What’s more valuable than life itself? Eternal life? Perhaps. What would drive a person to kill says a lot about what that person values. Following the trail of a murderer, Donna Banta takes you on a wild and scenic tour of the peculiar culture and values of Mormonism in her…
Category: Book Review
When you can’t lock your heart: Elder Peterson’s Mission Memories, by Jeff Laver
Always in sight of each other — 24/7 — except while showering or on the toilet: It’s hard to imagine a more intimate relationship than that of Mormon missionary companions. In some ways a mission is training for a Mormon-style marriage: The two companions are expected to love each other…
No longer invisible: Latter-Gay Saints
They try to convince gay people that it’s in their best interests to be straight. In fact, they try to convince them that they’re already straight. (from “Ockham’s Razor”) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a gay problem. Specifically, the church has a plan for how to…
The Dangers of Obedience: Lawrence Pratt’s “Dark Deception”
Imagine that a pair of fresh-faced young women show up at your door with a message of hope just as you’re trying to cope with the recent death of your baby. And they offer an idyllic community — a perfect Zion that seems too good to be true. And it…
Exit Strategy by Micah McAllister
Since I began writing about my former life within Mormonism, countless true believers have asked me: “So Donna, if the LDS Church is ‘false,’ why are there so many websites, blogs, bulletin boards, and groups out there to help people who leave the Church? After all, Satan doesn’t need those…
Adventures in family-building: “The Book of Thompson” by David J. Larkin Jr.
What do you do when you’re a housewife raising four kids and you suspect your husband of cheating on you? If you’re also Mormon and it’s 1954, the answer is: have another kid! And then another… The Book of Thompson by David J. Larkin Jr. tells the story of three…
Mormon Alumni Association Books website — first draft is done!!
Hey everyone!! As the title of this post suggests, I finally got the first draft done of the MAA Books website!! Many of you have no doubt clicked on the little sidebar button and found some strange, partially-functioning page. Well, now when you click on it, you’ll see a page…
Hurting Relationships: Sophia L. Stone’s “Mormon Diaries”
In 2005 (at my little sister’s bridal shower) my mother rebuked me for purchasing my own “trashy lingerie†for my honeymoon instead of using the beautiful and elegant nightgowns she’d given me for the occasion. “You didn’t know I knew about that, did you?†she asked with a resentful edge…
One size does not fit all: Johnny Townsend’s “Marginal Mormons”
Big, bright smiles and perfectly-matched Sunday outfits as a row of beautiful children pile out of their mini-van — followed by the proud mom and dad — on their way to perform a string ensemble at the front of the chapel. Every Mormon can aspire to have a family like…
Seeing the box you’re in: “The Collapse of Belief” by Kurt and Barbara Hanks
Think outside the box! It’s easy to say, but hard to do. The trouble is that it’s difficult to identify the beliefs and assumptions that box you in. Our view of the world is built on so many assumptions that it’s impossible to be aware of (let alone question) all…