Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
19 journalers for this copy...
Just when I thought it was safe to go into a bookstore -- spotted this at 40% off, and justified the purchase by vowing to send it out on a ring. I haven't read it yet, but look forward to seeing what people think. To quote AuntK from the bookray/ring forum: "Just a word for all of Krakauer's books: to me they are slightly intoxicating, slightly mind-bending, and best of all, a good read. I just finished "Under the Banner of Heaven" and found it to be well-researched and as unprejudiced as a book about religion can be."
And the order is:
HikingReader
squirrel818
baaic
FowlerFam5
skcreader
kiptrix
LeapingLizzards
kalahari (skipped)
roadrunner
DiamondLight
illinicheme
16stepper
Firegirl
WarEagle78
Herrundmeyer
Please journal when you receive the book. PM next person on list for address. If you are unable to send overseas, just return the book to me and I'll take care of it. Enjoy!
And the order is:
HikingReader
squirrel818
baaic
FowlerFam5
skcreader
kiptrix
LeapingLizzards
kalahari (skipped)
roadrunner
DiamondLight
illinicheme
16stepper
Firegirl
WarEagle78
Herrundmeyer
Please journal when you receive the book. PM next person on list for address. If you are unable to send overseas, just return the book to me and I'll take care of it. Enjoy!
Well it took TWELVE days for this book to travel about 12 miles across town, but it has finally arrived. (Next time we trade junegirl and I will meet, I think!) I have about 50 pages of "Seabiscuit" to finish before I start this book, but I'll get into it this weekend. Thanks so much for offering it as a bookring. I will let you know how I like it!
Like the author, I too grew up in a community with quite a few Mormons and I knew very little about their faith. This book is fascinating and a very comprehensive look at the history and contraversy present in the Church of Latter-Day Saints.
There is so much that I learned from reading this. Some of it was absolutely amazing, and as a truly American religion, I think this is an important book to read. It is interesting that there is quite a bit of religious fundamentalism right here in the good ole 'flag waving US of A.
Of course the recounting of the Lafferty murders is horrific, but the author does a good job of weaving it into the historical context of the religion and makes a decent attempt to explain the background of the perpetrators and the paradoxal nature of a religion where believers are directly addressed by their God through revelations.
Sending this on to squirrel818 on Monday. Thanks so much for offering it in a bookring junegirl!! :)
There is so much that I learned from reading this. Some of it was absolutely amazing, and as a truly American religion, I think this is an important book to read. It is interesting that there is quite a bit of religious fundamentalism right here in the good ole 'flag waving US of A.
Of course the recounting of the Lafferty murders is horrific, but the author does a good job of weaving it into the historical context of the religion and makes a decent attempt to explain the background of the perpetrators and the paradoxal nature of a religion where believers are directly addressed by their God through revelations.
Sending this on to squirrel818 on Monday. Thanks so much for offering it in a bookring junegirl!! :)
just received this in the mail yesterday and I've been dying to read it. I'll get to it asap. Thanks!
THIS BOOK WAS SO WELL RESEARCHED AND FULL OF INTERESTING INFORMATION. i LEARNED ALOT ABOUT THE LDS CHURCH THAT I DIDN'T KNOW. THANKS FOR SHRING!
Journal Entry 6 by squirrel818 at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK, Meet-Up in Iowa City, Iowa USA on Friday, January 2, 2004
Released on Friday, January 02, 2004 at to a fellow bookcrosser in Iowa City, Iowa USA.
Received yesterday, looking forward to this. Thanks!
I'm not sure I want to vouch for its accuracy, but this book hit the spot. It filled a nice gap in my knowledge about an important aspect of our nation's history, and proved a very gripping narrative.
I thought Krakauer was pretty even-handed and respectful in his treatment of Mormon faith. Of course, I share much of his own religious point-of-view as stated in the Author's Notes at the end of the book, so I have to acknowledge my own bias. But from that perspective, the only reason why Mormonism may seem any more outlandish or bizarre than any other Judeo-Christian religion is that it is born of the print age and thus subject to more "rational" scrutiny from the beginning. It almost seems unfair.
Here in Iowa City, we don't seem to have that large of a community. There's a stake office, and there are annual "Mormon Days" where there is an annual celebration at a little park behind the dilapidated University of Iowa graduate student housing. After the initial trek from Nauvoo to Utah, incoming Saints from the North East and Europe took a train to an Iowa City terminus, set up their carts, and then began their "Trek" to Utah.
Nauvoo is only a couple of hours from here. Krakauer doesn't talk too much about what civil life was like in these early communities, at least not until they start irritating the Gentile neighbors. The first great Mormon temple was there, and subsequently destroyed after the Saints fled the area. Just now, they have rebuilt the temple, and it is to my regret that I didn't go down and visit it before they sanctified the building, forever barring the future entry of Gentiles.
