Pres. Monson's book now available

SALT LAKE CITY — A biography of Thomas S. Monson, the 16th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is now available in bookstores.

"To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson" was released by church-owned publisher Deseret Book on Monday.

The 588-page volume chronicles President Monson's life and includes stories that may be familiar to Latter-day Saints from the 83-year-old's twice-yearly conference speeches.

The book includes more than 140 photographs, many of which are from President Monson's private collection.

President Monson assumed leadership of the 13.5 million-member church in February 2008.

His biography was written by author and screenwriter Heidi S. Swinton, whose work includes a PBS documentary on church founder Joseph Smith.