Rating: 
Summary: Suspension of disbelief
Review: My own experience with Mormons has been unfailingly positive. As a small Gentile (non-Mormon) child in Ogden, Utah, I noticed no difference between our neighbors and anyone else in the world. While visiting my daughter when she was in school in Utah, I found Mormons cheerful and hard-working. The Mormons I have met in my professional life have invariably been serious, capable individuals. Until reading this book, I knew nothing about the history of the faith outside of vague ideas about Joseph Smith, the emigration to Utah, and Brigham Young saying, "We will make this valley blossom like a rose."To say I was flabbergasted to learn the details of the history is a gross understatement. Joseph Smith emerges as a charlatan and a con-man, Brigham Young as a ruthless manipulator, and the Mormon pioneers as bloodthirsty villains who massacred over a hundred members of a passing wagon train. Polygamy is revealed to be little more than ill-disguised lechery (frequently incestuous), and a technique for keeping women under the thumb of a male-dominated theocracy. The book entertwines a history of the church with the story of a recent murder of a woman and her infant child by two Mormon fundamentalist brothers. Sprinkled through the pages are interviews with various people who shed light on the inner workings of the fundamentalist sects. Reading the account of the murders, and hearing the statements of the brothers who did it, I was strongly reminded of another book that examines the relationship of crime to religion: Terror in the Mind of God, by Mark Juergensmeyer. Like Under the Banner of Heaven, this book chronicles what human beings can do when convinced they are on a "mission from God." In many ways, however, this book is about all religions. If we know that the Book of Mormon is a demonstrably false story seemingly concocted by a charismatic fanatic because it was written in historical times, what does it say about the Koran and the New Testament that were written prior to the invention of the printing press? There are no unflattering newspaper stories about Mohammed or Jesus that can be accessed by modern historians. In fact, what does it say about all of us, including myself, who believe in God?
Rating: 
Summary: interesting insight on the effects of polygamy
Review: This book centered around two terrible murders commited by two Mormon Fundamentists in 1984 whose belief centered around the practice of polygamy. The author skillfully tries to understand how two men could have committed such murders under God as they see it and what mind set such thoughts evolved from. He does this by tracing the history of polygamy within the Mormon church and how such practice created a cause and effect within the church that still lies deep within itself today. I won't considered this book to be "anti-Mormon" or anything like that since the author does not go around bashing Mormons. But the history of the Mormon church is not perfect and much imperfection of that history can usually be traced back to their practice of polygamy during much of the 19th century (that imperfection usually began with Joseph Smith himself who founded the church) and how that practice remains one of the controversial issues even today - especially among the Mormon Fundamentalists who seem to pick and choose their callings from God. I thought this was a well-written book, nicely researched and it doesn't bogged the reader down with petty details. Its may be considered as a clear condemnation of the Mormon Fundamentalists whose belief the author clearly believes to be in the wrong.
Rating:
Summary: Where Do You Draw the Line?
Review: My review is admittedly only partial, because I'm not completely through the book yet (about 2/3), though there are some things to say: 1) I agree with other reviews that criticize the historical information as boring. When he deviates from the story of the Laffertys, the book basically just turns into a synopsis of several other books about Mormon history that really don't serve much purpose in the overall scheme of the book. Dwelling on the negative points of Mormon history doesn't get us any closer to understanding the Laffertys and why they believe what they believe. It basically just serves to paint all Mormons as blood soaked criminals and suggest that killing is the "default" setting for the Mormon mind. A stronger focus on Smith's and Young's beliefs and words would be more valuable, as these are central to the Laffertys' beliefs. 2) Another criticism I've read is that the author is basically painting all believers (regardless of religious affiliation) with the same brush, suggesting that anyone who believes in God is one creepy dream away from becoming a murdering for his or her faith. In a lot of ways, I would agree with both the criticism and the view it is criticizing. I think the broader question is, how many steps away from becoming a murderer IS the average believer? More importantly, where does one draw the line? Millions of people believe that God speaks to them in innumerable ways to help the poor, to honor their parents. But the Bible is not always about loving thy neighbor, and in some places there is violence condoned in the name of the Lord. Is Abraham considered more or less admirable for being willing to sacrifice Isaac? What if Jesus had explicitly preached polygamy (as Joseph Smith held he did) or said that sometimes sins are so great the sinner should be killed? Would Christians who practice such things today be considered fanatical fundamentalists? Would the death penalty be questioned at all by mainstream religious groups? How far does the average believer go for the sake of belief, and where does one draw the line and say simply "This is crazy?" More important, if your faith is so strong, why draw the line at all? So the overriding question is exactly that: What does separate the believer from the fundamentalist? The author doesn't answer this, but then neither do his critics. They simply criticize asking the question at all. 3) And finally, I think from a strictly Mormon/anti-Mormon standpoint, the book poses one final question that Mormons might have a hard time answering:
What would Joseph Smith and Brigham Young (confessed practitioners of polygamy and advocates of blood atonement) think of the Laffertys (confessed practitioners of polygamy and confessed practitioners of blood atonement)? There's a reason the Laffertys are called "fundamentalists." Their beliefs were "fundamental" beliefs of the faith's founders, regardless of the church's overall position today.