I'm sorry I took so long to finish this. It's out in the mail today.
I received this book last week and dove in right away. I think Jon Krakauer is an amazing author and I hope to finish the book soon. So far I am amazed at what I have learned.
Wow! This is a powerful book. I couldn't put it down even though it was very disturbing at times. I grew up knowing nothing about Mormonism - I never even heard of a Latter Day Saint until I was out of college. I started this book with very little knowledge of the Mormon people or their beliefs. My initial reaction was that I could not understand how a person could be part of a religion that has such a documented lurid history. As I continued to think about it, however, and after reading the author's comments and some of the testimony from the second trial (the educated Mormon experts) I started to realize that most religions are similar to Mormonism in the fact that believers just accept many truths on faith.
One aspect that I find particularly terrible is that Ron Lafferty is still alive. I feel so badly for Brenda Lafferty's family. He has admitted to the crimes and has been found guilty twice! I think the legal system is lacking in this regard. Taxpayers have supported him for two decades now and that is not right.
Anyway, I will send this book on to the next reader. I look forward to reading everyone's comments about this intriguing piece of literature.
One aspect that I find particularly terrible is that Ron Lafferty is still alive. I feel so badly for Brenda Lafferty's family. He has admitted to the crimes and has been found guilty twice! I think the legal system is lacking in this regard. Taxpayers have supported him for two decades now and that is not right.
Anyway, I will send this book on to the next reader. I look forward to reading everyone's comments about this intriguing piece of literature.
Received on Friday 6/4 and have already read 77 pages...will make a journal entry when I finish!
I've just received this in the mail. Will get started on it right away, as I've been expecting it and didn't start any other lengthy book. I'm a Krakauer fan so I have high expectations. Thanks for the bookring, junegirl.
7/9/04 I'm reading this, finished Part 1, but it's not something I can read quickly. I'll get there!
7/9/04 I'm reading this, finished Part 1, but it's not something I can read quickly. I'll get there!
Just finished this very interesting book. I hadn't known anything about the LDS, so this was quite educational. It seems to me that the Mormons are essentially brainwashed from the time they are born. The ones who think independently are excommunicated. Well, as usual with Krakauer's books, I'll probably be reading more about the subject.
This will soon be on its way to the next ring participant, LeapingLizzards.
This will soon be on its way to the next ring participant, LeapingLizzards.
Mailed late this morning to LeapingLizzards in Florida.
Received this in the mail today. Will start it tonight!
Thanks
Thanks
An interesting read. I learned a little bit about the history of the Mormon religion, a religion I knew nothing about. (although it was more about the fundamentalists) Right after reading it I had some experience with Mormons after hurricane Charlie. Quite a few drove down to Port Charlotte with a backhoe and offered to clean up the area of a friend's condo for free and did the same for a number of her neighbors. I agree with Krakauer's opinion on religion, but I was quite impressed with the group I came across.
Anyway, no response from Kalahari so the book is on the way to Roadrunner.
Anyway, no response from Kalahari so the book is on the way to Roadrunner.
This book arrived over the weekend. I'll get to this asap. I REALLY want to read this book but I have a couple of rings in front of it.
WOW! This is a truly fascinating book. I knew nothing about how the Mormom religion came into existence and found that part of the book very interesting. The fundamentalist element is totally scary. It's hard to believe that there are people like that around. I think Jon Krakauer did a very even handed job with this book. Like his other books it is well researched and edge of your seat stuff. Thank you so much Junegirl for sharing and I'm so sorry I took so long to read this. Real life can be so inconvenient! This is off today via Media Mail.
I've contacted the next person on the list for this book and they wanted to be passed up, so I've been trying to contact the second person after me to no avail. I've sent a note to the third one after me now. We'll see what happens!
=0)
Diamond
=0)
Diamond
I've sent this one along to the next on the ring. Enjoy!
Arrived today. Thanks! I'll journal again when finished.
I enjoyed this book as it was very interesting and informative. There are points where I felt that it dragged on a little bit too long, but that's a minor gripe.
Thanks for giving me the chance to read this. I'm dropping it in the mail to 16stepper today. Thanks!
Thanks for giving me the chance to read this. I'm dropping it in the mail to 16stepper today. Thanks!
This has arrived in Gilbert. I'm currently reading A Fan's Notes by Frederick Exeley and should be done by the end of the week. Then I'll read this one. Looking forward to it!
Finished this a month ago and then my brain went on vacation. This is a great book to read right now with all the current events happening in Colorado City, which is covered heavily here in the Phoenix media. I've also watched Dr. Phil's interviews with a couple of girls who got out of Colorado City. This book was very helpful in understanding the background for the news.
Journal Entry 25 by 16stepper at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Released 18 yrs ago (6/15/2005 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Sending just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road to Mesa. I could drive it there faster than I can mail it, but there you go.
