"THE BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDE: Start to Finish," by Thomas R. Valletta, general editor, Deseret Book, $29.99, 921 pages (nf)
Whether for a seminary-age novice of the gospel or a seasoned teacher, “THE BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDE: Start to Finish” is a valuable commentary compiled with a specific purpose.
The aim of the book is to help readers, in the words of President Ezra Taft Benson, make studying the Book of Mormon a “lifetime pursuit.” This goal is aided by the scope of the commentary as it touches on subjects ranging from gospel doctrine to cultural context and symbolism to history and literary aspects of the book.
Weighing in at just over 900 pages, one of the greatest strengths of the book is its beautifully simple design that avoids any trace of messiness.
The Book of Mormon is covered in sequential order and topics are presented by asking succinct questions in bold print followed by concise commentary. This approach allows readers to skim for points of interest, read from page to page, or use in isolated portions as a supplemental guide to the scriptures.
Furthermore, the book carves out its place among Book of Mormon commentaries as a consequence not only of its Q&A format but also the simple and often remarkably specific questions themselves.
“'The Book of Mormon Study Guide,'” writes general editor Thomas R. Valletta, “provides … thought-provoking questions and edifying insights into the Book of Mormon, as well as helpful approaches to studying, pondering and applying doctrines and principles.”
Kurt Manwaring is a business consultant who resides in Taylorsville.. He maintains a personal blog at www.kurtsperspective.blogspot.com.