Latter Days

"This engaging introduction to Mormon history and doctrine from the viewpoint of a convert gives a good idea of why Mormonism attracts and holds so many Americans. Along with the facts of history , one gets a feeling for the unconquerable spirit of the Mormon people."—Richard L. Bushman, Gouverneur Morris Professor of History at Columbia University, author of Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism and The Refinement of America: Persons, Houses, Cities

"Latter Days is a refreshing view of Mormonism written by an enthusiastic convert. I applaud Coke Newell and St. Martin's Press for presenting this innovative book."—Susan Easton Black, Professor of Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University, and author of Impressions of a Prophet

"Coke Newell has written the ideal introduction to Mormonism for the curious outsider. As a convert himself, he understands the misconceptions that have long distorted the public image of this distinctly American form of Christianity. More important, he also understands those modern perplexities for which Mormonism offers a timeless resolution . . . Moving deftly from metaphysics to narrative, Newell draws from the Church's history of persecution and migration clear illustrations of the mortal-world meaning of transcendent beliefs, adducing compelling evidence that the historical trajectory of this dynamic faith ensures its increasing visibility in the decades ahead."—Bryce Christensen, author of Utopia Against the Family

"This is an astonishing story, told incredibly well. Coke Newell has helped list the Latter-day Saints into the forefront of Christian discourse and relevance."—Stephen R. Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

"There are few stories in American history that rival for substance the persecution and the perseverance of the Latter-day Saints. This is among the most intimate, accurate and impressive tellings of that story I have read."—Richard Paul Evans, author of The Christmas Box

"This is a Mormon primer that believers and nonbelievers alike will profit from. At the start, Newell lay his cards on the table: he is a devout Mormon, albeit a convert to the faith . . . We are offered not just Mormon history, but Mormon cosmology, as well . . . [Newell gives] more attention to Brigham Young than most accounts—and this is important because, while all sectarian groups have charismatic founders, what distinguishes those that survive from those that fade after a generation or so is the ability of the second leader (the one who comes after the founder, in this case Joseph Smith) to seize the reigns of command and take charge, something Young did masterfully."—Kirkus Reviews

"Latter Days [is] a most welcome volume. False and flawed opinions about Mormon beliefs and practices abound. Coke Newell's forthright, clearly written, even fascinating account of Latter Day Saint doctrine and history should help clear the air. Those non-Mormons, like myself, who admire the LDS Church's proselytizing zeal and its unusually strong commitment to family bonds can also gain insight here into the doctrinal sources of these behaviors. I truly enjoyed the book."—Allan Carlson, President, The Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society; publisher of The Family in America