Huge numbers of volumes exist that purport to expound the scriptures.  How does one wade through the vast ocean of books about the Gospel?  The following are works that I have personally found to be of great worth in understanding the Gospel.  The hope is that this small list will save time for someone who is looking for an inspirational, informative, uplifting book to study.

• The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister – This is one of the most moving, sublime books I have read concerning the Atonement.  This book is very highly recommended.
• Searching the Scriptures by Gene R. Cook – An excellent resource for those who wish to get the very most they can out of studying the scriptures.
• Drawing on the Powers of Heaven by Grant Von Harrison – A well-written, thought-provoking invitation to do what it takes to bring the powers of heaven into your life.
• Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage – Perhaps the most extensive work in a single volume ever written about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
• Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie – When you wish to know more about a topic, this reference is one of the most helpful and insightful that you’ll find.
• Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smith – Used mainly in the early days of the Church, these lectures give ample opportunity to ponder over what faith actually means.
• The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith – Contains teachings on a wide range of topics as taken from a vast array of sermons.
• The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus – Gives insight into the society in which Jesus Christ found himself.  Invaluable for putting the scriptures into a historically accurate context.
• Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt – A history of the Church by a contemporary and personal friend of Joseph Smith.  Rich in historical value and instruction.
• The Life of Christ by Frederic W. Farrar – Historical in nature, it is widely regarded as one of the best books on the life of the Savior ever written.
• The “Messiah” Series by Bruce R. McConkie – A six-volume set that discusses every conceivable facet of the existence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Teachings of the Latter-day Prophets – A 15-volume set plus an index, containing the teachings of each Prophet from Joseph Smith through Gordon B. Hinckley.
• Journal of Discourses – This is a 26-volume set plus an index.  It contains the vast majority of discourses given by the leaders of the Church between 1851 and 1886.
• History of the Church – This is a seven-volume set plus an index.  It is a documentary history, giving context to the revelations that we have in the Doctrine and Covenants.

Available e-books:

• The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt
• Key to the Science of Theology
• What It Means To Be A Mormon – Adam S. Bennion
• One Hundred Years of Mormonism – John Henry Evans
• The Gospel: An Exposition of its first Principles – Elder B. H. Roberts
• Mormon Doctrine Plain and Simple – Charles W. Penrose
• Writings from the “Western Standard” – Elder George Q. Cannon
• A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Edward H. Anderson
• William Clayton’s Journal
• Salvation Universal – Joseph Fielding Smith
• Masterful Discourses and Writings of Orson Pratt – N. B. Lundwall
• Gospel Doctrine – Joseph F. Smith
• The Life of Nephi, The Son of Lehi – George Q. Cannon
• A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon – George Reynolds
• A New Witness for God – Elder B. H. Roberts
• Reminiscences of Joseph the Prophet, and the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon – Elder Edward Stevenson
• Remarkable Visions – Orson Pratt
• President Woodruff’s Manifesto
• Discourses on Celestial Marriage – Elder O. Pratt, President G. A. Smith, Elder Geo. Q. Cannon
• Life of David W. Patten – Lycurgus A. Wilson
• Defense of the Faith and the Saints – B. H. Roberts
• The Story of Mormonism – James E. Talmage
• Joseph Smith – Was He a Prophet of God? – J. M. Sjodahl
• History of the Prophet Joseph by His Mother Lucy Smith – George A. Smith, Elias Smith
• The Rise and Fall of Nauvoo – B. H. Roberts
• Saints – The Standard of Truth
• Mormon Doctrine – Bruce R. McConkie

Additionally, there are some secular works that are similarly of high value.  Such works are listed below.

• How to Read A Book by Mortimer J. Adler – Many have been taught to read.  However, few have been instructed on how to extract as much as possible from a given text.  This book teaches how to achieve higher and more effective methods of consuming written works.