This is a book review by my husband, Matt. I occasionally get offers to receive a book in exchange for an honest review. I only accept if it’s a book I’m interested in reading anyway. I saw some pre-promotional material for this one and showed it to Matt. He volunteered to read and report. I will only add that I knew he liked this book quite a lot because he started it one night, read until late, and spent almost the entire next day on the couch reading it. He couldn’t put it down. Here is his review.

We are all God’s children, and after all is said and done, we are not that different from each other. Regardless of where we were born on this Earth, what circumstances we face, what religion we belong to, we can know this surety: He loves us and will help us. These are the thoughts I have after reading Tito’s book.

The book is well written and flows easily as we follow Tito from chapter to chapter. There are times of intense affinity, such as growing up in a small, close-knit religious community; striving through early adulthood to remain chaste; leaving home for years to attend to religious training and duties; intense scripture study.

I realize that as an American, there are some places I can’t go on this Earth or I’ll be killed, because of my nationality, my religion, my government, or my race. After reading Tito’s story, I appreciate now that those would call me an infidel and spill my blood share a great many commonalities with me and others of my culture, race, religion and nationality. We are not as different as we suppose. We all share similar devotion, faith, hopes and dreams.

Reading about Tito and his preparation from a young age to serve God, and attend a religious university doesn’t sound so that foreign to me. Watching Tito court his girlfriend, as they talk about their faith and plan for a life together, try to keep their religion central in their lives, and face temptations and struggles together, nothing out of the ordinary from my own experience. There were times I wanted to shout out, “No, Tito! Don’t do it!” and other times I was dumbfounded by the amazing circumstances of Tito’s deliverance.

Tito’s story also left me with a deep appreciation for blessings I enjoy: freedom of religion, speech and expression; a national Constitution providing equal protection of laws and due process; a nation ruled by laws not men.

Tito’s story has left me with a deeper understanding of my own faith, God’s love for all His children, and despite some of the horrors of his story, a greater understanding of those who wish the United States would burn to ashes. Thank you Tito for sharing your story, for your courage and endurance, and ultimately the sacrifices you’ve made on your journey of faith.

The book is available on Amazon and at Deseret Book. I was touched by this photo taken at the launch party.