Sending just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road to Mesa. I could drive it there faster than I can mail it, but there you go.
2 days later, this book arrived from aross town. Maybe next time we can meet halfway and have a drink, 16stepper! I'll read this as fast as I can and pass it along. Mesa has a very high Mormon population so I'm especially curious to read this -- maybe I'll learn more about those white-shirted guys on bikes I see riding around all the time!
I thought this was a really, really fascinating read. I learned so much about Mormonism I never knew before and that knowledge has explained a lot of my Mormon friends' behaviours! (Like why so many of them have the equivilant of a bomb-shelter supplied with tons of food. I tell you, if there were ever a major disaster, I've got some totally prepared Mormon friends.) I'm normally not that intereted in anything that even smells of a comparative religion class, but I was curious about the murder case wrapped up in this. Krakauer did an excellent job of giving enough background to try and explain the criminals' behaviour without going into a long, drawn out relgious history lesson. Good stuff. I just wish I wasn't in school and working full time right now so I could have read it faster!Thanks for sharing. I've contacted WarEagle78 and will post this as soon as I have the address. Happy Fourth of July!
(Mailed via media mail -- 7/6/05)
This book arrived safely in Alabama yesterday, and it looks great. Thanks, junegirl, for developing this bookring, and to firegirl for sending it on. Will journal again when read.
Quite interesting book! Provocative, thoughtful, and well-documented, Krakaur gives in-depth explanations about the history of Mormonism. He illustrates their transformation from an antagonistic, bizarre religious sect to a mainstream religion producing middle class Americans, and the reformers who keep the church in the spotlight with their fundamentalist beliefs and unlawful acts. Recommended.
In mail today to Germany.
This book arrived some two weeks ago at my parents' place, and I didn't have a chance to journal it earlier. But still - even Surface Mail/Media Mail shouldn't take more than 2 months to cross the Atlantic!
I've already read about 2/3 of the book and will journal again with a full review.
Since I am the last participant on the list, is it OK if I pass it on to another BCer at a local meeting?
I've already read about 2/3 of the book and will journal again with a full review.
Since I am the last participant on the list, is it OK if I pass it on to another BCer at a local meeting?
Journal Entry 32 by Herrundmeyer from Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Sorry, I just realised that I wasn't logged in. The above Journal Entry is written by me as well.
Journal Entry 33 by Herrundmeyer from Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg Germany on Saturday, November 19, 2005
I must say that I knew little to nothing about Mormonism before I read this book. The only contact you get with Mormons in these parts is groups of well-groomed young men in suits who try to convert you in pedestrian precincts.
Krakauer is looking for the roots of a gruesome murder and describes the history of Mormonism to explain it. This is well-researched and well-written - but slightly one-sided only. I ended up feeling suspicious about Krakauer's intentions. I think that any religiously-motivated murder could be examined in such a way, regardless if it is committed by a Mormon, a Muslim or a Roman-Catholic killer. Every one of these religions had/has its fundamentalists that are not representative of the majority of the communities. Just think of Muslim suicide bombers, the Spanish Inquisition and the like.
Nonetheless an interesting read.
Junegirl told me I could pass this book on as I liked, so I'll reserve it for the next meeting I attend or make it part of a book box.
Krakauer is looking for the roots of a gruesome murder and describes the history of Mormonism to explain it. This is well-researched and well-written - but slightly one-sided only. I ended up feeling suspicious about Krakauer's intentions. I think that any religiously-motivated murder could be examined in such a way, regardless if it is committed by a Mormon, a Muslim or a Roman-Catholic killer. Every one of these religions had/has its fundamentalists that are not representative of the majority of the communities. Just think of Muslim suicide bombers, the Spanish Inquisition and the like.
Nonetheless an interesting read.
Junegirl told me I could pass this book on as I liked, so I'll reserve it for the next meeting I attend or make it part of a book box.
Journal Entry 34 by Herrundmeyer at Bookbox in N/A, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases on Friday, February 24, 2006
it seems to be very interesting - and since I also don't know a lot about the topic I am really excited in reading it... took it out of the Inkheart's English Book.
12-Feb-11
Well - too much of history and facts.. what a pity!
12-Feb-11
Well - too much of history and facts.. what a pity!
Journal Entry 36 by 
Mary-T
at Crabtree Valley Mall (See Release Notes) in Raleigh, North Carolina USA on Friday, July 1, 2011
Mary-T at Crabtree Valley Mall (See Release Notes) in Raleigh, North Carolina USA on Friday, July 1, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (7/2/2011 UTC) at Crabtree Valley Mall (See Release Notes) in Raleigh, North Carolina USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Will take this one to a meeting with a fellow BC'er.
If he's not interested, then we will release the book in the Crabtree Valley Mall.
Mary-T
If he's not interested, then we will release the book in the Crabtree Valley Mall.
