Many LDS youth, and certainly many adults, have had the chance to hear John Bytheway, or at least to read one of the many books he's written. This is my first opportunity to see him in action.

In this entertaining DVD, Bytheway lectures to a group of students, and others, on lessons than can be learned from the "heroes" of the Book of Mormon. Starting with Nephi, he shows how young people can find role models in the Book of Mormon, how they can learn many of life's lessons from the lives described therein.

Bytheway has a wonderful sense of humor, and a gentle form of presentation that is both lively and persuasive. My impression is that he speaks to the young people, not down to them. He seems to understand that a casual, confident presentation will trump preachiness any day. And yet he doesn't trivialize his subject.

Several added tracks can be found on the DVD, including Bytheway's "Zarahemla Burger" routine. My own reaction was a combination of chuckles and groaning. Some of the puns were really bad. But the audience was delighted.

Heroes would make a nice Family Home Evening presentation, perhaps spread over several weeks. Bytheway has a real talent for keeping his audience focused on the issues. And adults can learn a bit from him -- not just the material, but an effective way to reach young people in this age of casual learning.

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Jeff Needle
March 20, 2006