Henry Eyring, I Salute You

This book is good. Really Good. In fact, it may easily be the best thing I've read all year.

I will tell you why.

First, Henry Eyring (President Henry B. Eyring's dad) was a genius. But the kind of genius you can relate to. Like how he said in reference to understanding chemistry, "It really means getting acquainted with the molecules as if they were your friends and knowing what their nature is and what they will do. It is like a detective story." He rubbed shoulders with the Noble Prize winners of his time (and was even up for the prize himself on several occasions; some think he never won because of his faith).

Speaking of faith, that's another reason you should read this. Even if you don't share his faith, there is so much to be respected about a person being true to his convictions and ideals. Since I do happen to share his faith, that makes his testimony of God at the helm of the Universe and Joseph Smith as the restorer of His gospel all the more sweet. He was so open about his convictions that even his grad students would good naturedly tease him about it. (Once two students hid in his closet and called out to him, "Henry! This is the angel Moroni! Prepare to meet your fate!!" Ha Ha Ha). Listen to him describe what is going on in his mind when he prays: " I am a visual thinker, both in my science and in my religious life. When I pray, I 'see' God in my mind's eye. It helps me get down to specifics if I'm speaking to Him face to face. It's not a detailed impression--I couldn't tell you wheter we are indoors or out. I really notice only His eyes. They are looking at me, and He is smiling." That thought has changed the way I say my prayers now. I love that.

And then there's his eccentrically endearing personality. Like how he could jump from standing onto the top of a desk. And he liked to show this skill off to people. Or how he would orchestrate yearly foot races between himself and his grad students, even participating in these into his 70's where he'd lose every time, but still give it his all. And how he personally answered hundred of letters to people who he'd never met, just because he knew it was the kind thing to do.

The book is written by his grandson, Henry J. Eyring. The writing style is straight forward and focuses on Henry's Legacy (of Science, Faith and Friendship), His Heritage (did you know he's a Romney on his mother's side? That's where he gets his "ambition") and the Paradoxes of his personality (like how he managed both humble and confident).

I love this book and think you'll love it too.