If the author is trying to write a book to introduce Mormonism to the general public, he failed miserably. The vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, etc. is far too erudite. However, for someone who really wants to read a survey of LDS history in the USA, this book is a good overview. Most readers will easily recognize the author's obviously liberal theological, social, and political biases that color his interpretation of the history he presents throughout the book. Hopefully, the audience the author had in mind is bright enough to recognize the author's interpretations as precisely that. For example, as someone who wrote a master's thesis on Zion and New Jerusalem, I disagree with the notion that Mormonism has ever "abandoned" the Prophet Joseph Smith's notion of building Zion. One can see in the Prophet's own revelations the visionary foundations that would lead to a more expansive view of Zion as the Church grew into a worldwide Church. The book has similar flaws throughout, but I still enjoyed reading this well written book. Bowman did a remarkable and thorough research on this topic, but I think he was too light-handed in his treatment of the Mormon founders and their misuse and abuse of the women of the church. I realize the author was attempting to write a piece of information that remained neutral and nonjudgmental, but he seemed to gloss over the uglier sides of Mormon history and its influence in modern culture and politics. Mormonism has been blatant in its efforts to deny equal rights for women, especially in practice of its rituals and observations, and has been ardently fighting against LGBT rights in law - a patently misguided and bigoted, not to mention illegal, action setting back human rights in America.
What do You think about Mormon People (2012)?
An incredibly insightful narrative of the history of the Latter-day Saints. Highly recommended.
—heartman
It's a (I assume) pretty good history of the Mormon church and where it is in modern times.
—morerevenge
Excellent short history of the Mormon Church and its theology.
—DevakiK
Interesting. Well written. I learned a lot.
—proteus
