Review: Kinda like... Kinda don't
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 11 22, 2011
So let me say the things I like about this book so far (because I haven't finished it yet). I think the author and Phin are hilarious! There are definitely laugh out loud moments, and in general I love Phin's personality. I really like the dynamic of the guy's friendship too. I love how the author attempts to keep the book clean and the "bleeps" just make it more hilarious in my opinion. So why the three star review before I have even finished??I am Mormon and before you go thinking that I am...I don't know... whatever it is you think about people who are Mormon who read books like this and have problems with it; let me say that I actually am reading this book as what it is, a work of FICTION. OK? So saying that, I am not mad I'm just disappointed. I thought this book would be about a naive Mormon boy who is getting married to the wrong person, someone he doesn't even really know, and his friend trying to stop him.  OK, honestly sure that can happen, in and out of our church, whatever not a big deal. I actually thought the whole magical underwear comment was hilarious (see I have a sense of humor!).  My disappointment comes with comments like "people that leave the LDS church aren't well thought of and usually aren't given parts in the in the wedding party" SAY WHAAAAT??? Unless there is family drama, like there could be in any family, of course they are included. I know several inactive LDS members, and one happened to be my husband's best man and my non-member sister was my maid of honor (I'm the only member in my family and I assure you my in-laws treat them with great respect and love regardless of their faith). I don't want to get preachy, so my next comment is really more for the author; why make them Mormon? Because honestly, besides mentioning the fact that they go to church and Alan returned from a mission, I don't see anything in these characters that relate anything to the church and I guess I just feel like it is a disservice to the religion. It is disappointing to read yet another book with characters who are "Mormon" and I use the term loosely, who don't actually act like or really resemble true Mormons at all. I mean do some research! Be objective! To someone who knows better, it is kind of offensive. That's why I haven't finished it yet. I am going to try, because I think the book has a lot of potential. I am just going to pretend that these crazy people who sell their children off and do all sorts of psychotic things are just random people. Maybe that will help, because right now I keep getting stuck on the ridiculousness that are the so called "Mormons" in the book.Sorry to be the "religious" comment; I'm not trying to start a debate, these are just my personal feelings as I read.