From Deseret News archives:
Daughter of polygamist writes of LDS women
She hopes latest book clears up misperceptions
In fact, she has written two books on the subject: "In My Father's House" (1984) and "Predators, Prey and Other Kinfolk: Growing Up in Polygamy" (2005).
Solomon's father was a homeopathic physician and chiropractor in Salt Lake City before becoming leader of the Apostolic United Brethren, a breakaway sect of so-called Mormon Fundamentalists in Utah, Colorado and Arizona. In 1977, he was murdered under orders of Ervil LeBaron, the head of a rival polygamous group.
However, Solomon left fundamentalism many years ago and lives a monogamous life as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has a bachelor's degree in theater and a master's in literature and creative writing from the University of Utah.
At the invitation of Amanda Johnson Moon, an editor at Palgrave Macmillan in New York City, Solomon has written a new book with a much wider scope, "The Sisterhood: Inside the Lives of Mormon Women."
During an interview in her Layton home, Solomon expressed satisfaction in the research that led to her new book. She had no way of reconciling the problems of her childhood with the history of the mainstream LDS Church. "I discovered how empowered women in early Mormonism were to heal, speak and make decisions. Whereas, as a fundamentalist woman, my mother seemed to acquiesce all the time. She relegated most of her decisions to my father and even her sons."
In her work as a communication trainer, Solomon has learned that "people who take accountability for what they say and do are much more effective. They can make things happen, and therefore they are happy. Accountability is so basic to the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Solomon wanted to write about the roots of Mormon women who impressed her, such as Eliza R. Snow, who compiled the LDS Church's first hymn book, and Zina Young. "I wanted to claim my heritage, so I wrote the book for the lay person outside the LDS Church.
"I wanted to make it clear that the LDS Church does not promote polygamy. Yet polygamy was a good thing while it lasted and did what it was designed to do. Today we have the fastest-growing American religion on the planet."
Recent comments
I am not mormon, but I lived in Utah for many, many years and had...
Utahliving | June 4, 2009 at 3:41 p.m.
All this comment is one sided. Polygamy is remembered in my father's...
Kathy | Feb. 22, 2009 at 7:03 p.m.
I dont want to get into straining at gnats about the polygamy thing,...
Jim | Feb. 22, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.
- Sports on the air 1:21 a.m.
- 2009 MLS Cup recap 12:45 a.m.
- MLS Cup winners, MVPs 12:41 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 12:36 a.m.
- Paper circulation worse than it looks 12:28 a.m.
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks 12:22 a.m.
- Editorial: Cancer screening 12:15 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:15 a.m.
- Treat teachers with respect, trust 12:15 a.m.
- 'Reform' helps old, hurts young 12:15 a.m.
- BYU records with win
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Wendover airfield's legacy lost?
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
202 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
191 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
130 - BYU records with win
129 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
Game Crazy is the nation's second largest video game retailer and they...
That game was amazing! I think this will really help the sport grow in Utah....
Congrats on a great win. Utah as a whole should be proud not just of a major...
Congrats Real Salt Lake! but, they aren't the first major sports team to...
I told ALL of you how much i liked NED Pure irony his contributions vs x...
this is to NevadaUTE @ 10:25!!! I love soccer, I love Real and it brought a...
wow!!! amazing. UTAH JAZZ DO SOMETHING!!!
So much fear and anger from Beck lovers. You all lost the last election, we...
This is the most emotion I have had watching a sporting event since my...
Nicky Rimando is my hero! I love that guy. He has had his detractors, but...
Two stars means nothing! We played as a team and it showed! I'm still in...


