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14 classic Latter-day Saint books for your reading bucket list

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Between conference talks, scriptures, and other Church resources, there’s lots of material we have the opportunity to study as Latter-day Saints. It’s a blessing to have so much available for us to learn and grow from—but sometimes it can be hard to know just where to start.

So if you’ve ever wanted to read books that would add to your gospel knowledge but aren’t sure where to begin, here’s a list of 14 classics that will get you going. We hope they uplift and edify you on your gospel journey.

Know of any other classic Latter-day Saint books that you’d like to recommend? Let us know at editor@ldsliving.com. To see our previous version of this list, click here.


Jesus the Christ

Since it was first published in September 1915, Jesus the Christ has been a classic text on the life and ministry of the Savior. Elder Marion G. Romney has said, “One who gets the understanding, the vision, and the spirit of the resurrected Lord through a careful study of the text Jesus the Christ by Elder James E. Talmage will find that he has greatly increased his moving faith in our glorified Redeemer.”

Published more than eight decades ago and translated into many languages, Jesus the Christ has truly become a classic volume in Latter-day Saint literature.


Joseph Smith the Prophet

Joseph Smith. Who was he? What was he like? How did he accomplish so much in so little time? In this enlightening eight-lecture series, Dr. Truman G. Madsen presents a fascinating history of the first prophet of the Restoration. He offers deep insights into the life of this great man, adding his own witness of Joseph Smith's calling.


Articles of Faith

For clarity, brevity, and forthrightness, there is no finer summary statement of the basic beliefs of Latter-day Saints than the Articles of Faith, which were written by Joseph Smith. These statements of belief served as the outline for a weekly theology class taught by Elder James E. Talmage (prior to his call to the Twelve) in 1893 and 1894. The content of these lectures was formally committed to writing and published in 1899 under the title Articles of Faith. For over a century this book has been a standard text for gospel students and teachers alike because it presents the fundamental doctrines of the Church in a systematic way. This inspiring and thought-provoking work, long considered a classic in Latter-day Saint literature, is now available in a convenient, giftable, soft-leather edition.


Lectures on Faith

Did you know that the Lectures on Faith were published in the forepart of the Doctrine and Covenants in all editions from 1835 until 1921? Although the lectures are not currently published as part of the standard works, it is evident that they were held in high esteem by the Prophet Joseph Smith and those that followed him. President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “These lectures are of great value and should be studied. . . I consider them to be of extreme value in the study of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Bruce R. McConkie has classified the lectures as “some of the best lesson material ever prepared on the Godhead; on the character, perfections, and attributes of God; on faith, miracles, and sacrifice. They can be studied with great profit by all scholars.”


A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

At the conclusion of Elder LeGrand Richards' presidency of the Southern States Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1937, he left with the missionaries an outline entitled The Message of Mormonism. This outline was prepared to assist the missionaries in their study and presentation of the gospel in a systematic and logical manner. It has since been used in a number of missions and by stake missionaries. Repeated requests and suggestions that it be printed have influenced the decision to enlarge upon the original outline and have it published in book form. It is here presented under the title A Marvelous Work and A Wonder.


No Doubt About It

No Doubt About It is much more than an insightful look at foundational gospel principles. It is a stirring call to action, a motivating book that will help readers move beyond knowing to doing. Vivid stories of the author's own experiences demonstrate how these truths apply in real-world settings.

"We no longer have the luxury of spending our energy on anything that doesn't lead us and our families to Christ," writes Sister Dew. "In the days ahead, a casual commitment to Christ will not carry us through. The time has come for each of us to stand tall, and then, in doing so, to stand together."


Counseling with Our Councils

"There is no problem in the family, ward, or stake that cannot be solved if we look for solutions in the Lord's way by counseling—really counseling—with each other."

So teaches Elder M. Russell Ballard, who has long been a champion of the divinely inspired council system. The insights and ideas in Counseling with Our Councils are an invaluable resource for Church leaders, parents, and anyone who wishes to minister more effectively with others in the Church or in the family.


