- Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Island Books; Reprint edition (Mar 5 1994)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0440217806
- ISBN-13: 978-0440217800
- Product Dimensions: 16.8 x 10.7 x 2.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 386 g
- Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (71 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#569,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Mormonism > Controversial
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Laake's heartfelt account of her strict Mormon upbringing and two disastrous Mormon marriages includes new material. Literary Guild selection in cloth.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
A candid, often startling memoir of the author's life as a Mormon wife. Though Laake is now a professional journalist, she was raised in a Mormon family and sent to Brigham Young University with one paramount aim: to find and marry ``a faithful Mormon man.'' Without such a marriage, plus the guidance that only a devout husband could provide, she would ``be denied access to the highest level of Mormon heaven''--just one of the many unusual aspects of the emphatically patriarchal religion that Laake reveals here. Moreover, the author intended to wed not any man but ``the One''- -the marriage partner predestined by God--and when she began to doubt that one narrow-minded but extraordinarily persistent suitor, Monty Brown, was the One, Monty and Laake's own brother rushed to her side to exorcise ``the devil'' that had invaded her soul. Laake married Monty in an arcane ceremony whose esoteric details are zestfully described here; pledged to wear ``garments'' (a kind of sanctified nightgown) for the rest of her life; and began what most Americans would consider a bizarre life that included the recycling of condoms through vigorous washing. Within nine months, the naturally free-spirited author asked for a divorce and began--under the close (and, by her account, sexually obsessed) scrutiny of male church authorities--a painful odyssey of self-liberation that included two further marriages, two nervous breakdowns with hospitalization, and the slow recognition of her worth as a woman. Throughout, Laake tends toward emotionally colored, often awkward, writing (``on her first engagement: ``Soon we had created a huge, gay, snowballing ritual of congratulations that sometimes shouted down my fears'') that admirably avoids rancor but that evinces few good words for the church (``the hollow moan of dogma'') she's left behind. By no means objective, then, but, still, an affectingly personal look into the well-guarded citadel of Mormondom. (First serial to Cosmopolitan) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
If this is not true why ae the ceremonies so secret?,
By
This review is from: SECRET CEREMONIES (Mass Market Paperback)
I grew up in a town with more Mormons than any other religion. I 'm pretty sure that the "S" in LDS stands for Secrecy. I was supposed to be the Maid of Honor for my childhood friend, but because I refused to be baptized and convert to the Mormon religion I was not allowed to be with my friend at the "Temple." I greatly admire Ms. Laake for having the courage to come forward, especially in lieu of her life-long battle with depression. It's too bad it won it's battle over her. If you want the real truth about Mormonism read Fawn Brodie's "No Man Knows My History," the story of Joseph Smith.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good insight to Mormons. Good book.,
By joysjane "joysjane" (Casper, WY) - See all my reviews
This review is from: SECRET CEREMONIES (Mass Market Paperback)
I really enjoyed this book. I am not Mormon, but live in a Mormon dominated community and this book enlightened me and opened my eyes to their culture. It helped to answer questions and rumors that I have heard about Mormons and it also helped me to understand them more. If you would like to know more about Mormon life and culture, read this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
This book caught my atteniton...definately worth reading!,
By A Customer
This review is from: SECRET CEREMONIES (Mass Market Paperback)
This book was a quick but insightful look at the secret not "sacred" workings behind the veil in the Mormon temples. A must read for all inquiring about this mysterious religion. (Think before you jump)
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