Letters to a Young Mormon, Second Edition by Adam S. Miller (Review)

Letters to a Young Mormon
Second Edition
by Adam S. Miller
LDS Nonfiction
Paperback & ebook, 112 Pages
February 1st 2018 by Deseret Book Company

Summary

This book is composed as a series of letters. The letters are meant for a young Mormon who is familiar with Mormon life but green in his or her faith. The author, philosophy professor Adam S. Miller, imagined himself writing these letters to his own children. In doing so, he struggled to say his own piece about what it means to be—as a Mormon—free, ambitious, repentant, faithful, informed, prayerful, selfless, hungry, chaste, and sealed.

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My Review

LETTERS TO A YOUNG MORMON is a compilation of letters from the author on specific gospel topics as he imagines writing to his children about how to live the gospel. The writing is frank and to the point and easy to relate to in many ways. An interesting book that would work as an opening for gospel discussion in Mormon homes or to provoke some internal thoughts for individuals.

I admire the author's idea of writing letters to children about various gospel topics and how those topics actually relate to real life. This is something that we're constantly talking to our kids about... how they live faith, or keep the commandments, etc. in their every day lives each day. I appreciated the author's honest approach and that he was very open in not having all the answers. Living the gospel is a life-long process and each individual has to figure out what that means for them. This is much of the point of his letters and I thought he did well in discussion what that is for him and how it might be for the reader.

My only criticism is that some of the verbiage was a little difficult to understand and could have been simplified. Parts definitely felt like academic writing instead of more simplified wording that younger individuals could grasp. Even as an adult who isn't very "green in her faith" I had to reread portions to figure out what he was trying to say. So I think my perception that these letters were meant for younger members was off when really it's more to those who are young in their faith. These were only parts of the writing though. Other parts were quite easy to understand and relate to.

In the end, was it what I wished for? For the most part, this was an interesting, thought-provoking, and enjoyable read on what living the gospel really looks like for Mormons.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

About the Author

Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas. He earned a BA in comparative literature from Brigham Young University and and MA and PhD in philosophy from Villanova University. He and his wife, Gwen Miller, have three children. He is the author of seven books, including Speculative Grace, Future Mormon, and The Gospel According to David Foster Wallace. He also directs the Mormon Theology Seminar.


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