Sons of Bear Lake

By Douglas D. Alder

In the twentieth century, Mormonism grew from an obscure regional curiosity to one of America's five largest religions.?+Sons of Bear Lake?+is a look at this religious culture from the inside, exploring the different ways Latter-day Saints practice their beliefs and worship in their families and communities. Set in the Bear Lake Valley, amid the stunning scenery and lively folklore of the post-pioneer generation, three sons seek to find their way to adulthood. Each young man develops a different outlook on life, and as they grow, their faithfulness-and rebellion-give insight into their unique cultural upbringing. Readers may find themselves portrayed in one of these amazing character studies.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555176674
• ISBN13: 9781555176679
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Salt Press
• Length: 259 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great story of Mormon family's struggles, growth

I thought this was a lovely book, an intriguing story of two kinds of Mormon faith (one devout, the other not so devout), and the struggles that the characters face in making their way as a family and as individuals in both their small Mormon community and in the greater world. It is an inside view into Mormonism, the people, and a time when Mormonism was just about to emerge on to the larger scene. (It is a look back in time to when the Mormon Church had not yet made worldwide impact, back when it was more of just a regional force in the Intermountain West.) It chronicles the life of Harriet, a young widow and committed member of the church, who marries Hank, a young widower who is not a true believer and who was never quite comfortable in the formal religion. Even so, Harriet and Hank work together to raise their three sons who face their own unique challenges. For those outside the faith, this is a nice introduction to real figures in Mormonism. For those who are in the faith, this book will feel "real," an account of everyday people. I felt as if I had met people just like the characters in this book. I highly recommend this book.