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A Disciple's Life: The Biography of Neal A. Maxwell
Compassionate, witty, politically astute, and spiritually authentic, Neal Maxwell has always been passionately engaged in life's battles. This instinct for action impelled him into the infantry in World War II where, on Okinawa, shaking and crying in a foxhole full of mud and foul water, he pledged his life to the Lord and was miraculously spared. An Apostle since 1981, Elder Maxwell has engaged a broader struggle, that between the sacred and the secular, the tension between faith and reason, and finally his greatest cause his spiritual ministry. His eloquent defense of Christianity and his brilliant reconciliation of faith and intellect are a rich legacy. But beyond that, he has shown that with the Savior's help, ordinary people can be better, less competitive, more loving, and receive the soul-transforming gift of charity. In this inspiring, sometimes humorous, and moving biography, Elder Bruce C. Hafen has painted an intimate portrait of a beloved Apostle, capturing the warm, personal stories that reveal the heart and mind of a true disciple of Christ.
631 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2002
About the author
Bruce C. Hafen
27 books26 followersBruce C. Hafen has been a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy since 1996, having served recently as Area President of the Australia/New Zealand area. Earlier he was president of Ricks College, Dean of the BYU Law School, and the number two administrator (Provost) at BYU. Elder Hafen is known to Deseret Book readers for his frequent Ensign articles and his bestselling trilogy on the Atonement, which includes the award-winning book The Broken Heart.
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August 21, 2014
This is a remarkable book about a wonderful man! I learned so much about Elder Maxwell and the growth of the Church during his lifetime, as well as the church organization and structure. It’s fascinating to see how the Church operates and grows and adapts and how the work is hastened in the Lord’s time and with the help of humble and willing instruments and individuals. I am inspired by Elder Maxwell’s life and example and this unique time period and growth for the Church. It’s so neat to see how he was always ready to do what the Lord needed Him to do.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s life was all about discipleship – coming to know the Savior and being true to Him. It was about self mastery, humility, openness, hard work, compassion, empathy, service, sacrifice.
Elder Maxwell learned from his father’s example to work hard when he was young. He was down-to-earth. He was inspired to serve his country and volunteered as a part of the “greatest generation” and at the peril of his life he came to know God, in a fox hole in Okinawa (p. 116). Afterwards he went on to serve as an incredible missionary in Canada. He came home and lead gospel discussions in college. He was a good conversationalist and had a clever way of expressing his ideas. He was visionary and saw what needed to be done and would focus on the most important strategies to get there.
He was smart and asked thoughtful questions and wanted to understand truth, but he “never worried that the findings of science or other disciplines would challenge the gospel, because he always believed, and then his experience consistently confirmed, that ‘the lessons from secular history buttress gospel principles’ more than they challenge them.’ For him, every dimension of ‘the gospel is relevant to every social problem (p. 164).’” Gospel scholarship was important to him and he lived and believed that the gospel encompasses all truth.
After college he moved to work in Washington DC. He enjoyed politics and history. I love his teachings and thoughts while there about power and meekness. He said, “Power is so attractive that only a few people can handle it….Meekness is not a common virtue (p. 211).” Meekness mattered to him. Family mattered to him. He often talked about family life as the center of society, the Church and the gospel. “Life’s most demanding tests as well as life’s most significant opportunities for growth in life usually occur within marriage and the family (p. 219).” He had a good wife who was always serving and loving as well. “If Colleen isn’t fasting for the garbage man, she’s straightening the grocery carts (p. 240).”
The Maxwells came back to Utah from DC where Neal worked at the University of Utah. He worked in university administration and used his political and journalism interests and peacemaking skills. He was a community leader and friend in a “genuine selfless way (p. 283).” He taught leadership to others. He often asked people what they would like to be remembered by to get them thinking about how they lived and lead others. Two of his mentors were President Harold B. Lee and President Spencer W. Kimball. Even while still working at the University of Utah he was very involved in the Church organization. He had important roles in the organization of the Church Education System, correlation, leadership training, public affairs and the worldwide expansion of the Church. He was influential in the Church’s expansion in Africa and Asia. He kept the handkerchief he had with him when he heard President Kimball make the announcement about the revelation on the priesthood being given to all worthy men in 1978.
Elder Maxwell did a lot to build bridges – with non-member friends and associates at the University of Utah and with leaders of nations. He knew the issues and wasn’t afraid to discuss difficult topics. He led interfaith discussions. He worked hard in public affairs to be sure we were telling our story and not letting others define who we were. He also encourage people to be involved in civic affairs and not just sit on the sidelines – beyond Church service we should be involved in community service.
He loved words. He loved to read and to write. He wrote many books. He read extensively. He read biographies. He enjoyed reading C.S. Lewis’ religious works. He enjoyed good books, but especially the scriptures of reading and learning about and following the Savior.
Even with all of his assignments and traveling all over the world he tried to focus on being an Apostle first and thinking about his assignments second. He sought after charity and offered God his heart and his life. His life was about discipleship and he “didn’t shrink” from the trials that came. He followed President Kimball’s example. When President Kimball was in the hospital for treatments of his own he was often found in others rooms visiting and blessing them. Elder Maxwell faced leukemia at the end of his life and was a great support to others in his example of discipleship and facing adversity, particularly among cancer support groups.
I am grateful for Elder Maxwell’s life, example and teachings. I loved this book and think everyone should read it – not just to be inspired by the life of an apostle, but to learn about the Lord’s work and how it is accomplished today. I was particularly grateful for the insights it gave me into my work and life. I want to be a better disciple.
Here are a few quotes I liked, but I dog-eared almost every other page and had so many other thoughts as I read that I are hard to capture here:
“I want to play in the game. I want a jersey. On the team, on this side or that side. I don’t want to sit on the sidelines (p. 19).”
“Revelation works in a natural way. There is an unmet need. As we ponder over it, the mind and experience can put forward an adequate alternative…the Lord should [not] have to do our research for us, nor should we have a feeling that revelation is a push-button kind of thing (p. 324).”
“Had he been more logically ambitious about planning his life, the path of his discipleship probably would not have developed as it did (p. 339).”
“If the Lord has your heart, you know what to do….Discipleship may keep the honors of the world from us (p. 391).”
