I was told that AML is interested in reviews on high quality moral books even if they are not by LDS authors. Gladys Hunt's books Honey for a Woman's Heart and Honey for a Child's Heart fit into this category wonderfully.

The target audiences for these books are adults (mainly women) interested in finding good books to read themselves or to read to their children.

The author discusses why we read and how reading increases our life experiences, making us think and lifting us up spiritually. She suggests many good books and tells the reader why they are good, discussing their morality as well as the quality of writing.

Good books have genuine spiritual substance, not just intellectual enjoyment. Books help children know what to look for in life.

Reading develops the taste buds of the mind as children learn to savor what is seen, heard, and expeience and fit these into some kind of worthwhile framework.

What is unfamiliar becomes close and real in books. What is ridiculous helps children see the humor in their own lives.

Sympathetic understanding is a generous byproduct of sharing the emotions of stories and standing in someone else's shoes.

Books are no substitute for life, but a keener pleasure comes to life because of books. (Honey for a Child's Heart, pg. 21)

The books she recommends range from light to serious, classic to contemporary, secular to religious.

Her writing style is both enjoyable and educated. Toward the end of both books she discusses the importance of studying the Bible and other religious literature along with our leisure reading.

The things she has to say could easily apply to additional LDS scritpture and books written by the General Authorities.

God's words shape me up; they give me heaven's point of view about the details of my life.

It [the Bible] clarifies my vision to see the big picture: I see people through his eyes, not my own. The psalmist said this kind of 'heavenly food' is sweeter than honey from the honeycomb; I have found it so.

The Bible aways surprises me, and I have been reading it for years. It says what I need to hear. I think I know what it says, and then find it speaking with a fresh voice when I read it again. (Honey for a Woman's Heart pg. 148)

She does write some things about the Creation that are different from LDS docterine in Honey for a Woman's Heart, so be warned.

I especially enjoyed her support of reading and learning from the best books the world has to offer.

I highly recommend these books, particulary if you are looking for good books to read and want a great detailed book list, or if you want someone to rationalize and explain why reading is so wonderful.

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Cayenne DaBell
August 22, 2005