Mormons in America (Religion in American Life)

Rating:
Summary: Nice History for Young Readers
Review: It must be difficult to reduce such a complex subject as Mormonism into a good, short book for non-member young people, but that is what the Bushmans have done for this installment of the Oxford University Press series "Religion in American Life." I assume Richard, the well-known historian, wrote the chapters on basic LDS history. He doesn't sugarcoat or sensationalize. Claudia must have written the chapters on Mormons facing contemporary issues. They are refreshingly candid, and give the accurate impression that Mormons are human beings who struggle with personal problems along with everyone else. The two viewpoints nicely complement each other and give insight into a much-misunderstood movement. That they have been a successful couple in the New York academic world should make Mormons proud and should attract the attention of curious "gentiles":-)