“Anyone who knows him knows that he is an intellectual in the best sense of that word—always pushing to learn, always reading, always thinking, always using his critical faculties. And yet he has become a remarkably humble man, remarkably meek, a prototypical disciple of Christ. – Elder Oaks (p. 399)”
“When Neal spoke at Camilla Kimball’s funeral, he remembered “the authority of [her] example. President Kimball articulated and demonstrated ‘lengthen your stride,’ but there were actually two pairs of legs striding.” The Kimball marriage, like the Maxwell marriage, was an equal partnership. And Camilla’s attributes were worth emulating: “In her meekness she did not fully realize how extensively she had developed Christlike traits.” Disciples learn much from knowing and following other disciples (p. 423).”
“I realize, of course, that my real response to the call will come through the life that I live…My solemn obligation is to become more like Him step by step (p. 443).”
“The image of the Church will improve in direct proportion to the degree to which we mirror the Master in our lives. No media effort can do as much good, over the sweep of time, as can believing, behaving and serving members of the Church (p. 493).”
“We have to love our neighbor because he is there….He is the sample of humanity which is actually given us. Precisely because he may be anybody his is everybody. – G.K. Chesterton (p. 541)”
“The true disciple develops from accepting to appreciating, to adoring, and then to emulating Christ…. “If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do.” (p. 547).”
Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s life was all about discipleship – coming to know the Savior and being true to Him. It was about self mastery, humility, openness, hard work, compassion, empathy, service, sacrifice.
Elder Maxwell learned from his father’s example to work hard when he was young. He was down-to-earth. He was inspired to serve his country and volunteered as a part of the “greatest generation” and at the peril of his life he came to know God, in a fox hole in Okinawa (p. 116). Afterwards he went on to serve as an incredible missionary in Canada. He came home and lead gospel discussions in college. He was a good conversationalist and had a clever way of expressing his ideas. He was visionary and saw what needed to be done and would focus on the most important strategies to get there.
He was smart and asked thoughtful questions and wanted to understand truth, but he “never worried that the findings of science or other disciplines would challenge the gospel, because he always believed, and then his experience consistently confirmed, that ‘the lessons from secular history buttress gospel principles’ more than they challenge them.’ For him, every dimension of ‘the gospel is relevant to every social problem (p. 164).’” Gospel scholarship was important to him and he lived and believed that the gospel encompasses all truth.
After college he moved to work in Washington DC. He enjoyed politics and history. I love his teachings and thoughts while there about power and meekness. He said, “Power is so attractive that only a few people can handle it….Meekness is not a common virtue (p. 211).” Meekness mattered to him. Family mattered to him. He often talked about family life as the center of society, the Church and the gospel. “Life’s most demanding tests as well as life’s most significant opportunities for growth in life usually occur within marriage and the family (p. 219).” He had a good wife who was always serving and loving as well. “If Colleen isn’t fasting for the garbage man, she’s straightening the grocery carts (p. 240).”
The Maxwells came back to Utah from DC where Neal worked at the University of Utah. He worked in university administration and used his political and journalism interests and peacemaking skills. He was a community leader and friend in a “genuine selfless way (p. 283).” He taught leadership to others. He often asked people what they would like to be remembered by to get them thinking about how they lived and lead others. Two of his mentors were President Harold B. Lee and President Spencer W. Kimball. Even while still working at the University of Utah he was very involved in the Church organization. He had important roles in the organization of the Church Education System, correlation, leadership training, public affairs and the worldwide expansion of the Church. He was influential in the Church’s expansion in Africa and Asia. He kept the handkerchief he had with him when he heard President Kimball make the announcement about the revelation on the priesthood being given to all worthy men in 1978.
Elder Maxwell did a lot to build bridges – with non-member friends and associates at the University of Utah and with leaders of nations. He knew the issues and wasn’t afraid to discuss difficult topics. He led interfaith discussions. He worked hard in public affairs to be sure we were telling our story and not letting others define who we were. He also encourage people to be involved in civic affairs and not just sit on the sidelines – beyond Church service we should be involved in community service.
He loved words. He loved to read and to write. He wrote many books. He read extensively. He read biographies. He enjoyed reading C.S. Lewis’ religious works. He enjoyed good books, but especially the scriptures of reading and learning about and following the Savior.
Even with all of his assignments and traveling all over the world he tried to focus on being an Apostle first and thinking about his assignments second. He sought after charity and offered God his heart and his life. His life was about discipleship and he “didn’t shrink” from the trials that came. He followed President Kimball’s example. When President Kimball was in the hospital for treatments of his own he was often found in others rooms visiting and blessing them. Elder Maxwell faced leukemia at the end of his life and was a great support to others in his example of discipleship and facing adversity, particularly among cancer support groups.
I am grateful for Elder Maxwell’s life, example and teachings. I loved this book and think everyone should read it – not just to be inspired by the life of an apostle, but to learn about the Lord’s work and how it is accomplished today. I was particularly grateful for the insights it gave me into my work and life. I want to be a better disciple.
Here are a few quotes I liked, but I dog-eared almost every other page and had so many other thoughts as I read that I are hard to capture here:
“I want to play in the game. I want a jersey. On the team, on this side or that side. I don’t want to sit on the sidelines (p. 19).”
“Revelation works in a natural way. There is an unmet need. As we ponder over it, the mind and experience can put forward an adequate alternative…the Lord should [not] have to do our research for us, nor should we have a feeling that revelation is a push-button kind of thing (p. 324).”
“Had he been more logically ambitious about planning his life, the path of his discipleship probably would not have developed as it did (p. 339).”
“If the Lord has your heart, you know what to do….Discipleship may keep the honors of the world from us (p. 391).”
“Anyone who knows him knows that he is an intellectual in the best sense of that word—always pushing to learn, always reading, always thinking, always using his critical faculties. And yet he has become a remarkably humble man, remarkably meek, a prototypical disciple of Christ. – Elder Oaks (p. 399)”
“When Neal spoke at Camilla Kimball’s funeral, he remembered “the authority of [her] example. President Kimball articulated and demonstrated ‘lengthen your stride,’ but there were actually two pairs of legs striding.” The Kimball marriage, like the Maxwell marriage, was an equal partnership. And Camilla’s attributes were worth emulating: “In her meekness she did not fully realize how extensively she had developed Christlike traits.” Disciples learn much from knowing and following other disciples (p. 423).”
“I realize, of course, that my real response to the call will come through the life that I live…My solemn obligation is to become more like Him step by step (p. 443).”
“The image of the Church will improve in direct proportion to the degree to which we mirror the Master in our lives. No media effort can do as much good, over the sweep of time, as can believing, behaving and serving members of the Church (p. 493).”
