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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
dark
slow-paced
I liked the history in the book, but not so much the commentary. I found the author's commentary to over generalize, especially when extrapolating points regarding fundamentalist Mormonism to other religions. I think it would have been more effective to present facts and let the reader draw their own conclusions. While I agree with the author that it may be useful to know where authors are coming from with regard to religion, I didn't find the author's personal religious views particularly helpful. He presented a story on Mormanism, but then seemed to me to conclude out of the blue that all religions are equally false and therefore prone to extremism. Perhaps one thing common to all religions is a search for truth. Books that help us understand what is true and what isn't can help us all get closer to ultimate truth. I think this book certainly achieved this goal, but then overreached by drawing conclusions that were too broad. If there is in fact a God, then how many of the thousands of sects have it right? No more than one. The author did an ok job of giving us evidence that one sect is not true, but failed to do much to support his belief and assertion that all are false and/or dangerous.
dark
informative
medium-paced
More of a historical look at Mormonism and doesn't truly highlight Krakauer's investigative prowess. Only until the end with his brief discussion of the trial does it become interesting. Here he discusses the implications of the insanity defense for the two religious zealots accused of murder and how that label of insanity might very well be extended to anyone who "speaks" to God or any other deity. Wish this had been more of the focus of the book, Krakauer's biting voice was just sort of lost in the historical survey of the religion.
dark
emotional
slow-paced
An engaging book that explores fundamentalist LDS through a tragic murder. It discusses the Mormon faith and history and how people have left the church to join fundamentalist groups, normally because they dislike the church's current teachings on polygamy and race. While engaging, this book can be difficult to read at times as it frankly discusses the sexual abuse of young girls in these groups.
A favorite author (Into Thin Air, Into the Wild), I expected great things from this book and got them. Thoroughly researched, a close examination of the Mormon/LDS cult history as it ties into the hysterical, fanatical Fundamental LDS, with its inherent and systemic violence against women and children. Worth the read. If you are not familiar with Mormonism, it will be eye-opening and disturbing. As one who grew up around the RLDS church (Independence, MO based splinter group), I learned the truth of the LDS cult and many of its iterations early on. Published 1/1/04, many updates have taken place, most notably in prosecutions of several of the men noted in the book.
It was alright, bit wordy but interesting background on mormonism.