Rating: 
Summary: Factual, but boring.
Review: Anyone interested in learning about the Mormon faith and it's origins may find this book tolerable. I think I found it boring because the cover and other sources made such a big deal about a pair of murders in the book, that I thought that was what the book would focus on. The actual part about the murders was very well written and extremely interesting, but it isn't as if murders don't happen in the name of religion and God every day. Most notable about this book would be the correlation one could make between our current situation with the Taleban and the Mormon faith a long time ago. I also got the impression that just about anyone in the Mormon faith can call themselves a prophet. It's a strange book and I got bored quickly and had to push myself to finish it.
Rating: 
Summary: Unadventurous and Barely Interesting
Review: I purchased this book hoping for the same taunt energy I found in Into Thin Air combined with a thoughtful criticism of the Ladder Day Saints. I got neither. Mr. Krakauer, bolstered by his worldwide success and confident that he can write about whatever he wants, has written a disjointed book with a few pearls of storytelling. The author is very ambitious. He writes of a gruesome killing, the founding of an American religion, and his own reflections on religion in America. What he fails to do is bring the three together into some sort of coherent whole. Instead he ruminates about the nature and purpose of religious fervor, in a way far better executed by past writers.
The most disappointing thing about the book is that it contains nothing new or compelling. The story of the crime would be interesting if the slaying had been conducted by fanatical and calculating religious devotees. Instead, it is the work of a bunch of drunk white trash in Utah, whose use of a religious pretext for their crimes is hardly convincing or even interesting. The account of Mormonism in America - intended to parallel the Lafferty slayings - provides nothing new for a reader with a rudimentary knowledge of Mormonism. There is nothing to keep the reader reading.
Those seeking the same palpable energy of Into Thin Air will be disappointed. I suppose that for those with an interest in true crime or religious fervor in America this book will have some redeeming value, if so improper a pun may be used.
Rating:
Summary: Will be Debated For A Long Time
Review: A great story that is sure to excite religious emotions whether good or bad.
If we can somehow forget our personal views about Mormonism and just stick with a review of the book, we will all be much better for it.
Once you pick up and begin reading 'Under The Banner Of Heaven' it is awefully hard to put the novel down! It is a brillantly written book. It grabs you from page one and doesn't let go. Two Ultra Fundamentalist Mormons whose particular sect has been exconmunicated from the mainline Mormon church suddenly receive their marching orders. God has somehow decided that these two individuals are His divine Hands to kill. To kill a woman, (and her child) who dares to speak up and disagree with their religious standards. Through fasinating personal interviews with the killers, the author gives frightening insight into the demonic nature of religion gone bad via zealots who have about as much true spiritual knowledge as a hockey puck!
Krakauer has a wonderful gift in weaving the documented history of the beginnings of Mormonism, the on-going plans of the two Mormons, their religious upbringing and plans for murder.
Here is where the furor specific to the book begins. Probably in some ways not unlike what we are now experiencing with the Mel Gibson production, 'The Passion of Christ.' People allow their religious viewpoints to have an impact on their personal review of the book. If they support Mormonism, this book is akin to being authored by Satan himself. If the reviewer disagrees with Mormon doctrine, then Krakauer must have been divinely inspired to write Under the Banner of Heaven. But whatever problems you have with the documented facts Krakauer writes in his novel, then prove him wrong! Do the research such as he has performed and then write your book if you find his writing flawed. Just don't use this opportunity to propogate your religious beliefs without a full reading of the novel, your own personal Mormon readings and historical, documented research. A biased mind doesn't understand or desire truth.
