Episode 620: Melissa Inouye, New Book “Every Needful Thing”, Essays from 22 Latter-day Saint Women

Dr. Melissa Inouye, someone I deeply admire and respect, joins us to talk about a new book she and Kate Holbook (who died in August 2022) edited called “Every Needful Thing: Essays on the Life of the Mind and the Heart.” The book is a collection of twenty-two essays from accomplished academic and professional Latter-day Saint women.

Melissa talks about why she and Kate decided to create this book, why this book is needed, and who is the audience. Melissa talks about gospel principles of belonging, learning, extending the stakes of Zion, and the systematic societal imbalances that work against us hearing and valuing women’s stories. The book is published by Deseret Book and BYU Maxwell Institute.

Melissa also talks about how the School of the Prophets is a living framework for the restoration and how D&C 88 is bases for this book. Melissa also shares some of her personal story from a feeling in High School of being drawn to academia—and how that became a reality of her life—a story that gives perspective and hope to others starting their journey.

Melissa also talks directly to those working to stay in the Church who have honest concerns about historical and/or current issues. This was a powerful part of the podcast.

I encourage all Latter-day Saints to listen to this podcast and read this book. It helps us create Zion. Thank you, Melissa, Kate, and all the Latter-day Saint women, involved in the book and all your combined efforts throughout our Church. Your work is needed and appreciated.

Podcast Links

Kate Holbrook’s obituary: https://www.larkinmortuary.com/obituary/view/kate-holbrook--94/

Book Links:
Deseret Book: https://deseretbook.com/p/every-needful-thing
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639931260

Crossings: A Bald Asian American Latter-day Saint Woman Scholar's Ventures Through Life, Death, Cancer, and Motherhood: https://www.amazon.com//dp/194439480X