kaitib's review

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3.0

3.5 stars. I found it to be insightful and educational, though it wasn't especially beautiful as far as literature goes.

readwithtabi's review

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4.0

This volume in the Saints series was a lot harder for me to get through than the first one. I think because the majority of it addressed the period of polygamy in Mormonism, which I ardently disagree with, and is a major stumbling block for me in my beliefs. But I appreciate the tone of this book and how it outlined the facts. I also appreciate the stories of people of color and women, which I find most history books ignore, but this doesn't!

joyspren1's review

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3.0

Great church history stories here. And wow, does this time period in Utah history and the church take some explaining sometimes. But really, it was interesting to hear all of the women’s perspectives on the things that happened and all of the pacific islands missionary stories. From the building of the Salt Lake temple and the founding of Primary and youth programs to polygamy and Mountain Meadows massacre it really touches on everything that was important during the time period. It’s been a good Sunday afternoon read the last few months.

hgarf13's review

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5.0

Warts and all.

jvanwagoner's review

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5.0

I enjoyed Volume 1 of this series and decided to try Volume 2. The style is engaging, and it uses the storytelling method. It covers a challenging time in Church history and includes the Mountain Meadow Massacre, the Utah War, and polygamy. The book is not a hagiography and presents the facts, warts, and all. It goes into depth, showing several individuals' struggles, doubts, and triumphs.

This book is an excellent way to understand LDS history.

jacklynruth's review

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3.0

This is Volume Two of the history of the Mormon church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day -Saints). It is easy to read and written in narrative style at a ninth grade reading level. It left me with more questions than answers but the extensive resource list will keep me busy for years looking up primary sources. As the book's disclaimer says "It is not the only possible telling of the Church's sacred history."

statman's review

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3.0

This covers the history of the church from 1847 to the dedication of the Salt Lake temple in 1893. It covers what is happening globally as the church began to grow and expand beyond Salt Lake. I enjoyed the narrative style of writing as a way to tell several simultaneous stories happening at the same time. It definitely doesn't shy away from some controversial topics around polygamy and blacks and their involvement in the church.

jvanwago's review

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informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Accessibly written and engaging. The hagiography of past church publications is thankfully absent. Although written by the church (with the unavoidable bias that implies), the history is honestly portrayed, warts and all.

Warts there are a plenty. The Mountain Meadows Massacre, the church’s discriminatory policies toward African and Native Americans, and polygamy are all described in detail. No justifications are attempted, only context. 

It is a complex history that uses interwoven narrative threads to keep the reader engaged. This book is a worthy successor to the also excellent volume one. 

noahren18's review

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challenging dark informative inspiring sad tense slow-paced

3.5

pharmdad2007's review

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5.0

Continuing the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Saints tells things like they really were.