Mormon America by Richard and Joan Ostling describes the influence of the Mormon church on America, as well as tracing its growth over time. The authors, both religion writers from major publications, use thorough research to present conclusions about things like the financial standing of the church and the number of members.
If you are interested in learning about the Mormon church (or Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints as it is officially known), this is a good title to pick up. It starts at the beginning, when Joseph Smith, an uneducated farm boy, has his revelation in the New York countryside. Then it follows as he gains followers, moves west, is killed, then the church moves out to Utah. It includes information about the religious beliefs and famous members, as well as presenting the good and the bad.
I have been interested in the some of the details of the religion ever since I read Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven. It is an interesting story, especially since the religion developed in the United States and fairly recently. The book was a little dry in places, but was packed with information. I have known many LDS members, and it was interesting to get a little more insight into their beliefs and practices.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
#39: The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman was this year's winner of the Newbery Medal, the prestigious award given to children's literature. As I started reading it, I wasn't really enjoying it, but then I got to the beautifully written chapter in the middle entitled "The Danse Macabre," and the ending really tied the story together.
The main plot of the book follows Nobody Owens, who goes by the name Bod. Bod lived with his parents and sister until they were brutally attacked and killed when he was a baby. He managed to elude the killer and escape to the local graveyard where the ghosts agree to take him in and give him sanctuary. As Bod grows older, he interacts with a fascinating mix of characters from various time periods, including the bizarre Miss Lupescu, the witch Liza, and Silas, his guardian and protector. All of the residents of the graveyard are fiercely protective of Bod, especially when he reencounters the man who murdered his family when he was so young.
The Graveyard Book is a beautifully written fantasy story, but this was especially exemplified in Chapter Five, "The Danse Macabre." This chapter describes a special occasion in which all of the townspeople gather in the town square to dance with the ghosts of the cemetery, then the memory quickly fades for the people when the evening is over. Gaiman does an incredible job infusing this scene with the details of the movements and music, helping me to create a spectacular picture in my mind as I read it.
The Graveyard Book is definitely a title that would appeal to adults as well as children. It is darker than Coraline, and may not be appropriate for younger children, but would be recommended for fans of fantasy.
The main plot of the book follows Nobody Owens, who goes by the name Bod. Bod lived with his parents and sister until they were brutally attacked and killed when he was a baby. He managed to elude the killer and escape to the local graveyard where the ghosts agree to take him in and give him sanctuary. As Bod grows older, he interacts with a fascinating mix of characters from various time periods, including the bizarre Miss Lupescu, the witch Liza, and Silas, his guardian and protector. All of the residents of the graveyard are fiercely protective of Bod, especially when he reencounters the man who murdered his family when he was so young.
The Graveyard Book is a beautifully written fantasy story, but this was especially exemplified in Chapter Five, "The Danse Macabre." This chapter describes a special occasion in which all of the townspeople gather in the town square to dance with the ghosts of the cemetery, then the memory quickly fades for the people when the evening is over. Gaiman does an incredible job infusing this scene with the details of the movements and music, helping me to create a spectacular picture in my mind as I read it.
The Graveyard Book is definitely a title that would appeal to adults as well as children. It is darker than Coraline, and may not be appropriate for younger children, but would be recommended for fans of fantasy.
#38: Stuff White People Like
Stuff White People Like by Christian Lander is based on the website of the same name. If you have never visited the site before, it is a satire of things enjoyed by white people (obviously) such as ugly sweaters and Priuses. The site makes a distinction between the right kind of white people who enjoy all of the things listed and the wrong type, who basically drink too much beer, drive pickups and watch Nascar.
The book was amusing, although much of its content is available on the website. It is divided into short articles, so I could pick it up and read a couple at a time when I had a few minutes free. The author writes this as an observer of white people, describing their habits and what someone would need to do to fit into a group of them. For example, in describing microbreweries, he says, "White people don’t like stuff that’s easy to acquire. Beer is no exception." So if you want to figure out why white people enjoy Apple products or David Sedaris, this is an enjoyable, quick summer read.
The book was amusing, although much of its content is available on the website. It is divided into short articles, so I could pick it up and read a couple at a time when I had a few minutes free. The author writes this as an observer of white people, describing their habits and what someone would need to do to fit into a group of them. For example, in describing microbreweries, he says, "White people don’t like stuff that’s easy to acquire. Beer is no exception." So if you want to figure out why white people enjoy Apple products or David Sedaris, this is an enjoyable, quick summer read.
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