(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Whether they are fresh-faced teenagers or wrinkled senior citizens, there is one thing all Mormon missionaries have in common—their zeal.  Even on the difficult days, they carry an enthusiasm for the work they've been called to do.  They're strong, they're faithful, they're true.  You may not be able to fathom why a person—especially one in the prime of his/her life—would give up 18 months to 2 years to pound the pavement looking for people to teach about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but you can't deny the power of their testimonies.  They believe with a fervor that is plain to see and invigorating to feel.

Because serving a mission is such a monumental and life-changing experience, it's not surprising that many books have been written on the subject.  Benjamin Hyrum White, a seminary teacher in Orem, Utah, adds to the collection with 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission. The aim of the book is to "motivate ... and sincerely prepare [you, the missionary] for the most rigorous and most rewarding stretch of service up to this point in your lives" (xii).  To that end, White asks 10 critical questions, including Am I Ready to Work Hard for Over Sixty Hours a Week?  Am I Clean and Worthy to Represent the Lord?    Do I Have An 'Eye Single to the Glory of God'?  And, most importantly, Do I Have a Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Using scriptural passages, quotes from General Authorities and personal experiences, White dissects each topic, suggesting ways in which potential missionaries can ensure an answer of Yes to each question asked.  

While the information given in the book is nothing new, it does provide an excellent road map for those planning to serve missions.  It's also straightforward, upbeat and encouraging.  My favorite part about this slim volume is actually its structure—it's broken up into short chapters, making it quick and readable, even for those who do not enjoy reading.  The small, thin book is also the perfect size for tucking inside a scripture case for easy, convenient gospel study.  A few copy editing errors keep 10 Questions from being truly polished; nevertheless, I recommend handing it to LDS teenagers especially, as it will help inspire and prepare them for one of the most powerful experiences of their lives: their missions.

(Readalikes:  I haven't read any other books on this subject, but I know they're out there!)

Grade:  B

If this were a movie, it would be rated:  G for nothing offensive

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission from the generous Benjamin Hyrum White.  Thank you (for the book and the nickname)!   

So, Tuesday's fast becoming my favorite day here on ye olde blog.  Top Ten Tuesday—a list-y book meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish—is just too fun.  I'm loving being part of it every week.  It's been fun to read everyone's responses to the weekly question and, of course, to find even more wonderful book blogs to enjoy.  Love it, love it, love it!

Today's topic is another one about which I could go on and on and on, so be glad I'm limited to talking about only the Top Ten Books I HAD to Buy But Are Still Sitting on My Shelf Unread.  Here they are (in no particular order):

1.  A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin -- I was super excited when I found a copy of this one hidden among some random non-fiction titles at Border's final clearance sale.  Since the price was good, I snatched it up with plans to read it right away.  Um, yeah.  It's still gathering dust on my bookshelf so many months (years?) later.

2.  The Selection by Kiera Cass -- The premise of this one sounded intriguing, so I pre-ordered it from Amazon.  I did peek at the first few pages, but other than that, I haven't read a word of it.

3.  The House at Riverton by Kate Morton -- Tons of people have recommended this author and this book, specifically, to me and yet, it sits.

4.  Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick -- I really am going to read this one.  Eventually ...

5.  Everneath by Brodi Ashton -- I've been reading Brodi's blog for ages and even had dinner with her a few years ago.  I love her, I just haven't read her books yet.

6.  Possession by Elana Johnson -- Ditto with Elana.  I've met her several times and have taken some excellent writing classes from her.  I just have yet to actually read anything she's written (besides handouts and blog posts, of course).

7.  The Shining by Stephen King -- In my defense, I have read this lengthy horror novel once.  But, it was a very, very long time ago (like back when I was way too young to be reading King at all).  Last Halloween, I got a hankering for a re-read, debated between borrowing the book from the library and buying it, decided to purchase the Kindle version, then ... let it sit.  Yeah.  It's a trend with me.

8.  Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins -- I've heard nothing but good things about this one, so why does it still linger on my shelf unread?  Couldn't tell ya, but it does.

9.  The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith -- Ditto #8

10.  Paper Towns by John Green -- After reading The Fault in Our Stars, I knew I needed to read everything Green  had ever written.  Someone suggested starting with Paper Towns, so I clicked right on over to Amazon and bought myself a copy.  Have I read it yet?  I plead the Fifth.

Clearly, the problem here has nothing to do with my impulsive book-buying tendencies.  Really, it doesn't.  It truly is more of a too-many-books-too-little-time-to-read-them kind of thing.  That being said, where do you think I should start with this list?  Have you read any of them?  Which are your favorites?  And, most importantly, what's on your list?  I'd love to know!  

To the FTC, with love:  I bought a copy of After Hello at Deseret Book with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger.  Ha ha.