Book Reviews

Prairie Tale by Melissa Gilbert

How in the world do people remember every single, chronological detail of their lives?

This is the usual kiss-and-tell-more-about-your-personal-life-than-anyone-would-want-to-know, a depressing tale of a typical child actor who struggles while growing up, becomes addicted to something, has a messy life, and is clean. For now.


The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff

Beginning in the early 80s by encouraging me to read Steinbeck, my sister has a wonderful talent of recommending great books. As we are polar opposites in every aspect of our lives, this says a lot about how well she knows me, and how well she knows what I find appealing. She recommended this book.

The 19th Wife is two completely different stories brilliantly woven together. It includes the true autobiography first published in 1876 by Ann Eliza Young, variously known as the 19th, 27th, and 52nd wife of Brigham Young. Divorcing Young a few years later, Ann Eliza went on a public speaking tour across the U.S., testified before Congress, and contributed to the passage of federal laws permitting prosecution of bigamy in the Utah Territory.

The second story in The 19th Wife takes place in modern times, involving the fictional murder of a polygamous man in a fundamentalist Mormon sect, and a lost boy of the church whose mother is jailed for the killing.

The 19th Wife is a captivating story giving further insights into the tragedies of a false religion; highly recommended.


Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen

Through a series of essays, the author pokes fun at life growing up as a Mennonite, and the lasting impression on her adult life. Light and easy to read, the first few chapters summed up the entire book, and I could have easily stopped reading then, but I was amused and interested enough to keep reading.