The Book of Mormon Girl: Stories from an American Faith by Joanna Brooks
My enjoyment rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Nook
Genre: Memoir
Objectionable material: None
I’ve often heard that being a Mormon is like being Jewish – it’s more than just a religion, but a history, a tradition, a nationality.
In her book, The Book of Mormon Girl, Joanna Brooks shares with us her Mormon-ness – how it’s her faith, her history and her tradition.
But she also shares her struggles as a feminist writer at a time with the Church did not welcome such open dialogue and criticism from a group of vocal women writers. She explores the agony she felt at being abandoned by her faith, as well as her reconciliation, even though it was (and continues to be) a difficult journey.
I too am a Mormon, and like Ms. Brooks share a faith and a tradition that travels deep within the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. I too have struggled as a “feminist” liberal woman within the very conservative, patriarchal roles espoused by the Church. Her story was familiar and poetic. It resonated deeply.
My only wish was that she had written more. I could have read another 200 pages.
In many ways…it could be my story.
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