Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith (edit title)

• Rated 3 stars

“This book is part history and part true crime. I learned alot about the history and foundation of the Mormon faith and the Mormon faithful. Worth reading for that alone. The book also includes lots of information on the violent and twisted proponents of Mormon Fundamentalism and specific crimes of murder, kidnapping, and polygamy (abuse of women and young girls) that the author lays right at the doorstep of the early days of the Mormon religion. Krakauer's narrative is smoothly told and this is an easy and informative read. ”

• Rated 0 stars

“Interesting ducation about the FELDS”

• Rated 4 stars

“Very intersting. Love the way the author is able to relay the story.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Written in chapters that alternate between the violent modern-day murders of the Lafferty brothers, and the 19th-century founding and pilgrimage of the Church of Latter Day Saints, "Under the Banner of Heaven" paints a grim picture of misguided faith. Krakauer is a skilled writer, and his ability to re-create narratives from over a century ago is perhaps unrivaled (compare this to David McCullough, and McCullough doesn't stand up at all). Yes, the criticism of this book is valid: it doesn't show the positive side of religion in America, or of the Mormon Church. But that is not the book's purpose.

"Under the Banner of Heaven" argues that religion can be a dangerous institution, and that all faith and "communication with God" is not necessarily a good thing. And Krakauer is smart enough not to make more than a couple passing 9/11 references. The parallels between Lafferty and Bin Laden are easy enough to draw, and Krakauer respects our intelligence.

Also, the latest edition of this book includes the Mormon response to its publication, and Krakauer's scathing (and amazingly convincing) counter-argument to their claims. Worth the price of admission, and could teach a class on the best practices of persuasive writing and argument.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Chilling insights into the basis of the Mormon religion and the beliefs forced on its followers, especially women.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Amazing look into Mormon fundamentalism.”

• Rated 4 stars

“A religious true crime thriller.”

• Rated 0 stars

“hard to put down”

• Rated 0 stars

“About the Mormon culture. True story. Creepy”

• Rated 3 stars

“Scary as far as content, difficult to read quickly, more like a study book”