THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY...BOOK REPORT

This post is for the third book in the STANDING ON PROMISES trilogy. I have finished reading the third/last book and would like to write a review,although frankly, I'm not sure what to put down publicly because it has been a rather intimate experience as reading goes. For one thing, I remember going to a sacrament meeting long ago and the speaker then was a very elegant black man, who counciled us to study the scriptures everyday. He said miracles could happen if the saints would just study the scriptures for as little as fifteen minutes everyday. I am quite sure that man was Aiden Gray, co-author of these books. I'm very sure of it. And although the story in this third book gets very involved with the restoration of the priesthood for all LDS worthy members, and integrates relationship with apostles and prophets of the church, it still involves the reader in a very intimate way. Never does it get preachy.


What happens after the turn to the 20th century might be even more harrowing than before for these brave souls. The book begins there. After the Civil War, after the Saints reached Zion, things were expected to get better. Living conditions got somewhat better, I suppose, and blacks were free from slavery, but prejudice and hatred lived on in full frenzy. The people of these stories were so honest in their beliefs and so sweet in their outlook. Atrocious acts commited against them are unbelievable. Even snide remarks and unfair vanity coming from the whites is difficult to understand.



The book follows through the past century with events of the world including World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and all that came with it,as well as private lives of saints and apostles. It is all woven together as life's tapestry with love and compassion. I could not help but love all these people, black or white. And the great integrity involved with love of God and following one's heart is majestic. Certainly most of us pale in comparison. There was so much heartache, so many challenges for them. Yet they knew how to be happy and recognize their blessings. They loved the Lord and tried very hard to do all that was asked of them. They are amazing.



I would surely recommend these books to anyone for it's study of life and loyalty, love and patience, It is also an excellent study of black history, American history, and history of the Latter Day Saint church. It has all been meshed so well with just the right mix of fact, tragedy, hope, and all that comprises life and the struggle of living. These have become some of my favorite books. You cannot read them and forget them. I know I will read them again and again.