Book is not 'LDS fiction'

The prominent headline of March 5, "LDS novel deemed too racy to publish," regarding Anita Stansfield's new novel, is inflammatory. And to call it an "LDS novel" is a misnomer.

First, simply by covering this story you imply it is newsworthy. When any publisher or retailer decides not to carry an item it is hardly worth note. Thousands of authors are rejected daily by publishers.

Further, Stansfield's new book should not even be considered "LDS fiction." Not because of the standards kept by her characters, but because the story takes place in Revolutionary War America many years before the LDS Church existed.

You, the Associated Press and the other media are simply offering Stansfield thousands of dollars of unjustified free publicity. The story implies that something is wrong with Deseret Book, Covenant Communications and Seagull Book and Tape because they are choosing not to carry this product. Perhaps a more interesting question might be, if Deseret Book is unwilling to carry the book, why is it willing to special order it for its customers? Is this not a double standard?

Sara V. Olds

North Logan