“We have to love our neighbor because he is there….He is the sample of humanity which is actually given us. Precisely because he may be anybody his is everybody. – G.K. Chesterton (p. 541)”
“The true disciple develops from accepting to appreciating, to adoring, and then to emulating Christ…. “If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do.” (p. 547).”
May 3, 2008
A Disciple’s Life written by Bruce C. Hafen is a marvelous biography that shows Neal A. Maxwell’s personality and accomplishments but also includes his weaknesses and struggles. It doesn’t make the mistake of some general authority biographies that try to whitewash a life and paint it too good to be true. But what is even more appealing in this biography is the inclusion of Bruce Hafen’s marvelous insights and thought processes in addition to Neal Maxwell’s fascinating personality and life. Another bonus is that the Maxwell family history encapsulates the history of the church during the last half of the 20th century. If you like biographies, church history, or just a fascinating story about an amazing man and his biographer, I recommend this book. It was great.
September 10, 2020
Finished this one last night. Shows how someone fairly rough around the edges can become a truly wonderful person.
November 16, 2023
Elder Neal A. Maxwell was always one of my favorite speakers. This biography was written and published near the end of his life during his second remission from leukemia. It covers his early life, his experiences on Okinawa in WWII, his political and educational careers, as well as his work with the Church and calling as an Apostle. It isn't always a fascinating account - there's maybe more detail and time spent on the parts that aren't as interesting than I'd have preferred - but Bruce Hafen ties everything together into how it shaped the person and the disciple (and Disciple) that Elder Maxwell became. There were parts that I skimmed, but there's also so much inspirational material here. Neal A. Maxwell was truly an inspirational man, not just in the wonderful talks he gave, but in the life he lead.
(Note: this book was converted from print to electronic - I read the Kindle version - but not very well. There's a lot of missing punctuation that sometimes makes it a little confusing, but still worthwhile.)
(Note: this book was converted from print to electronic - I read the Kindle version - but not very well. There's a lot of missing punctuation that sometimes makes it a little confusing, but still worthwhile.)
November 24, 2017
Can't say enough about the life of this man.
November 11, 2016
I really enjoyed the spiritual insights and some of the interactions and opinions of and between the apostles. I learned quite a bit about more recent church history. However the book probably could have been about 2/3 as long; there was a lot of commentary and scene-setting that could have been reduced.
April 17, 2021
1-10 Takeaways:
1) In March 2000, while pondering both the dreadful and miraculous parts of his battle with leukemia, the voice of the Lord came to his mind and said, "I have given you leukemia that you might teach my people with authenticity." This is a "wintry doctrine." Elder Maxwell himself taught it many times, for example, "we may suffer because of our sins or because of life's adversities, but, in addition, God may 'inflict' suffering on disciples 'because [He] deliberately chooses to school us.'" By joining "the fellowship of His suffering", we "endure "chastening" so as to "be sanctified" (Philippians 3:10; D&C 101:5). It seems that personal development past a certain point is not possible without pain. Our old hearts have to be first broken so that we can then receive "new hearts" (Ezek. 18:31). In the process of theosis, we must be "willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us]" (Mosiah 3:19). Elder Maxwell is known for his way with words; but, the eloquence of his words are believable because they have been "dipped and seasoned" in his heart through tailored trials from the Lord.
2) Upon receiving his diagnosis, Elder Maxwell told his wife, "I just don't want to shrink" (reference to the Saviors sacrifice when He said, "would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink" in D&C 19:18). Excerpt from story of Elder Maxwell visiting with a family who's dad was dying from cancer: "Heavenly Father, bless my daddy, and if you need him more than us, you can have him. We want him, but Thy will be done. And please help us not to be mad at you." (9 yr old Melissa praying for her terminally ill father). "Certain forms of suffering, endured well, can actually be ennobling.. Part of enduring well consist of being meek enough, amid our suffering, to learn from our relevant experiences... in ways which sanctify us."
3) Hafen highlights Colleen Maxwell's influence on Elder Maxwell (much more patient/service oriented) and goes so far as to say, after their marriage, "The story from this point forward is theirs." Elder Maxwell himself acknowledged the difference between himself and his wife that is common across Church culture. "Neal has often told Latter-day Saint congregations that for too long, women of the Church has been the Christians while the men have been the theologians. Stirred by Colleen's example, he has encouraged a sharing and balancing of those functions, so that all Latter-day Saint men and women might seek to be both Christians and theologians."
4) I appreciate Hafen's inclusion of Elder Maxwell's flaws over the years (occasionally critical, impatient and even a proclivity to curse). These understandable and even minimal flaws were transformed through the example of his wife and devotion to the Savior.
5) Elder Maxwell was a proponent of the Church telling its story before other entities did so erroneously (helped Gordon B. Hinckley participate in national news interviews, helped legitimatize FARMS, etc.); but, he knew that the Church should never would try to prove the truthfulness of the Church but instead "verify the plausibility of religious propositions." Elder Maxwell knew that belief could not be compelled but he supported rational arguments in favor of religion so as to "maintain a climate in which belief may flourish" (Farrer).
6) Discipleship seems to be the overlap between work and meekness.
7) Elder Maxwell saved his tear soaked handkerchief from the 1978 temple meeting in which it was announced that all worthy males would receive the priesthood (black priesthood ban). In 1988 in Nigeria , he dedicated the first all black stake and saved his handkerchief from that meeting as well after doing the "Hosanna Shout."
8) Elder Maxwell saw the transition from Apostles being both administrators and advocates of certain programs to primarily "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world" (D&C 107:23). This was done through correlation, simplification and delegation. Elder Maxwell was the head of the Correlation Committee which sought to establish harmony/uniformity across Church programs and materials. Delegation was primarily done through establishing the Presiding Bishopric (material concerns of the Church) and the Area 70 presidencies (ideally/regularly comprised of local leaders).
9) The Church has gone to great lengths to empower its members academically (the creation of many secular schools over the world that only stopped being funded once local governments could provide a decent education). Interestingly, the Church defies educational norms by seeing greater retention/dedication in its educated members rather than less.
10) I appreciate the parenting style of Emma Maxwell, Elder Maxwell's mother. As a child, Elder Maxwell, would bite people and things out of frustration. One day, he bit a friend and that friend came crying to Emma and Emma told him to go and bite Elder Maxwell, back. That solved the childhood behavior problem of biting. I like the idea of letting a kid experience the natural social consequences of their actions rather than intervening because intervening authority figures regularly don't exist in the real world.
