Review
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Title: The Holy Secret
Author: James L. Ferrell
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Fiction
Year Published: 2008
Number of Pages: 222
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-59038-718-4
Price: $23.95

Reviewed by Jaymie Reynolds

Brother Michael Nowak is playing hooky. Although he is a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is Sunday and he is not where he belongs. Now don't get the wrong idea. He started out in Sacrament meeting. Brother Albert Kishler was giving a heartfelt talk on loving holiness. When he began speaking of the sincere love that we should feel for the scriptures, Michael felt his heart prick within him. His discomfort grew as he realized that he didn't even really enjoy reading the scriptures, much less things like attending the Temple. Ultimately, he allowed his discomfort to propel him from the chapel and into his car.

After wandering aimlessly for some time, Michael finally finds himself on Brother Kishler's doorstep. In a desperate attempt to find the missing link, Michael turns to the one man that he thinks may have the answers. Imagine his surprise when Brother Kishler, Al, tells him that he cannot just give him the keys. However, Al is willing to teach Michael how to have his own conversation with the scriptures. Since Michael's family is currently out of town, he has plenty of time to learn from Al.

Throughout "The Holy Secret", Al takes Michael step by step from simply reading the scriptures to studying them with his whole heart. As Michael studies, he is brought to realize many of his weaknesses, including his part in his flawed relationship with his dad. As Michael comes to willingly seek and apply answers from the scriptures, the Lord is able to heal his heart and bring peace and closure to the hurts of the past.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, once said in reference to scripture study, "I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God." James L. Ferrell is obviously a man who has discovered this love affair in his life. In his book, "The Holy Secret", the author strives desperately to communicate that love for the scriptures. At the same time, he seeks to give the reader all the tools and step by step instructions on how to reach that level of spiritual fulfillment in their own lives.

As one reads "The Holy Secret", there is no denying the sincerity of the author. There are many wonderful tools given: questions to ask, background to ponder, opportunities to liken the scriptures to our own lives, etc. If this book touches its readers in no other way, it is worth reading for the reminder that each of us can grow to sincerely love and cherish the scriptures and through that love and study, come to know the Lord and partake of His atonement. That being said, in this book there is very little forward movement.

This is not a book that will pull readers in and carry them to the finish line. Reading this book takes a great deal of effort, determination and concentration. It is not an easy read. The language of the book itself is simple and straightforward. The content, however, is thought-provoking and demands more time and energy than the average book. If one is willing to invest the time and effort, there are gems to be uncovered and growth to be gained in reading this book.

Overall, this is a book that I would recommend as a worthwhile read for anyone who is seeking to strengthen their relationship with the Lord and who is willing to invest time and effort to do so. "The Holy Secret" is definitely not a casual read. The target audience for this book is fairly limited as it is definitely aimed at active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is appropriate for anyone who is old enough to read and study on their own. Parents and their older children can all benefit, both individually and as a family, from a study of this book.