriptures and, in turn, deepened my relationship with my Heavenly Father in a way I could never have imagined. I give this book 5-stars.

In many ways this book is similar to “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis. The author takes us on a journey with a character that is learning as he progresses and allows us to eavesdrop on the private lessons being taught. If the reader is willing, they will be able to find application from the characters understanding to his own. Its my opinion that although its rewarding to work for something and reap the benefits, it’s also nice to receive a gift, all wrapped up with a bow, that contains everything you need for a moment. This book is one of those gifts.

Through discussion of this book with dear friends I also learned that I love books where the solution echo’s thoughts I have had prior to reading the book. I guess I just like it when I learn that my random thoughts and solutions may not be so random, other people are having them too. I like to be validated. However on the flip, I also like to learn. I want a book that will get me thinking about something new. This book did both.

On this, my second read of this book, I really enjoyed thinking and learning about agency and will. Many choose to believe we are free to choose in all things, which essentially we are, but the idea that we have endless possibilities of choice, is not so. It is possible that with all choices we really just have two options: Giving our will to God or giving our will to Satan and that is it. This thought is not new, just new to me. I’ve seen it here almost all my life but with this read it really started to click  “Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (See 2 Nephi 2:27) In short, we have no will, only the choice between serving God or mammon (Matthew 6:24). If You’re up for further elaboration & discussion on the issue, bring it on.