Rating: 
Summary: Could not put this book down
Review: "Under the Banner of Heaven" supplies an engrossing and stunningly accurate discourse on Mormonism (and its spin-off polygamist cults) from the religion's birth during the U.S.'s first period of great social experimentation - the early 1800's - to the present day. Just as in "Into Thin Air" and "Into the Wild," the reader walks away with a profound understanding of makes people do what they do. And in this case, it is what possessed members of the Lafferty clan to pursue blood atonement with sociopathic zeal as well as why people join (and leave) the Mormon Church. I do not understand why some Mormons interpret this book as an affront to the LDS faith, as it is the most fact-based, innocuous, and non-lurid account of this American-born religion as I have every read. Perhaps it is because the Mormon Church emphasizes historical research so much and is used to being able to hide historical unpleasantries. What the Church should appreciate is that Mr. Krakauer did not even touch the Church-sanctioned clannishness and personal/business ostracization that has historically taken place, and still occurs, in small Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada towns once it is realized that certain "Gentiles" are sticking to their own Judeo-Christian faiths. Since this is such a large aspect of the LDS faith, Mr. Krakauer really could have been quite harsh. This book is a must-read for just about everyone, especially American-history and true-crime buffs, as well as those who live in the Western U.S.A.
Rating: 
Summary: Narcissism and Exclusion of Mormon Church
Review: This historical and readable account of the beginnings of mormonism and the aspects of the religion that promote narcissism and exclusion is a fascinating read. Mr. Krakauer looks at the aspects of mormonism that promote fundamental sects to spawn, each with their own cult following. He looks at the elements that converged to cause the Colorado City murder of a mother and infant, and also the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart. His reports of the self-contained offshoot mormon communities is like a nightmare with incest, abuse, and control being the mainstream. I think this was a courageous book to write. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: A dark and controversial vision. . .
Review: Jon Krakauer's books invite controversy. Prospective readers should note that positive reviews of this book attract unhelpful votes. Not surprisingly, the LDS church has expressed concern over the content of "Under the Banner of Heaven," as it might no matter how its subject matter is treated, since it deals with an aspect of Mormonism that from the church's point of view is not Mormon at all - the fundamentalist splinter groups that deny the legitimacy of the church and feel that it has abandoned the burning vision of its founder, Joseph Smith. Minute in number (1/100th the size of the mainstream church), fundamentalists get more than their share of attention. This is due in part because they aggressively practice polygamy, a form of social organization that runs sharply counter to mainstream American values, while at the same time it deeply fascinates outsiders because of its view of human sexuality. Combine this with two religiously inspired murders, which form the central thread in this book, and you have compelling material for a writer of Krakauer's investigative skills and ability to capture what he learns in a vivid narrative. Like Krakauer's earlier book, "Into the Wild," the book is constructed as something of a mystery. How did two brothers, who had grown up in a god-fearing, apparently wholesome family go so far off the path of mainstream Mormon faith that in the name of God they would brutally murder their young sister-in-law and baby? The answer or answers, as he looks for them, take Krakauer not only to the far-flung fundamentalist communities in remote parts of the US, Mexico and Canada but back in time to the origins of the church in the charismatic leadership of Joseph Smith, the community of the faithful who grew up around him, and the animosity of non-Mormons, which eventually reached to the federal government. Krakauer views the modern-day murders through a history of bloodshed, including the death of Joseph Smith, as the early LDS church fought for its life, eventually fleeing to the wastelands of the Great Basin in what is now Utah. Even here the bloodshed did not end, as Krakauer notes in his account of the Mountain Meadow massacre of a wagon train bound for California. In the end, Krakauer turns to the testimonies of psychologists at one of the murder trials to reveal, in theory at least, how culture and circumstances conspired to produce two cold-blooded killers, neither of whom feels remorse for their actions. Whether these expert witnesses shed enough light to account for what happened is up to the reader to decide, but they do make one thing clear - as deluded as both brothers seem, they were never insane, but from beginning to end, no matter how extreme their behavior, they remained in full possession of their reason. They knew exactly what they were doing. I don't believe Krakauer intends to fault the LDS church, but it is easy to see how any LDS reader would find his book unflattering. Where a non-Mormon reader would find certain details difficult to comprehend or regard with sympathy, one notes a tone of irony slipping into the word choice and the point of view. Certainly the selection of details contributes to a darker vision of Mormonism, simply by its unfortunate association with extreme fundamentalism. Keeping all this in mind, however, I strongly recommend the book. It is compelling reading and hard to put down.
