After reading so much in dental school that I literally think I overheated a few neurons and caused permanent damage I had to take some time off. Now that I have been out of school a few years I have picked up reading for fun again. I chose two books: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Bushman and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. Two very different books, but both about amazing experiences and amazing people. Very inspirational.RSR is a book that has created some waves. I think those waves will end up being beneficial. I have always had a special spot in my heart for Brother Joseph. Reading this book made him more human to me and therefore I was better able to understand him. That being said, I don't know how he was able to withstand all the stresses he had coming at him from every angle. Like the Navy SEALs in Lone Survivor, amazing times bring out amazing feats from amazing people. If you haven't read either book I strongly recommend them. If RSR causes any problems for you feel free to discuss it with me. Bushman was the perfect person to write this book at what I feel was the perfect time.
6 comments:
rough stone rolling is by far the best biography of joseph smith (and i have read many). with bushman's street cred (he's a stake patriarch), many of the rather unknown and hidden (yet often important) issues in mormon history have come to the attention of many of the general members of the church.
I loved RSR so much I went out and bought "On the Road with Joseph Smith," his journal he wrote while on tour and releasing the book. As you said, you can't have much better credibility academically or Mormon-wise. He really opens up about his fears of releasing the book. He said that it might be difficult at first, but eventually would be for a greater good. I totally agree. Kind of like a nice inoculation.
Carson, I have heard great things about Lone Survivor. I really want to read it. When you are done with that, I will have to swap you for the book I am finishing up right now. It is "Inside Delta Force". It's an amazingly true story about an elite counter terrorist group within the US millitary called Delta Force. These guys are the elite of the elite and make you grateful for their sacrifices they make for our nation. Its a gripping real life version of a group of Jason Bournes out to stop terrorists. Good stuff.
One of my resolutions this year is to read more and RSR is in my queue. Gotta finish Steve Martin's autobiography first though. ;)
I'm currently reading Men of Valor by Robert Millet. My dad gave it to me for Christmas and it has lots of good advice and counsel. The one thing I dislike about LDS books (Deseret Book variety) is that they are so full of "church speak". You know, phrases like "for a season" "our mortal probation" etc. I just think that such terminology is overused in the church and generally turn me off to the genre. What's are your opinions on these types of books?
I'm not implying that RSR is like that, it just made me think about it.
I agree totally. In high school I had to quit "The Work and the Glory" because of that exact thing. It was like fingernails on a chalk board. RSR is definitely not like that. Bushman was afraid that members wouldn't like the book because it was too academic and straight forward, but for me, that made it all the better.
These sound like the {only} kind of books I enjoy reading. I too love stories about real people and their inspirational lives. I have a few in the line up right now so I may not get to them right away but I will. Thanks for the recommendation!
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