From Deseret News archives:
2 books, DVD might fill bill as LDS gifts
"The Skousen Book of Mormon World Records," by Paul B. Skousen (Cedar Fort, 480 pages, $19.95), is an amusing collection of quick-read items for and about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a scrapbook of LDS folk who have gained notoriety, both in and outside the church.
Despite the title and format, the book doesn't really stick to world records, though there are many of those. It's actually a goofy potpourri of supposed records, celebrity profiles, news-of-the-weird, etc., gathered in, more or less, People magazine-style.
Skousen writes each brief item in a cheeky, I'm-not-really-taking-this-seriously tone (note how he got "Book of Mormon" in the book's title).
But one aspect does make me suspicious of its credibility he quotes me! From a Deseret News article about Mormon characters in movies. (And I actually think he misquotes me at one point, but I won't quibble. Hey, I've been known to misquote myself.)
Among the items Skousen has collected:
A number of sports records, some familiar (Johnny Miller, Harmon Killebrew, Gene Fullmer) and others not so well-remembered.
The usual suspects: Laraine Day, the Osmonds, Ken Jennings.
And wacky entries that are probably included just because they're wacky . . . the "proselyting hamster," anyone?
And you do have to wonder about a book that cites so many vague Internet sites as sources, not to mention an author who cites himself as a source!
But, hey, I don't think Skousen intends this to be an academic, authoritative work. It's just meant to be fun. And as such, it succeeds.
When I went out looking for Skousen's book, I stumbled across another one that made me laugh out loud just seeing it on the shelf: "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Mormonism" (Alpha, 314 pages, $18.95).
This isn't a spoof. It's a genuine entry in the "Idiot's Guide" series, which, to my surprise, also includes "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism" and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Judaism," among others.
Comments
- Revive full food tax? 12:19 a.m.
- Classmates salute their superhero 12:19 a.m.
- Vietnam vet finally gets Purple Heart 12:19 a.m.
- $2M error could mean layoffs 12:19 a.m.
- Editorial: Another BCS mess 12:13 a.m.
- Party crashers hilarious? 12:13 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:13 a.m.
- Letters: Respect bereaved 12:13 a.m.
- Letters: Roundabouts great 12:13 a.m.
- Letters: Health care scam 12:13 a.m.
- Cougars going back to Vegas
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims
- Bring the true spirit of Christmas
- Utes excited to go to San Diego
- BYU professor remembered
- Winter weather is here to stay
- Answers for the BCS
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
261 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
203 - Letters: Global warming a lie
156 - Cougars going back to Vegas
147 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
134 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
100 - Harpring's NBA career is over
96 - Utahns want health care reform bills
78 - Utes excited to go to San Diego
75
I haven't yet played "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," and honestly I...
When Boozer was shooting the free throws, why Sloan didn't substitute Mathew...
actions, I will be forced to be accountable for them. I refuse. I am an...
What's with the Utah fans flashing the double L sign?
@mark: So Sam da Ham... you were just making it up?" I'm a climate...
"I have no idea why BYU fans are talking smack about bowl opponents. Even if...
You say to "quit whining and play somebody." Isn't that what everyone is...
Reading these comments, I start wondering-- Whatever happened to faith? Why...
All those numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...
All thos numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...
So Sam da Ham, when you said this: "Not so. Al Gore is poised to make...



You can be the first to comment on this story.