Have you ever had the Mormon missionaries stop at your door? Have you ever noticed those strange young men in dark suits with black name tags walking down your street?Crazy kids!
Just so you know, I was once a missionary too, so please be nice. Don't throw tomatoes or yell obscenities at them. Instead, offer them cold water on a sweltering day, or hot chocolate if it's cold. =)
Dan Harrington is not a Mormon but he wrote a book about the missionaries who knocked on his door. I was once a missionary in Venezuela so I took a special interest in his story and was only too happy to review his book when he asked. I always worry when someone asks me to review their book. What if I don't like it? I hate giving bad reviews.
I read the book in less than two days. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it. It was fast paced, interesting and very funny. I busted up laughing numerous times. My kids gave me a lot of funny looks.
During the story, Dan meets and studies with various sets missionaries, (they always come in twos) but he has a special connection with the first two, Elder Luke and Elder Childs. Dan is surprised to find what normal, everyday, interesting kids they really are. Most people are surprised at this very thing. A special relationship grows between the missionaries and the people who investigate the church. Dan explains these feelings and emotions beautifully. He is easy to relate to as he tells this profound story.
It has a surprise twist at the end though. One I didn't expect. One that threw me for a loop. I fully expected one thing, and didn't get it. It doesn't detract from the story, it just made me blink my eyes, shake my head and ask, "What the . . . ?"
To sum up. It was a great read. I really enjoyed it and I am going to have my kids read it too. Thank you, Dan, for thinking of me! And I hope to meet you in person some day.
10 comments:
We have a small sign on our door indicating that if you are here to represent a religious group, a political group, or to sell something it would be best not to ring the bell or knock. Not too friendly I guess but it saves me having to deal with things I would rather not. Funny how many of them can't read.
That's funny, mybaby! LOL Maybe they didn't think it included them! Ha! I had the Jehovah Witnesses come to my house for a while, but they didn't want to discuss my religion, just theirs. LOL
Sounds like a very interesting book! Thanks for the review.
Mormons are here in Jamaica too and have established several churches. I have noticed that they are always well groomed and do travel in pairs. The Mormons know a thing or two about evangelization. The book sounds like an interesting read.
I'm not Mormon, but I have had very nice inter-personal relationships with many people within the faith. Once, I was invited to a grand Christmas festival at a huge ranch barn in the area where I was treated to a warm lesson in Mormon history. It was a wonderful occasion. This sounds like a most interesting read. thank you.
Living on a farm definitely has it's advantages it seems. You've got me really curious about the book though. Nice post, God bless you my new friend may you write many more interesting posts for the rest of us. Love, Geoff.
Never been a missionary, but I am LDS and this book sounds very interesting!
Sounds interesting. His would be a completely different perspective.
Sounds like a great read.
Intrigued by this. (=
Good on you for being a missionary-- I know they do a lot of humanitarian work too.
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