1-10 Questions:
1) In "the problem of evil" it is a challenge to reconcile a perfectly good God with the existence of evil. The existence of evil is not too hard to rationalize when considering the superseding necessity of human agency best demonstrated by Eve in the Garden of Eden choosing the fallen but full world over the holy but limited world. But, how does God remain perfectly good when He inflicts evil on His children for their schooling (Elder Maxwell getting leukemia, Abraham being commanded to perform human sacrifice, etc.)? (Is it because these types of scenarios are reserved for individuals that desire that level of instruction/transformation and there is no other way to obtain a character in keeping with Christ's without passing through similar misfortune?).
1) In March 2000, while pondering both the dreadful and miraculous parts of his battle with leukemia, the voice of the Lord came to his mind and said, "I have given you leukemia that you might teach my people with authenticity." This is a "wintry doctrine." Elder Maxwell himself taught it many times, for example, "we may suffer because of our sins or because of life's adversities, but, in addition, God may 'inflict' suffering on disciples 'because [He] deliberately chooses to school us.'" By joining "the fellowship of His suffering", we "endure "chastening" so as to "be sanctified" (Philippians 3:10; D&C 101:5). It seems that personal development past a certain point is not possible without pain. Our old hearts have to be first broken so that we can then receive "new hearts" (Ezek. 18:31). In the process of theosis, we must be "willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us]" (Mosiah 3:19). Elder Maxwell is known for his way with words; but, the eloquence of his words are believable because they have been "dipped and seasoned" in his heart through tailored trials from the Lord.
2) Upon receiving his diagnosis, Elder Maxwell told his wife, "I just don't want to shrink" (reference to the Saviors sacrifice when He said, "would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink" in D&C 19:18). Excerpt from story of Elder Maxwell visiting with a family who's dad was dying from cancer: "Heavenly Father, bless my daddy, and if you need him more than us, you can have him. We want him, but Thy will be done. And please help us not to be mad at you." (9 yr old Melissa praying for her terminally ill father). "Certain forms of suffering, endured well, can actually be ennobling.. Part of enduring well consist of being meek enough, amid our suffering, to learn from our relevant experiences... in ways which sanctify us."
3) Hafen highlights Colleen Maxwell's influence on Elder Maxwell (much more patient/service oriented) and goes so far as to say, after their marriage, "The story from this point forward is theirs." Elder Maxwell himself acknowledged the difference between himself and his wife that is common across Church culture. "Neal has often told Latter-day Saint congregations that for too long, women of the Church has been the Christians while the men have been the theologians. Stirred by Colleen's example, he has encouraged a sharing and balancing of those functions, so that all Latter-day Saint men and women might seek to be both Christians and theologians."
4) I appreciate Hafen's inclusion of Elder Maxwell's flaws over the years (occasionally critical, impatient and even a proclivity to curse). These understandable and even minimal flaws were transformed through the example of his wife and devotion to the Savior.
5) Elder Maxwell was a proponent of the Church telling its story before other entities did so erroneously (helped Gordon B. Hinckley participate in national news interviews, helped legitimatize FARMS, etc.); but, he knew that the Church should never would try to prove the truthfulness of the Church but instead "verify the plausibility of religious propositions." Elder Maxwell knew that belief could not be compelled but he supported rational arguments in favor of religion so as to "maintain a climate in which belief may flourish" (Farrer).
6) Discipleship seems to be the overlap between work and meekness.
7) Elder Maxwell saved his tear soaked handkerchief from the 1978 temple meeting in which it was announced that all worthy males would receive the priesthood (black priesthood ban). In 1988 in Nigeria , he dedicated the first all black stake and saved his handkerchief from that meeting as well after doing the "Hosanna Shout."
8) Elder Maxwell saw the transition from Apostles being both administrators and advocates of certain programs to primarily "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world" (D&C 107:23). This was done through correlation, simplification and delegation. Elder Maxwell was the head of the Correlation Committee which sought to establish harmony/uniformity across Church programs and materials. Delegation was primarily done through establishing the Presiding Bishopric (material concerns of the Church) and the Area 70 presidencies (ideally/regularly comprised of local leaders).
9) The Church has gone to great lengths to empower its members academically (the creation of many secular schools over the world that only stopped being funded once local governments could provide a decent education). Interestingly, the Church defies educational norms by seeing greater retention/dedication in its educated members rather than less.
10) I appreciate the parenting style of Emma Maxwell, Elder Maxwell's mother. As a child, Elder Maxwell, would bite people and things out of frustration. One day, he bit a friend and that friend came crying to Emma and Emma told him to go and bite Elder Maxwell, back. That solved the childhood behavior problem of biting. I like the idea of letting a kid experience the natural social consequences of their actions rather than intervening because intervening authority figures regularly don't exist in the real world.
1-10 Questions:
1) In "the problem of evil" it is a challenge to reconcile a perfectly good God with the existence of evil. The existence of evil is not too hard to rationalize when considering the superseding necessity of human agency best demonstrated by Eve in the Garden of Eden choosing the fallen but full world over the holy but limited world. But, how does God remain perfectly good when He inflicts evil on His children for their schooling (Elder Maxwell getting leukemia, Abraham being commanded to perform human sacrifice, etc.)? (Is it because these types of scenarios are reserved for individuals that desire that level of instruction/transformation and there is no other way to obtain a character in keeping with Christ's without passing through similar misfortune?).
April 25, 2024
This book is hefty, yet worthwhile for someone who loves Neal A. Maxwell (a category I fall into) or 1900s Church history.
I loved all of the references to the British apologists — in order of frequency: CS Lewis, GK Chesterton, and George MacDonald.
One could easily get lost in the host of names that are dropped in. Preexisting additional context regarding some of the other characters was remarkably helpful. This is not your "introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" type book. It was written initially for an audience that has far more background awareness of some of the topics than I do, so I learned a lot about how church functioning has changed over the past 100 years or so, which was interesting in and of itself.
I of course loved the extended discussion of Elder Maxwell's characteristic writing style. I loved the chapters about his wife and family; I wish more of their stories had been included in later chapters (although I understand why the focus was on work he performed outside of his home).
I learned much from this book — both about Elder Maxwell, the Church's history, organizational functioning, and characters mentioned whom I was familiar or less familiar with. I have read and loved Beverly Campbell's "Eve and the Choice Made in Eden" but had no concept of who she was. This book allowed me to learn more about her, as one example of a significant peripheral character.
Elder Hafen is an incredible writer and it was a pleasure to read his commentary as well. Good stuff all around.
4.5 stars.
I loved all of the references to the British apologists — in order of frequency: CS Lewis, GK Chesterton, and George MacDonald.