Rating:
Summary: Informative but a bit dry. He is a special writer, though.
Review: There is something about his writing style that I really enjoy. The subject matter is a bit dry, but still interesting. If you haven't read anything buy Krakauer start with Into Thin Air and Into the Wild first...then this.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm not a Mormon, and I'm not impressed.
Review: I have read everything Jon Krakauer has written, and have been often impressed until now. Krakauer harps and then harangues with his primary thesis: the religious are off their rockers, and any type of religious observance is a likely predictor of violence or at least bad character. I knew Krakauer was cracked when he expressed concern that our President is a born again Christian, and that John Ashcroft prays in the morning. He is really trying to connect the crazy dots here, suggesting that the faith of our country's leaders (or really, anyone's faith) is a dangerous thing. How disappointing to discover that what could have been an enlightening and thought provoking read about the dangers of fundamentalism and the true ickiness of polygamy (and don't get me started on the insane cruelty of the child brides and the welfare programs) instead became a way for Krakauer to lash out at anyone who is dull enough to believe...and vote Republican. Clearly Krakauer has traded one kind of faith ("Satan is bad") for another ("Religious Conservatives are bad"). But if he is going to throw bombs at the opposing group for being addled and overly simplistic in their thinking, he ought to look in the mirror first.
Rating:
Summary: Under the Banner of Heaven
Review: This is a wonderfully written book about religious extremism. Jon Krakauer researches the Mormon fundamentalist sect of the LDS church. The author keeps it real and allows you to make your own determinations. Krakauer gets better with each book he writes. This is a must read for anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Descent from Everest to the depths of Mormon fundamentalism
Review: Taking off from the true story of Mormon fundamentalist brothers who murdered in the name of divine revelation, Krakauer delves into the depths of radical Mormon sects with diabolical leaders, all in the name of True Faith. He goes all the way back to Joseph Smith's violent journey to Utah where, no surprise, he receives a message from on high that bigamy is just fine with God. Krakauer's ability as a writer to render the story right up front and in your face with superb dialogue and scene setting makes for a compelling read. The recent kidnapping, brainwashing, and sexual abuse of Elizabeth Smart fed in a timely way into this books publication release.
One thing for sure: Krakauer knows how to hold our attention.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary book
Review: Meticulous research and flowing narrative combine to make an unusually informative, lucid, and gripping story of the violent origins and destructive character of an extreme faith. Krakauer's mix of history, geography, sociology, and psychology creates a broad and deep picture of how a fanatical religion can continue to exist within American culture. The story could easily have been about another culture and another religion but, by describing what occurs within our own borders amongst our fellow Americans, Krakauer reminds us that extreme religious beliefs share similar characteristics, no matter who holds them, no matter where they are located, no matter what they are called. This is a book that reads like a suspense novel but educates with the knowledge of the most scholarly tomes. Once you begin, you will find it almost impossible to stop until you reach the end.
Rating:
Summary: A Story of no Faith
Review: The book starts out telling the truth about some Mormon history.
As the book progresses he quotes others and their disgust of religion,which many of us hate also hate.
The replacement of gods best for us and mans best for us is unacceptable. He then leans on to a tree of knowledge, mans great wisdom. Later his attack on christianity and all those beliefs (except for giving us the modern day calendar) leaves you spinning. At the end of the book HIS truths come forth........they are....no hopes, worthy faiths, nothing except his wisdom and the culture he accepts.
Rating:
Summary: Not as well researched as some reviews claim
Review: I read this book and found the interviews with Dan Lafferty very interesting and chilling. However, as an in-active member (no love lost there) of the LDS Church and someone with family history in the church dating back to it's origins, I know some of the details of the early church given in this book to be incorrect. I have to question how carefully researched the rest of the information has been.
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