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chrisannee's review against another edition
So apparently there is a version of this book with endnotes and commentary. I would have infinitely preferred that edition.
Lucy Smith was a woman of her time--- which is a good thing in many ways(though I was often infuriated at the way she often had to find a man to do things. This is why feminism is a good thing). However, America, in the 1800s, spoke and wrote a different language. And that makes the reading difficult.
She was tough. I dare you to read Hyrum's enclosed report of the Jackson County wrongs without experiencing some sort of horrified disgust for the perpetrators and admiration for those, like her, who made it to Illinois. That abuse explains a lot of our culture's issues(I think). And should make US more charitable and less adopting of contempt. Finding a reason for behavior doesn't mean that we don't need to fix the issue. It's just something some have never addressed. And it needs to be so we can move on and address OUR issues.
She was generous. Her comments about her children and Emma were made before they took care of her for years as a widow.
I found a lot to admire and, as I have said before, it's hard to rate a life. But I really would have preferred that other version. I think my favorite section was the explanatory preface from her grandson, Joseph F. Smith, at the beginning. It was charitable, honest, and accurate.
And it is oddly connected to the trending (hopefully always and not just now) topic of racism and bigotry. Read it and see for yourself.
Lucy Smith was a woman of her time--- which is a good thing in many ways(though I was often infuriated at the way she often had to find a man to do things. This is why feminism is a good thing). However, America, in the 1800s, spoke and wrote a different language. And that makes the reading difficult.
She was tough. I dare you to read Hyrum's enclosed report of the Jackson County wrongs without experiencing some sort of horrified disgust for the perpetrators and admiration for those, like her, who made it to Illinois. That abuse explains a lot of our culture's issues(I think). And should make US more charitable and less adopting of contempt. Finding a reason for behavior doesn't mean that we don't need to fix the issue. It's just something some have never addressed. And it needs to be so we can move on and address OUR issues.
She was generous. Her comments about her children and Emma were made before they took care of her for years as a widow.
I found a lot to admire and, as I have said before, it's hard to rate a life. But I really would have preferred that other version. I think my favorite section was the explanatory preface from her grandson, Joseph F. Smith, at the beginning. It was charitable, honest, and accurate.
And it is oddly connected to the trending (hopefully always and not just now) topic of racism and bigotry. Read it and see for yourself.
modestyblaise's review against another edition
3.0
Probably if I had had a role version of the book instead of the cheap Kindle version, I would have liked it better. As it is, I am still not sure what version I read, probably the edited one. Very fascinating perspective on Joseph Smith. Interesting that the church seems to not like it. I am not sure why. Probably because Brigham young didn't like it.
deelightfull's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
3.5
This is a primary source document that sheds some light on the life of Joseph Smith and his family, but it's not a scholarly work. Lucy Mack Smith is a very biased reporter who can see no nuance. Still interesting and valuable read along more scholarly works like Rough Stone Rolling.
kimfielding's review against another edition
4.0
Joseph Smith was an amazing man of great faith. This book confirms the tremendous work he accomplished in his life time.
cpope9's review against another edition
2.0
There just wasn't a whole lot new to me here. In addition, there was a bit of pretentiousness guised thinly as humility about the author and her stories that rubbed me the wrong way. In addition, there were some details shared that were apparent exaggerations and embellishments, particularly in some direct quotes that were so inconsistent and blatantly inaccurate in their telling that it made me question the validity of many other things in this book. At that point the tone seemes to be more fluffy and propaganda-ish. In all this was not as essential or convincing and faith-promoting/enhancing as I was hoping.
jaclyn323's review against another edition
4.0
It helped me gain a stronger testimony of Joseph Smith
angmander's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this book has helped me to understand and appreciate the prophet, Joseph Smith, in an entirely new way. This wonderful book, written by his mother (obviously), tells personal experiences that took place throughout the prophet's life. Though I have heard many of the stories before, I was never fully able to understand the weight of what took place. I love the prophet, Joseph Smith, and so much appreciate the ability to get to know him better.
I would recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in learning the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If you are unfamiliar with the church or Joseph Smith, you can learn more by visiting mormon.org
(**Heads Up: I have been reading this book on my phone, so I did not realize how many chapters there are. If you access it through the same method, just be aware of the fact that there are quite a few chapters. All of them worth it, of course.)
I would recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in learning the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If you are unfamiliar with the church or Joseph Smith, you can learn more by visiting mormon.org
(**Heads Up: I have been reading this book on my phone, so I did not realize how many chapters there are. If you access it through the same method, just be aware of the fact that there are quite a few chapters. All of them worth it, of course.)
meme_too2's review against another edition
5.0
If you want to get the straight scoop of the real story of Joseph Smith, hear it from his mother. Actually, the original book is probably the one to read, but this one has great footnotes and pictures.
papidoc's review against another edition
4.0
I read this biographical narrative about the Prophet Joseph Smith shortly after returning home from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I wanted to know more about him, and starting with the recollections and observations of his mother seemed like a good start. I wasn't wrong.
Clearly, this is not a professional biography, and is potentially subject to all of the biases, inaccuracies, and other problems that go with what is essentially a collection of memories. However, her account is supported by her journal entries, and dates have been checked by the church to ensure they are consistent with other sources that have been verified. In most instances there were, attesting to her accurate record-keeping. Many interesting details and stories are found here that might have been lost otherwise and Mother Smith's love for her son shines through on every page. Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the early history of the church and its founder.
Clearly, this is not a professional biography, and is potentially subject to all of the biases, inaccuracies, and other problems that go with what is essentially a collection of memories. However, her account is supported by her journal entries, and dates have been checked by the church to ensure they are consistent with other sources that have been verified. In most instances there were, attesting to her accurate record-keeping. Many interesting details and stories are found here that might have been lost otherwise and Mother Smith's love for her son shines through on every page. Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the early history of the church and its founder.