One could easily get lost in the host of names that are dropped in. Preexisting additional context regarding some of the other characters was remarkably helpful. This is not your "introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" type book. It was written initially for an audience that has far more background awareness of some of the topics than I do, so I learned a lot about how church functioning has changed over the past 100 years or so, which was interesting in and of itself.
I of course loved the extended discussion of Elder Maxwell's characteristic writing style. I loved the chapters about his wife and family; I wish more of their stories had been included in later chapters (although I understand why the focus was on work he performed outside of his home).
I learned much from this book — both about Elder Maxwell, the Church's history, organizational functioning, and characters mentioned whom I was familiar or less familiar with. I have read and loved Beverly Campbell's "Eve and the Choice Made in Eden" but had no concept of who she was. This book allowed me to learn more about her, as one example of a significant peripheral character.
Elder Hafen is an incredible writer and it was a pleasure to read his commentary as well. Good stuff all around.
4.5 stars.
January 14, 2021
You become a better person by reading about great people, and this book fits the bill. How I loved listening to Elder Maxwell speak! When he'd walk to the pulpit, you could almost see the entire congregation sit up straighter/taller, while pulling out our intellectual and spiritual bowls to be filled, knowing they'd quickly be overflowing with more than could possibly be held.
He had such a love affair with words! While most of us can go on and on to get a point across, over the years Elder Maxwell learned how to condense great ideas into crunched up golden nuggets of phrase like:
"Death is a mere comma, not an exclamation point!"
"As we wait upon those who are dying...we brush against the veil, as goodbyes and greetings are said almost within earshot of each other."
"Some make the sacred womb a tomb" (abortion)
"Pilates hands were never dirtier than just after he washed them."
"Babylon does not give exit permits gladly."
"Even if we decide to leave Babylon, some of us endeavor to keep a second residence there, or we commute on weekends."
I loved how Bruce Hafen, the author, describes how Elder Maxwell honed his linguistic skills over the years. The phrases didn't just flow off his golden tongue. He would ponder, chew, try out (often on his wife, Colleen) his phrases and sentences. And speaking of his wife, she was a magnificent help- meet, confidant, counselor and companion.
Neal Maxwells come along once in a lifetime. In fact, when Elder Maxwell was diagnosed with leukemia and his prognosis was not good, one of the apostles said, "No! You can't leave. You are too needed on this side!"
My husband and I enjoyed reading this together each morning. Three stars are because of some tedious (for me) and a few hard to understand parts.
He had such a love affair with words! While most of us can go on and on to get a point across, over the years Elder Maxwell learned how to condense great ideas into crunched up golden nuggets of phrase like:
"Death is a mere comma, not an exclamation point!"
"As we wait upon those who are dying...we brush against the veil, as goodbyes and greetings are said almost within earshot of each other."
"Some make the sacred womb a tomb" (abortion)
"Pilates hands were never dirtier than just after he washed them."
"Babylon does not give exit permits gladly."
"Even if we decide to leave Babylon, some of us endeavor to keep a second residence there, or we commute on weekends."
I loved how Bruce Hafen, the author, describes how Elder Maxwell honed his linguistic skills over the years. The phrases didn't just flow off his golden tongue. He would ponder, chew, try out (often on his wife, Colleen) his phrases and sentences. And speaking of his wife, she was a magnificent help- meet, confidant, counselor and companion.
Neal Maxwells come along once in a lifetime. In fact, when Elder Maxwell was diagnosed with leukemia and his prognosis was not good, one of the apostles said, "No! You can't leave. You are too needed on this side!"
My husband and I enjoyed reading this together each morning. Three stars are because of some tedious (for me) and a few hard to understand parts.
May 28, 2012
Ironic that a man so incredibly unique and unquestionably authentic is probably viewed by much of the world as a quaint Christian blindly following the religious crowd. We learn from Neal A. Maxwell, however, that many ironies will ultimately be realized by humanity, such as the beautiful truth that the meek followers of Christ who submit to God's will can experience the greatest peace and joy in this life and will eventually receive "all that God hath."
Elder Maxwell's struggles with, for example, impatience and "not suffering fools" provides useful context for his personal path of discipleship and offers hope to individuals who are beset by weaknesses and failings impeding their own walk of faith. People can change. Positive character traits that are not innate can be developed through concerted effort and, most importantly, reliance on the Lord.
The narrative is so fluid that potentially dry topics such as the Church's Correlation Department (which Elder Maxwell was instrumental in guiding) were actually quite fascinating to read about. Anyone that has an interest in 20th century developments within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the role played by one of the Church's foremost orators, mediators and examples of true discipleship should read this biography.
Elder Maxwell's struggles with, for example, impatience and "not suffering fools" provides useful context for his personal path of discipleship and offers hope to individuals who are beset by weaknesses and failings impeding their own walk of faith. People can change. Positive character traits that are not innate can be developed through concerted effort and, most importantly, reliance on the Lord.
The narrative is so fluid that potentially dry topics such as the Church's Correlation Department (which Elder Maxwell was instrumental in guiding) were actually quite fascinating to read about. Anyone that has an interest in 20th century developments within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the role played by one of the Church's foremost orators, mediators and examples of true discipleship should read this biography.
May 27, 2008
Best LDS Biography overall. Maxwell is portrayed as a human...and yet you come away knowing he is an apostle.
May 30, 2024
Phenomenal biography of one of my all-time favorite speakers and teachers.
February 2, 2019
The ultimate takeaway from my reading of this book is indicated hinted at in the title, that theme being discipleship. Neal taught discipleship partly through the prose of his numberless oratorios and writings and partly through his meekness as he strove diligently to live a life which emulated Christ.
He taught and demonstrated that when we suffer we do so with Christ, and that such suffering is an indication of a loving Heavenly Father’s investment in us, as such sufferings are courses for our development in the curriculum of mortality.
Of particular I found a special resonation with the first two and final two chapters of this book, which focused more profoundly on discipleship and its relationship with meekness and suffering.
Additionally, learning about his pre-apostolic life, beginning with childhood and up through mature adulthood, you find that the life of a special witness really isn’t much different than the life you or I live.
I thought it got a bit dry at certain points where it discussed some of his administrative roles with the University of Utah and in the Church’s development of a correlation program, but overall I found this biography to be both spiritually and intellectually enlightening, as well as profoundly relatable.
He taught and demonstrated that when we suffer we do so with Christ, and that such suffering is an indication of a loving Heavenly Father’s investment in us, as such sufferings are courses for our development in the curriculum of mortality.