The Second Coming of the Lord

Do we recognize the signs of the Savior’s Second Coming that are happening today?

Originally published in 1971, The Coming of the Lord, by Gerald N. Lund, became an instant bestseller and has remained continuously in print for nearly 50 years. Now this trusted resource has been fully updated and rewritten to reflect the latest prophetic teachings and a growing sense of urgency as the Lord hastens His work. Though the title this book carries is The Second Coming of the Lord, it is much more than a book that focuses only on the actual return of Jesus Christ. It is an examination of the prophecies about the Second Coming and the events leading up to it.”


The Joseph Smith Papers

The Joseph Smith Papers, comprising dozens of volumes when complete, will be the largest, most authoritative published collection of Joseph Smith documents anywhere. Although broad in scope, the Papers project has a relatively simple aim: to make available essential sources for the study of early Church history and of Joseph Smith—the Church President and prophet, the city builder, the civic and military leader, the husband and father.

With unprecedented access to Joseph Smith texts, including many never before published, this landmark project provides new information and insights about Joseph Smith, early Church history, and 19th-century American religion. The documents, topically arranged into several series, include journals, correspondence, sermons, revelations, translations, histories, minutes, and legal and business records.


Our Search for Happiness: An Invitation to Understand The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In Our Search for Happiness, Elder M. Russell Ballard explains the Church and Latter-day Saint beliefs in a clear and inoffensive way. Elder Ballard discusses the Apostasy, the need for the Restoration, the Book of Mormon, the priesthood, the plan of salvation, the Articles of Faith, the Word of Wisdom, temples, missionary work, and benefits of living the gospel. Through personal experiences he reveals how the gospel has benefited him and concludes by bearing his testimony.

You can feel confident in giving this book to nonmember—or less active—friends and family.


Eve and the Choice Made in Eden

Is the way that women evaluate their own worth affected still by the biblical story of Mother Eve? Author Beverly Campbell suggests, “In much of the literature and in most of the histories referring to women there is an undercurrent of apology, as though there is something not quite 'all right' about being a woman. In looking for the source of this unease, I came to recognize that it could be traced to accounts of the Creation and to the ever-prevalent and negative characterizations of Eve.”

She writes of three levels from which the story of Eden must be viewed: as historical fact, as a series of symbols and metaphors, and as a place for a beginning our own search for spiritual understanding and relevance in life. This compelling book may change forever your perception of our first parents and the choice they made.


The Holy Temple

In President Packer’s characteristic warmth and authoritative manner, he examines in appropriate detail the doctrines and practices surrounding the holy temples that dot the world. This timely and valuable book will help members at every stage of life as it focuses on a temple’s purpose, beauty, and the blessings it offers.

Fine illustrations enhance a motivational text filled with valuable concepts for the Latter-day Saint. The endowment with its sacred covenants and its elevating symbolic instruction, the sealing ordinance, and the other temple ceremonies are discussed sensitively and authoritatively. Written direct to the reader, this is an outstanding book on a subject crucial to every child of God.


The Messiah Series

Elder Bruce R. McConkie's landmark series on the life of Christ is available in this best-selling eBook series. These works examine the mission, ministry, and accomplishments of our Savior, and includes six powerful eBook volumes.


Lighten Up! Finding Real Joy in Life

Lighten up! That’s the lively message of the “ancient book of Okazaki, chapter 1, verse 1.” Chieko N. Okazaki, who served as First Counselor in the Relief Society general presidency from 1990–97, invites us to take literally the words of Christ, “My burden is light.” As we take his yoke upon us, we learn to suspend judgment, to stop condemning ourselves, to free our lives from guilt, prejudice, and unrealistic expectations.

Sister Okazaki’s fresh perspectives and delightful personality have helped Saints worldwide to brighten dark moments and lighten their burdens by seeking the Savior. Lighten Up! captures the vivid experiences of this Buddhist convert, shared with enthusiasm, zest, and a glowing trust in the Lord.

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