Rating: 
Summary: Beware of any negative reviews on this one
Review: As a man raised in the church and a former Mormon missionary, take it from me, this book is by far the best book ever written on Mormonism by non-Mormons. Regarding any negative reviews on this book, you must understand that Mormons are STRONGLY discouraged by their leaders from reading or believing ANY non-secular (non-Mormom) literature on the church. Reading anything about the church that is the least bit critical is immediately discounted and critisized. I personally know that many of the negative reviews on this book are by people who have never read it...they simply think they are doing their religious duty. The truth is that we as Mormons deserve to know our true history. Read the book. It is excellent.
Rating: 
Summary: Well....
Review: I myself have done intense research into the church. I myself am a practicing Roman Catholic. I think most everything written in this book was very well done. Although, I'd have to disagree on "cultish secrecy"... I suppose it depends on how you define "cult".. It's not secrecy. Especially if it is known by the non-LDS public. I think that the foundation of the church is strong and any religion is debatable. There is proof against it and proof towards it. It's what you believe, I like how this book avoided saying "Mormonism is WRONG!".. There are many books out there that should really think about what God wants us to be.. Rather then writing criticism and hatred towards another religion. I highly recommend this book, but also read some others before hand so you get a feel for the religion.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Guide for the Clueless
Review: Some of the best people I've known over the years have been Mormons, and I've therefore had a lifetime curiosity as to just what these folks are all about. This book presents a very good, balanced introduction. It would have benefitted from the authors' starting off by setting the stage rather than launching immediately into a survey of Mormon history, but generally it's exceedingly readable, and very informative, describing a faith community that is, to me, admirable for its integrity but perpexling in its insularity.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource for those questioning Mormonism
Review: As someone who has left mormonism, this book wraps up all the facts about the mormon church without the mormon spin. The secret temple ceremony, embarrassing past scandals, the suppression of any who question church doctrine or church leaders. Anyone considering joining the mormon church, who has friends that are mormon or is considering leaving mormonism will benefit from the information found on these pages.
Rating:
Summary: Welcome to the Mormon fantasyland
Review: This book is well researched and well written. The authors don't take a very hard line against Mormon mindlessness, but the facts they present lead to inescapable conclusions about the chruch. I would encourage anyone concerned about evangelical anti-intellectualism and bigotry to read this book.
Rating:
Summary: An Eye Opener
Review: I remembered reading the very informative TIME magazine cover story by Ostling several years ago, and picked up the book as soon as I saw it.I found this book, which covers the span from the beginning of this religion over 150 years ago to the present day church, to be very readable and informative. The author writes about the theology, the scripture, the rules, the sacred ceremonies, and the lifestyles of Mormons today. It is obvious that the authors did a tremendous amount of research and tried to present an unbiased account. I found myself seeing a church that changes with the prevailing winds and discourages its members from looking too hard at its origins, as needed to control (maybe that is too strong a word) its membership. I also saw a religion that promotes wonderful family and social values, one that takes care of its own. I am not sure about the high moral ground that the authors claim for most Mormons. I think that Mormons are just like anyone else in business or personal dealings. In fact, I know this to be true. This book also raised many questions in my mind about some of the Mormon practices, like eternal marriage and the secret wedding ceremony. I do not think there is another religion that has so many secretive things going on, hidden from the outside world. Yet the LDS church seems to want to preserve its cultish secrecy, as if that makes it more appealing. I also wonder how the Mormon faithful, many of whom are intelligent and well-educated, accept all that they are asked to accept, seemingly without question....especially since so many of the founding beliefs and precepts have been changed as needed. I also was left wondering about the very odd beginnings of this religion. I guess this is what is meant by "faith", but to me,it seems like blind faith. My doubts aside, I think that the author has done a marvelous job of allowing the reader to draw his/her own conclusions by presenting the information contained in the book in a fair way.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for Understanding Mormons and their Church
Review: Most of the reviews of this books have been deservedly positive, which is quite significant. However, I think that the negative reviews are also significant; harsh comments come from both a strident LDS apologist, as well as an angry anti-Mormon. This in itself indicates to me that the authors do an excellent job. I am an evangelical, confessional Protestant who believes that much of LDS theology is way outside the mainstream of Christian thought. At the same time, I have been truly blessed by my friendships with members of the LDS Church. So, this Church is a paradox to me. I think the Ostlings capture this paradox very well. They accurately report on the commendable aspects of the LDS religion, such as their strong family structure, strong morals, and excellent qualities of kindness and friendliness. At the same time, the Ostlings do not shy away from the negative side of the LDS Church, especially its tendency to change doctrine to suit changing circumstances, rewrite history, and to take harsh measures against honest intellectual inquiry. I recommend this book without hesitation to people who think the LDS Church is an evil cult, because it really isn't. I also recommend it to people considering conversion to the LDS faith; as nice as the missionaries are, they are not going to tell you everything in an unbiased fashion. If you want to know the facts before joining the LDS Church, read this book. And, I recommend this book to thoughtful evangelicals and Mormons alike as a basis for further discussion.
Rating:
Summary: Mormon America is worth the time
Review: Mormon America is an excellent resource for non-Mormons and would be valuable for anyone with an open mind who wants to know more about the Mormons. The book was balanced - not the typical venomous anti-Mormon material - and was well-written. It covered all the Mormon issues that you would want to know about.
Rating:
Summary: The best work on the Church by "outsiders"
Review: This book is painstakingly researched by the authors. It is presented in as open a format as any neophyte to the Mormon religion might have wanted. Indeed, this book might paradoxically reinforce loyalty and dissent in equal terms. For those who are committed to the religion, this book will serve as "testimony" to the sacrifices of their pioneer forebears as well as their childhood commitments to their faith. For dissenters, this will clarify what they and others of similar thought have opposed the Mormon church on - a totalitarian hierarchy, indifference/reluctance to deal with church history, doctrinal divergence from "mainstream" Christianity, etc. Someone considering joining the Mormon church may not do so after reading this book, but those who have grown up in the church will use the book's tribute to the strong family and community relationships within the Mormon community as well as their doctrinal differences as examples of why they choose to remain devout adherents of their church. Mormons might also stand to benefit from reading this book because of how it highlights attitudes on both sides. For example, in the discussion on whether Mormons are truly Christians, the authors bring up an interesting, yet logical corollary: are non-Mormons Christians? They cite a frequent yet amusing response from Mormons on the latter issue (one I've encountered myself): "But we have the priesthood!" Definitely a recommended reading, but should not be read exclusively in order to understand this church. It after all has to do with a church that uses 'another' testament to Jesus Christ - The Book of Mormon. The latter is also highly recommended reading to someone who wishes to learn and extrapolate as much as they can about the church before arriving at a conclusion about its legitimacy and validity.
Rating:
Summary: Quite Impressive
Review: This is a great book, it is well researched and totally unbiased. It takes a look at this incredible religion from the perspective of an impartial reporter. It is full of great information about this mysterious American religion. I reccomend it to anyone who is interested in learning about the Mormon Faith. If you want to see the big picture, it's all here.
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