Of particular I found a special resonation with the first two and final two chapters of this book, which focused more profoundly on discipleship and its relationship with meekness and suffering.
Additionally, learning about his pre-apostolic life, beginning with childhood and up through mature adulthood, you find that the life of a special witness really isn’t much different than the life you or I live.
I thought it got a bit dry at certain points where it discussed some of his administrative roles with the University of Utah and in the Church’s development of a correlation program, but overall I found this biography to be both spiritually and intellectually enlightening, as well as profoundly relatable.
June 17, 2021
I've heard from many that this is a terrific biography. It's been on my to-read shelf for a long while. Now, having thoroughly enjoyed it, I am more moved by the message shared repeatedly and demonstrated so well by Elder Neal Maxwell that true Christianity while soothing and lovely can also be trying and downright difficult -- all part of the journey in becoming one with and hopefully more like the Master.
March 23, 2018
I'll admit to a certain bias in my review - i follow the same faith tradition as Neal Maxwell and I've admired his writing for years. With that said, I really enjoyed reading this biography. It's a long one and definitely took me a while (interspersed with other reading :) ) but I enjoyed coming back to it each time. I would definitely recommend it.
March 31, 2016
- This was my third attempt to read this book, and I finished this time!! Woo!! Elder Maxwell was my favorite speaker as a teen, and it has always been a goal of mine to finish this book. I DID IT!
- This book was part text book, part biography, part BYU history, part church history, and part uplifting. I wish it had been mostly biography and uplifting. I really didn't need the all the BYU history and church history. Those parts were tedious to read.
- I was really moved by Elder Maxwell's obedience, especially during World War II.
- I like that the author didn't sugarcoat the horrors of war. The chapters about World War II were some of my favorite. It was thrilling to read about, and I loved how Elder Maxwell's faith got him through.
- I love how highly Elder Maxwell praises his wife. They supported and loved each other, and they were true companions and partners. It is nice to read about marriages like that.
- A lot of Elder Maxwell's university days read like a textbook. It was very boring, and I didn't really understand much of it.
- I liked finding similarities between Elder Maxwell and myself. I also get bored in church and start reading my scriptures, I am having to learn empathy, and I'm often impatient and in a hurry to get things done.
- I love how the author addressed the way Neal Maxwell spoke. It was very interesting to read how he developed his cadence of speech. His love for language and words was fun to read about, and I love the quotes from the other apostles about Elder Maxwell's speech.
- Elder Maxwell was an incredible man, and he accomplished so much in his life. Even though I struggled through some of the book, I'm really glad I read it. His story is inspiring.
- This book was part text book, part biography, part BYU history, part church history, and part uplifting. I wish it had been mostly biography and uplifting. I really didn't need the all the BYU history and church history. Those parts were tedious to read.
- I was really moved by Elder Maxwell's obedience, especially during World War II.
- I like that the author didn't sugarcoat the horrors of war. The chapters about World War II were some of my favorite. It was thrilling to read about, and I loved how Elder Maxwell's faith got him through.
- I love how highly Elder Maxwell praises his wife. They supported and loved each other, and they were true companions and partners. It is nice to read about marriages like that.
- A lot of Elder Maxwell's university days read like a textbook. It was very boring, and I didn't really understand much of it.
- I liked finding similarities between Elder Maxwell and myself. I also get bored in church and start reading my scriptures, I am having to learn empathy, and I'm often impatient and in a hurry to get things done.
- I love how the author addressed the way Neal Maxwell spoke. It was very interesting to read how he developed his cadence of speech. His love for language and words was fun to read about, and I love the quotes from the other apostles about Elder Maxwell's speech.
- Elder Maxwell was an incredible man, and he accomplished so much in his life. Even though I struggled through some of the book, I'm really glad I read it. His story is inspiring.
February 11, 2011
Such a good biography! Having the chapters and sections organized topically instead of progressing through the book chronologically made it such a good read for me. But that was not its main attraction. This was an important work, a significant read, and life-changing.
I remember hearing the news that Elder Maxwell had passed away. I was kneeling on the floor in my dad's office one early morning, turning on the radio. I heard the news just then and I began to cry. I didn't get up for a long time. I remember feeling just a tremendous loss. I had never met him, but I think everyone could tell that he was special.
It surprised me greatly to learn, when reading the beginning of the book, that Elder Maxwell was once an impatient and intellectually elitist young man. That is to say, he was normal. I guess I too falsely believed in what Bruce C. Hafen described as "General Authorities being born in suits and ties." Elder Maxwell had so many gifts and talents, like his use for words and his very quick and sharp mind. He had foibles too. But his whole life he used discipline and self-mastery (which turned into discipleship) to grow his talents, create good characteristics that he didn't have, and eradicate his weaknesses. The last chapter talked about the price of discipleship, and Elder Maxwell paid that price, by giving up all worldliness and battling with leukemia so that he could draw closer and be more like Christ. It wasn't an easy road but that specialness we all felt from Elder Maxwell was the result from his life efforts. It was inspiring to read about such a life, to feel that perhaps becoming such a good person and disciple is possible.
I remember hearing the news that Elder Maxwell had passed away. I was kneeling on the floor in my dad's office one early morning, turning on the radio. I heard the news just then and I began to cry. I didn't get up for a long time. I remember feeling just a tremendous loss. I had never met him, but I think everyone could tell that he was special.
It surprised me greatly to learn, when reading the beginning of the book, that Elder Maxwell was once an impatient and intellectually elitist young man. That is to say, he was normal. I guess I too falsely believed in what Bruce C. Hafen described as "General Authorities being born in suits and ties." Elder Maxwell had so many gifts and talents, like his use for words and his very quick and sharp mind. He had foibles too. But his whole life he used discipline and self-mastery (which turned into discipleship) to grow his talents, create good characteristics that he didn't have, and eradicate his weaknesses. The last chapter talked about the price of discipleship, and Elder Maxwell paid that price, by giving up all worldliness and battling with leukemia so that he could draw closer and be more like Christ. It wasn't an easy road but that specialness we all felt from Elder Maxwell was the result from his life efforts. It was inspiring to read about such a life, to feel that perhaps becoming such a good person and disciple is possible.