Rating:
Summary: Tremendously good read... gripping throughout!
Review: The brutal murders of Brenda Lafferty and her infant daughter by Ron and Dan Lafferty are at the center of this examination of Mormon fundamentalism. If your only exposure to the writing of John Krakauer has been his personal account of an ill-fated Mount Everest expedition (Into Thin Air), you'll be pleased to discover that his abilities as a writer stretch much further than the first person narrative. Under the Banner of Heaven is an engrossing inspection of religious zealotry focusing on Ron and Dan Lafferty, two Mormon fundamentalists who carried out the murders based upon what they believe were instructions from God. Krakauer augments his story with a basic history of Mormonism that does well to explain it's growth from inception to a religion of prominence in less than two centuries. At the same time, he shines a perceptive light on some of the idiosyncrasies within Mormon theology that may have contributed to the existence of fundamentalist splinter movements promoting polygamy, misogyny and pedophilia. There are plenty of simple questions, none of which are met with clear or straightforward answers. Did the oppression of the early Mormons lead to the development of a subculture of violence in later years? Was Joseph Smith a prophet, charlatan or religious genius? And what of the other self-proclaimed prophets, have they truly received revelations from God, are they delusional or mentally ill? One interesting facet of Krakauer's writing here is that he forgoes an aggressively journalistic style of writing in favor of a more direct approach. By that I mean that he doesn't qualify pieces of narrative by writing that Ron Lafferty "allegedly" or "might" have received a revelation, he simply writes that "God spoke to Ron." That might foster disagreement with those of us who might question whether or not Lafferty is a creative liar or some form of schizophrenic, however it makes for a much lucid read; and in any case, Krakauer seems more interested in offering enough evidence to allow the reader to reach their own conclusions within the context of their personal faith. I learned a great deal from this book. Compared to other religions, Mormonism is a relative newcomer with its inception in the 1820's. The history of how this religion has grown and sprouted splinter movements of its own is fascinating. It's these offshoots that have become the most problematic for mainstream Mormons, sowing the seeds for the Lafferty murders, along with the more recent kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart. With this effort, John Krakauer (an agnostic) has produced a fascinating work of history, crime, psychology and theological discussion that will affect you in one way or another.
Rating:
Summary: A Brief History of the Mormons
Review: I read this book knowing nothing about the controversy surrounding it. I enjoyed it, as have enjoyed other titles by Jon Krakauer, as mostly-non-fiction stories. Not that the author deliberately tells lies or half-truths, but that he injects his own personal beliefs and views strongly into his works. Since he doesn't claim to be a historian I have no problem with this. I will go look for verification or other opinions if I need a broader view of the given issue
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That being said I highly recommend this fascinating blend of True Crime + A Brief History of the Mormons as a book that you will want to finish in one sitting. As well as a work that will make you think and want to talk about afterwards. As a reader of much of today's popular writing, this is a welcome change
Rating:
Summary: Stunning and well written
Review: This book should send chills up your back. It is a look into the Mormon Chruch and the way it was in the early 1800's. Nothing should set your rage more than reading of Joe Smith's escapades with very young women and the final arrival of the brutal Brigham Young to the Salt Lake Valley. Historic and well researched, it brings out the what really happened and not what is in the Utah History textbooks. Under the banner of Heaven, anything is ok and anything is possible.
Rating:
Summary: Well written, unbiased, factual and engaging
Review: I think that this book was very well written. It opens in an unbiased manner and continues to be so throughout the book. I had never been given factual information on the Mormon religion, so this book was very engaging. It tells of the history and customs of the Mormon faith, as well as many true stories about people who practice it. It makes a distinction early on that only a very, very small portion of the people who practice the Mormon religion are the Fundamentalists, or extremists. I appreciated this clarification. The majority of Mormons are peaceful, loving people who are our good friends, neighbors and family members. Their religion is just like any other religion. It is the Fundamentalist Mormon religion that practices plural marriage and other things that I can comfortably call "extreme". This book is a combination of the history of all Mormon religions and the doings of the present day Fundamentalist Mormon Church. I am also comfortable saying that the things the author tells about the Fundamentalist Mormon Church are shocking and appalling. I can't believe that it actually goes on today. There is no doubt that Jon Krakauer's research was extensive, and I believe what he tells to be totally factual. If you are looking for history and an understanding of the Mormon religion, then this is the book for you.
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