Hyrum Smith A Life of Integrity by: Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll

This is one of the most amazing books I have read. It is really hard to find a book today, which lauds the man who's life was driven by integrity and uprightness. Not only does this book do that, but it commends the life of a man that believed that living a life above reproach was the most important thing he could leave behind. Hyrum Smith was one such man, and this book is an excellent presentation of that kind of life! There is very little that has been written about Hyrum Smith, because it is so hard to find anything about him, independent of his younger brother, the Prophet Joseph Smith. And yet he was a man that demonstrated an amazing strength of character, under both the best, and the worst of times. No matter what your religious beliefs, or denomination -- Hyrum Smith was a man that presented a great example of what it truly meant to live a "Christ like" life.

He is also an incredible example of what it means to be faithful, and loyal to family -- through everything that life could present. Hyrum stayed devoted to his brother, even so far as making the ultimate sacrifice of standing by him in the face of death. When it would have been easier to walk away, and spare his own life, Hyrum considered his relationship to his brother, and his family of more value than his own life. This book is a beautiful demonstration of all of these things, in the life of Hyrum Smith.

The author has beautifully told the story of Hyrum, independent of his much more famous brother. And in so doing, he has given us an interesting perspective into not only the life of Hyrum, but his brother as well. Hyrum had a unique perspective on the Prophet Joseph, one that only he could have. Mr. O'Driscoll has presented that perspective, without loosing sight of who he was writing about. In this book Hyrum comes to life better than in any other place I have ever read about him. I would love to recommend this book to anyone that is looking for someone that demonstrates the importance of integrity, and high moral values -- things that are frequently overlooked, or even looked down upon in our modern world.