Pillar of Light: A Historical Novel (Work and the Glory, Vol 1)

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Summary: A Reader from Bishop, CA
Review: This was a wonderful series of books. At first glance the books seem very long, but once you start reading them you find they leave you wanting more. Even after the last volume. I'm sad that Mr. Lund decided to take a break before finishing the series. I'm anxiously looking forward to the volume that tracks the Steed family decendants into modern days. I hope he doesn't make us wait too long. I especially like the different points of views about the LDS church from the different types of people. From a historical stand point it is excellent.

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Summary: The Best Book I've Ever Read
Review: This was the best book I've ever read! At first, it scared me, because it was so thick, but once I started reading it, it wasn't so thick at all! I read it so much, I got done in 4 days, because I couldn't put it down! I even stayed up until 2 A.M. one morning. This is the best book I've ever read, and strongly reccommend it to anyone... LDS or not!

Rating:
Summary: Mixed Feelings
Review: You notice all of the other reviewers said they finished all nine novels in about a month. It's because they are such an easy read! A little too easy. It's a good primer for LDS history but let's face it--no non-Mormon is going to read these and we all know how the story goes. The best parts of the books are the footnotes he puts at the end of the chapters (unfortunately not in the first couple of volumes, though), so you can go read more about it in context. And I agree with the ONE brave soul who said the women had nothing else on their minds other than babies and boys. The pioneer women were so much stronger, and I don't think Lund does them justice. It took me a couple of days to get through each of the first four volumes, because they are by far the most engaging. After that, Lund seems to be trying to keep pumping them out so he can meet a dealine. Very well researched all around, but a little too trite and simple for my taste. Bone up on your church history instead. I recommend books by Gene Sessions.