Scan barcode
rayofhope's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I think every LDS home should have a copy of this book.
One of the struggles facing Members of the Church is Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that we don't talk about the ugliness in our histories, and we don't know how to view prophets as flawed. When people learn about the more difficult parts of church history, it jars them and often ruptures their faith.
This book forced me to look head on at some of the more unknown and uncomfortable aspects of the founding of my religion. It portrays Joseph Smith as very human, complex, and varied. It presents events largely as they are recorded in journals/letters, refraining from offering justifications or condemnations of actions, letting the reader decide for themselves what to think.
It's not always easy to read, but I think it's important for us to know this version of the story, warts and all.
One of the struggles facing Members of the Church is Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that we don't talk about the ugliness in our histories, and we don't know how to view prophets as flawed. When people learn about the more difficult parts of church history, it jars them and often ruptures their faith.
This book forced me to look head on at some of the more unknown and uncomfortable aspects of the founding of my religion. It portrays Joseph Smith as very human, complex, and varied. It presents events largely as they are recorded in journals/letters, refraining from offering justifications or condemnations of actions, letting the reader decide for themselves what to think.
It's not always easy to read, but I think it's important for us to know this version of the story, warts and all.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Gun violence, Murder, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Slavery
jazztobazz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Solid book about the origin of the Mormon history that doesn't take itself too seriously.
willbreinholt's review against another edition
3.0
useful, well researched information. but not a particularly well done graphic novel. no captions, just stiff expository scenes.
woggers's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
3.0
Thought this was well done and I’m always fascinated by anything Mormon
lizbusby's review against another edition
4.0
This book finds itself in an unusual position as far as books about Mormon history are concerned. Difficult incidents like treasure hunting and Fanny Alger mean that this book is a hard sell for the vast majority of faithful LDS members. But the book also takes angelic visions and Mormonism's communitarian ethic as seriously as its protagonist does, rather than as sinister inventions clearly meant to pull the wool over gullible members.
The full-color artwork is fantastic, managing to be beautiful while covering a lot of narrative, traits I don't usually find in the same graphic work. Though some of the minor characters can be difficult to tell apart, it's hardly a fault as the cast is huge. Van Skiver packs all of Joseph Smith's young life into one volume, which is a feat since many Joseph Smith comics barely manage to cover the First Vision. Speaking of which, this volume does not open with the First Vision which is a unique choice.
And did I mention the plush cover with gold embossing and a ribbon bookmark? I hope this book finds an audience because it richly deserves it. Anyone looking for a different, accessible yet accurate version of the Joseph Smith story could do much worse than this for a first introduction to this controversial part of American history.
The full-color artwork is fantastic, managing to be beautiful while covering a lot of narrative, traits I don't usually find in the same graphic work. Though some of the minor characters can be difficult to tell apart, it's hardly a fault as the cast is huge. Van Skiver packs all of Joseph Smith's young life into one volume, which is a feat since many Joseph Smith comics barely manage to cover the First Vision. Speaking of which, this volume does not open with the First Vision which is a unique choice.
And did I mention the plush cover with gold embossing and a ribbon bookmark? I hope this book finds an audience because it richly deserves it. Anyone looking for a different, accessible yet accurate version of the Joseph Smith story could do much worse than this for a first introduction to this controversial part of American history.
ohcatherinemayi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5