Banner of Heaven
January 10th, 2008 Posted in Book suggestionsI usually read at bedtime, to relax, but not with this book! Jon Krakauer’s “Under the Banner of Heaven,” published several years ago, focuses on the Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints groups that have splintered off from the main church. The book is illuminating and upsetting, and probably offensive to some. While filled with verifiable facts, Krakauer also puts his “spin” on the topic, repeatedly stating the irrationality of all religious faith - who can argue with that? - and making comparisons of the FLDS to other fundamentalist groups, such as the Taliban. Religious converts will probably not want to read this book, while those without such ties will find the religiosity of the book’s characters frightening. Leave it to Krakauer to write another book that stirs up controversy!