March 7, 2014
It took me 5 years to get through the first two-thirds and about 5 hours to get through the final third of this biography by former BYU Law School Dean Bruce Hafen. I really don't remember too many stories from Neal Ash Maxwell's life, but I will remember his habits and his transformation. My favorite quality of his was his reading style, he liked to go digging for gems of wisdom in periodicals, histories, speeches and biographies. "Neal Maxwell is a nugget hunter. He writes the same way he reads, and for him a book is a 'good read' if it has even a few memorable images and specific insights." By Maxwell's own standard, then, this is a good read. I appreciate his Aristotelian approach to the gospel. He was true to its principles, but he showed extraordinary awareness of the practical implications of Mormon ideology. This made him a great example of being a builder between the LDS Church and political institutions, media outlets, and members of the Church who don't fit the traditional conservative-Republican Mormon stereotype.
June 1, 2008
This book is very well written and moves fast. This could possibly my favorite LDS biography, given my affinity for Maxwell's style, philsophy, and character.
April 6, 2020
Excellent and extensive biography (up to 2002) of a most uncommon Apostle and disciple of Christ. Well-known for both his unique use of words and language and personal sterling character, Maxwell's personal faith and ministry is examined to show both his God-given abilities and the growth of his personal discipleship in his life and the life of the Church during his service.
A few insights and/or quotes, which is obviously, non-exhaustive:
- Whatever else his teenage acne did, it probably reduced the inclinations he might have had toward pride and vanity. Sometimes the school of discipleship requires a high tuition, including the way teenagers measure emotional costs. He would later realize that his experience gave him empathy for all those who feel excluded, rejected, put down, misunderstood, and left out--whatever the reason. (Ch. 11)
- While in Japan during WWII, Neal wrote that he prayed to "be worthy of [his] parents, [the] church, and the wonderful chances" he had. He also observed that he could "plainly see the only way to avoid future wars is by missionary work..." (Ch. 13)
- Neal recognized his wife Colleen as having an ideal combination of "meekness combined with brightness," and that she is "a more complete Christian," with a "high desire to serve and a low need for recognition." (Ch. 21)
- While working in the Church Educational System, Neal's secretary walked into his office to give him something and found him praying at his desk. She apologized for interrupting, and Neal said calmly, "It's okay. I'm through. I just had a question I needed an answer to." (Ch. 35)
- "Genius without meekness is not enough to qualify for discipleship [because] meekness facilitates working on what is lacking...The greater the submission, the greater the expansion!" (Ch. 38)
- "Discipleship may keep the honors of the world from us." (Ch. 39)
- "If we are to restrain governments, we must first restrain ourselves." When religious values wane, somehow government surges." "Going the second citizen mile includes not only Church service, but community service as well." (Ch. 40)
- Neal was always respectful of others' views, regardless of how strongly he felt on the issue, and he sought to find ways "to offer the conciliatory comment." One way that Neal nurtured a spirit of brotherhood was to discipline himself about preserving confidences, following channels, and avoiding critical comments about people, which gave him "enormous credibility." (Ch. 44)
- "[Christ] actually experienced mortal grief, whether vicariously or otherwise, and that enabled Him to have His bowels filled with compassion....There is no personal problem, but what Jesus understands profoundly. How consoling!" (Ch. 47)
- "Science will not be able to prove or disprove holy writ. However, enough plausible evidence will come forth to prevent scoffers from having a field day, but not enough to remove the requirement of faith." (Ch. 47)
- Figures of speech (Ch. 48):
+ "we cannot...dress our words and attitudes in tuxedos when our shabby life is in rags."
+ "meekness...provides a soft landing for hard doctrines."
+ "selfishness is really self-destruction in slow-motion."
+ "The worst form of inflation {is} inflated egos."
- One of Neal's favorite Churchill phrases was from the last volume of his WWII memoirs: "How the great democracies won the war and thus were able to resume the follies which had so nearly cost them their lives." (Ch. 48)
- "If we poison the headwaters of humanity--the home--it is exceedingly difficult to depollute downstream." (Ch. 49)
- We should live the gospel most fully among family and friends because they are the "clinical material" God gave us for practicing our Christianity. (Ch.49)
- "Suffering, when it is part of the divine tutorial, can be sanctifying--in the sense of developing the very virtues the disciple needs to learn." (Ch. 49)
- "If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do." Also, "not shrinking is more important than surviving, and Jesus is our exemplar." (Ch. 49)
- Ultimate hope keeps us engaged in "good causes, even if these appear to be losing causes on the mortal scoreboard." It is "with us at funerals," and it "inspires quiet Christian service, not flashy public fanaticism." (Ch. 50)
- "Our heart has to be broken, in a way, so that it can be re-made." Meaning "more spiritual sensitivity, more empathy, and more capacity to be responsive to people....If we can put off the natural man [see Mos. 3:19], we can be given a new heart, and it will be enlarged...without hypocrisy [see D&C 121:42]. Adversity can squeeze out of us the hypocrisy that's there." (Ch. 50)
A few insights and/or quotes, which is obviously, non-exhaustive:
- Whatever else his teenage acne did, it probably reduced the inclinations he might have had toward pride and vanity. Sometimes the school of discipleship requires a high tuition, including the way teenagers measure emotional costs. He would later realize that his experience gave him empathy for all those who feel excluded, rejected, put down, misunderstood, and left out--whatever the reason. (Ch. 11)
- While in Japan during WWII, Neal wrote that he prayed to "be worthy of [his] parents, [the] church, and the wonderful chances" he had. He also observed that he could "plainly see the only way to avoid future wars is by missionary work..." (Ch. 13)
- Neal recognized his wife Colleen as having an ideal combination of "meekness combined with brightness," and that she is "a more complete Christian," with a "high desire to serve and a low need for recognition." (Ch. 21)
- While working in the Church Educational System, Neal's secretary walked into his office to give him something and found him praying at his desk. She apologized for interrupting, and Neal said calmly, "It's okay. I'm through. I just had a question I needed an answer to." (Ch. 35)
- "Genius without meekness is not enough to qualify for discipleship [because] meekness facilitates working on what is lacking...The greater the submission, the greater the expansion!" (Ch. 38)
- "Discipleship may keep the honors of the world from us." (Ch. 39)
- "If we are to restrain governments, we must first restrain ourselves." When religious values wane, somehow government surges." "Going the second citizen mile includes not only Church service, but community service as well." (Ch. 40)
- Neal was always respectful of others' views, regardless of how strongly he felt on the issue, and he sought to find ways "to offer the conciliatory comment." One way that Neal nurtured a spirit of brotherhood was to discipline himself about preserving confidences, following channels, and avoiding critical comments about people, which gave him "enormous credibility." (Ch. 44)
- "[Christ] actually experienced mortal grief, whether vicariously or otherwise, and that enabled Him to have His bowels filled with compassion....There is no personal problem, but what Jesus understands profoundly. How consoling!" (Ch. 47)
- "Science will not be able to prove or disprove holy writ. However, enough plausible evidence will come forth to prevent scoffers from having a field day, but not enough to remove the requirement of faith." (Ch. 47)
- Figures of speech (Ch. 48):
+ "we cannot...dress our words and attitudes in tuxedos when our shabby life is in rags."