Mary-T
Journal Entry 37 by Mary-T at Crabtree Valley Mall (See Release Notes) in Raleigh, North Carolina USA on Friday, July 1, 2011
Mary-T at Crabtree Valley Mall (See Release Notes) in Raleigh, North Carolina USA on Friday, July 1, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (7/2/2011 UTC) at Crabtree Valley Mall (See Release Notes) in Raleigh, North Carolina USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Will take this one to a meeting with a fellow BC'er.
If he's not interested, then we will release the book in the Crabtree Valley Mall.
Mary-T
If he's not interested, then we will release the book in the Crabtree Valley Mall.
Mary-T
This book has really been around -- and it's in great shape still!
I was thrilled to see that it's graced with a highly desirable and hard-to-find #3 ("New Book") bookplate.
I'll read it soon and find someplace special to release it next.
(7/3/11: reserved for NY BookCrosser)
I was thrilled to see that it's graced with a highly desirable and hard-to-find #3 ("New Book") bookplate.
I'll read it soon and find someplace special to release it next.
(7/3/11: reserved for NY BookCrosser)
I've been immersed in this book for quite some time. Parts of it were so violent that I had to put it aside and wait to read those sections when I had company in the house. The 1984 murder was bad enough, but the drawn-out account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre was horrific. The most heartrending event was Hosea Stout's poisoning of Samuel Smith.
The many accounts of polygamy and twelve-to-fourteen year old brides made me queasy. One thing the jacket blurbs got wrong was calling Brenda "blameless" and "innocent". Of course, nothing justifies killing anyone in my opinion, but she did meddle and interfere in Ron and Dianna's marriage to an extreme degree. The unwanted divorce seems the obvious catalyst for Ron's removal revelation.
The historical accounts set in the nineteenth century were vivid and riveting. I loved the political insights (Ulysses S. Grant actually did something right!) and the excellent description of plateau landscapes. What a marvelous account of John Wesley Powell's visits to the Grand Canyon -- that's my favorite part, followed closely by a footnote on page 199 describing Emma Smith, Joseph Smith III, and some friends founding what came to be the Community of Christ in Missouri.
I still need to finish the author's remarks, notes, and bibliography. Then I'll mail this to New York for another BCer to enjoy.
The many accounts of polygamy and twelve-to-fourteen year old brides made me queasy. One thing the jacket blurbs got wrong was calling Brenda "blameless" and "innocent". Of course, nothing justifies killing anyone in my opinion, but she did meddle and interfere in Ron and Dianna's marriage to an extreme degree. The unwanted divorce seems the obvious catalyst for Ron's removal revelation.
The historical accounts set in the nineteenth century were vivid and riveting. I loved the political insights (Ulysses S. Grant actually did something right!) and the excellent description of plateau landscapes. What a marvelous account of John Wesley Powell's visits to the Grand Canyon -- that's my favorite part, followed closely by a footnote on page 199 describing Emma Smith, Joseph Smith III, and some friends founding what came to be the Community of Christ in Missouri.
I still need to finish the author's remarks, notes, and bibliography. Then I'll mail this to New York for another BCer to enjoy.
Finally! I'll be mailing this off today.
Thank you, Megi53! I received the book in today's mail after a long day at work (are there any other kind? :-)
Two things I wasn't expecting: it's a hardcover book (in great shape) and it has done more than a fair amount of traveling. I love that so many people have read it before me, but I didn't read the journal entries. I don't want to risk seeing any spoilers!
I'll read it soon and let you know what I think of it.
Two things I wasn't expecting: it's a hardcover book (in great shape) and it has done more than a fair amount of traveling. I love that so many people have read it before me, but I didn't read the journal entries. I don't want to risk seeing any spoilers!
I'll read it soon and let you know what I think of it.
Journal Entry 42 by 
Jackie700
at Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania USA on Saturday, March 24, 2012
Jackie700 at Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania USA on Saturday, March 24, 2012
Released 12 yrs ago (3/24/2012 UTC) at Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, Pennsylvania USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Room 412, in the nightstand with the Book of Mormon and the Gideon Bible
The book is remarkably well-researched and compelling; I couldn't put it down. Krakauer presents a mostly non-judgmental view of the fastest-growing religion in America. With that said, it never ceases to amaze me what people will do in the name of religion.
To the lucky finder: enjoy it and please pass it along so someone can enjoy the good karma of reading. As you can see, the book has done quite a bit of traveling already (-:
The book is remarkably well-researched and compelling; I couldn't put it down. Krakauer presents a mostly non-judgmental view of the fastest-growing religion in America. With that said, it never ceases to amaze me what people will do in the name of religion.
To the lucky finder: enjoy it and please pass it along so someone can enjoy the good karma of reading. As you can see, the book has done quite a bit of traveling already (-:
