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Rating: 
Summary: A Great and Brave Book
Review: A fascinating and vividly-told story that shows a side of the Mormon experience that most people don't hear about. I don't know what book some of these other reviewers were reading -- this book is interesting, clearly written and very easy to understand. Secret Ceremonies has gotten a lot of harsh criticism, mainly because most Mormons prefer not to question their religion or the reasons they practice it (which I might add is stupid and dangerous for ANYONE to do, Mormon or not). The fact that this book is now difficult to find is no coincidental accident -- the Mormon Church has a powerful hold in the media world, and certainly doesn't want you to read it. The story itself deals with Ms. Laake's coming of age, depression, and difficulty with self-image because of guilt installed by her religious beliefs. Although Deborah's life is not a typical Mormon experience, stories like this one occur more than you think. I think Ms. Laake was very brave to publish her memoir -- knowing that she would be threatened and harassed by people who didn't agree with her viewpoint. What makes the story even more sadly powerful is that Deborah Laake actually commitment suicide a year or two ago. If you are open-minded and curious about Mormon culture as it was (and still is in some ways), this is an excellent read. If the frank discussion of religion and sex bothers you, you'd be better off going to back to church where you can enjoy your ignorance.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm glad she's found peace now
Review: Clearly, Ms Laake was from a dysfunctional family. And yes, some mormon families are dysfunctional, just like everybody else. She obviously grew up with some distorted and unhappy thinking and attempted to play the blame game. Is the Mormon church responsible for her suicide too? Of course not. Ms Laake had some emotional problems and attempted to blame the church, enjoy the limelight, and make money all at the same time. Anyone who believes she was normal, and that her experiences in the church were normal was duped.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting, but not representative
Review: I found this book to be an interesting story of one woman's life. However it is just that...one woman's life and I do not think that her story is representative of LDS women by any means. Her marriage problems probably had more to do with other problems rather than just her religion. If you're looking for a deep dark expose and don't care about what really goes on, this is the book for you. If you are looking for a more balanced account of LDS life, keep looking.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Honest and Very Informing!
Review: I purchased this book when it was first released. I am a non-Mormon, and I used to live in Utah--in the late 70's and early 80's. I want to start off by saying that I love Utah, and have thought of moving back. I still have very close friends in Utah, that are Mormon and whom I respect very much. But as far as the religion it's self---it definately has cult-like qualities. Examples being: having their own doctrine--The Book of Morman, having missionaries travel from door to door, having secret ceremonies that only "worthy" Mormons may participate in---they learn secret handshakes, receive secret names, watch secret plays, and then have to wear special garments to "protect" themselves. Well, growing up around Mormonism, and seeing the guilt and hypocrisy. The "not feeling worthy". I have done other research on the creators of Mormonism---Joseph Smith, founder, claimed he had visions, from what I understand he was an alcoholic, and his mother was into mysterious type , psychic ritual things. Brigham Young, well known polygamist--loved to indulge menois tois. I wouldn't classify that as being very pure. If one reads the Bible--one will find that the Lord very much discourages these types of behavior. I commend Ms. Laake for her honesty--I am sure that it is very hard to spill your guts about something that was drilled into your head to sacred and true!
Rating:
Summary: Mormon tired of anti-Mormon stupidity
Review: I want everyone who reads this book to be aware that much of what is presented here is not representative of the Mormon Church itself. There are definitely some very bizarre splinter groups that call themselves Mormon (such as the one adherred to by the man who kidnapped Elizabeth Smart), but that is to be expected with all religions. I really wish that people would stop picking on the Mormons just because we're different. Laake had some bad experiences and made some truly odd decisions about what she believed in (such as the idea that her own common sense telling her to stay away from a certain guy was really Satan trying to get her to not love him). None of these are the fault of the church. Laake comes off as sounding like a religious fanatic who is in a state of self-pity and trying to capitalize on it by taking it out on the Mormon church. It should also be noted that the temple ceremonies have changed considerably since the 1970s. Women now make their vows directly to God as opposed to their husbands. Furthermore, Laake was not abused in the church. We do not abuse our followers. We, in fact, put a strong emphasis on personal growth and finding your own relationship with God and the gospel. There is a great deal of beauty and happiness to be found here. I myself am a convert and after exploring literally dozens of religions I have found the most wonderful joy in the world in Mormonism. It was Laake's own fanaticism that caused her pain. I have very little sympathy for her. She could have handled her situation better by just standing up for herself a little bit. In closing let me say that if you are exploring this book as a means to find out about the Mormon faith, PUT IT DOWN RIGHT NOW!!! This is, for all intents and purposes ANTI-MORMON LITERATURE!!! It will tell you nothing factual nor of value about Mormonism.
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