+ "meekness...provides a soft landing for hard doctrines."
+ "selfishness is really self-destruction in slow-motion."
+ "The worst form of inflation {is} inflated egos."
- One of Neal's favorite Churchill phrases was from the last volume of his WWII memoirs: "How the great democracies won the war and thus were able to resume the follies which had so nearly cost them their lives." (Ch. 48)
- "If we poison the headwaters of humanity--the home--it is exceedingly difficult to depollute downstream." (Ch. 49)
- We should live the gospel most fully among family and friends because they are the "clinical material" God gave us for practicing our Christianity. (Ch.49)
- "Suffering, when it is part of the divine tutorial, can be sanctifying--in the sense of developing the very virtues the disciple needs to learn." (Ch. 49)
- "If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do." Also, "not shrinking is more important than surviving, and Jesus is our exemplar." (Ch. 49)
- Ultimate hope keeps us engaged in "good causes, even if these appear to be losing causes on the mortal scoreboard." It is "with us at funerals," and it "inspires quiet Christian service, not flashy public fanaticism." (Ch. 50)
- "Our heart has to be broken, in a way, so that it can be re-made." Meaning "more spiritual sensitivity, more empathy, and more capacity to be responsive to people....If we can put off the natural man [see Mos. 3:19], we can be given a new heart, and it will be enlarged...without hypocrisy [see D&C 121:42]. Adversity can squeeze out of us the hypocrisy that's there." (Ch. 50)
February 10, 2019
Very inspiring book. I love reading biographies about men I look up to, how they grew up, the habits they've established in their lives, etc. A look into Elder Maxwell's life has inspired me to stay on the covenant path, lengthen my stride and be as prepared as possible for life's challenges. I took many notes in my Evernote account and will also be reading soon a couple of his books ("All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience" and "Even As I Am"). The author of course had a chapter on Elder Maxwell's mastery and artistry with words. I also enjoyed learning about his service during WWII. It was good to get a peek behind the curtain of the daily and weekly grind of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. I have a greater respect for them and their work and efforts on our part. I love truth and this book was filled with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2022
This book was really good. Elder Maxwell was my Father's favorite. He would listen to his talks over and over and he owned most of Elder Maxwell's books. Elder Maxwell gave a talk about work in the April 1998 General Conference. It was right before I left the MTC for Ukraine. As soon as we got the Ensign in English in Ukraine, I made a copy of that talk and carried it with me throughout my mission.
When my dad died, I inherited his Maxwell book collection. I've been reading through them. I also inherited this biography. I saw it a few weeks ago and decided I should read it. I am glad that I did. Neal A. Maxwell showed us all what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. He wasn't perfect, but he tried his best to follow that path. It is something that I, myself, want to and to become.
When my dad died, I inherited his Maxwell book collection. I've been reading through them. I also inherited this biography. I saw it a few weeks ago and decided I should read it. I am glad that I did. Neal A. Maxwell showed us all what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. He wasn't perfect, but he tried his best to follow that path. It is something that I, myself, want to and to become.
January 23, 2021
Elder Maxwell died when I was barely a teenager, so I was only vaguely aware of him. I know him mostly by reputation and quotable snippets of conference talks. Reading his biography changed my inital perception of him as a high brow, possibly aloof, intellectual apostle; however, his true nature could not be farther from that. I found him to be a people person, a bridge builder, eager to further the work of the Church through improving its effectiveness as an institution; and someone who happened to love words. I was touched by the gift of charity he developed throughout his life, demonstrated by how he treated his family and others who needed lifting. Wonderful read to start a new year.
July 18, 2023
First off, I can’t believe that I am giving this book only three stars. I thought that I would have loved it, as I loved Elder Maxwell and I had recently finished Bro Haden’s newest book, Faith is not Blind, which I really enjoyed. This book was really, really tedious which made me skim the majority of it. This felt more textbook and less spiritual to me. I loved seeing a very human man in Elder Maxwell and kept commenting to my husband that I wasn’t sure if I would have liked him if we met in real life, with his impatience for the unimportant things.
He was a great man and Bro Hafen really can write a good book, this was just not my favorite.
He was a great man and Bro Hafen really can write a good book, this was just not my favorite.
August 14, 2017
You become a better person by reading about great people. This book made me a better person, learning about the life of someone who made it his life's mission to be a disciple of Christ. He inspires me in so many ways. Some of his talks during my high school and college days were so impactful at the time that they lifted and encouraged me often. One of my favorite Maxwell quotes is "Moments are the molecules that make up eternity." He was a man who made the most of each moment. This is a book I would recommend to anyone!
July 22, 2017
This book was amazing. Everything about Elder Maxwell makes me want to be a better person. He served in the war, and he served a mission. He is an inspiration to me on every level. The story of what he went through on the islands with the war with Japan was inspiring. I also loved this book because I love his talks and he never talks about himself, so this was a great opportunity for me to get to know him. I named my fourth son after him - Maxwell.
May 26, 2017
This was a very well written biography of Neal A. Maxwell. I've always been impressed with him ad his talks during General Conference but loved learning more about the man and his discipleship. He was also a great writer and has many books which I'm now thinking I'd like to read. I really feel inspired to be a better person just from reading this book.
September 3, 2017
At times I have wondered how participation in war prepared one for significant service as a spiritual leader, so this part of his life was the focus of my reading. In reading this and many other biographies, the answer to my wonderment has never been made clear. This biography does not portray any significant epitome foxhole near-death experience that changed the course of Neil's life.
July 7, 2020
I absolutely loved reading Elder Maxwell's biography. I loved the funny and insightful stories that make him so real and human. What was most fascinating to me was learning that his easy, gentle, feeling demeanor that seems so quintessentially him was not actually an innate gift, but learned attributes that he developed and strove for over time.
September 15, 2020
What an inspiring read about a remarkable man. This book made me want to be a better person. I loved that Elder Maxwell was presented as an imperfect person who worked to overcome his particular weaknesses and tendencies in efforts to become a better disciple of Christ. Probably my favorite general authority biography I’ve ever read.
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