This is the Place

There are certain issues involving our cultural that you cannot question as an author without getting all kinds of hits--both positive and negative and none of them have anything what-so-ever to do with the literary merits of the story. One of those is to question or comment on some particular religious organization, even if indirectly. It takes literary courage and becomes a fine line between the art, prose and the balance of truth. However, the truth is determined by our own personal insights as to what is correct. It almost always reflects the life long training and the belief system of your family, community and those who educated you. Very few ever really explore religions outside their own youthful indoctrinations into whatever cultural and religious heritage we were born into. So, when author Carolyn Howard-Johnson writes a book based on her alienation from the surrounding culture of Mormonism in Utah she is bound to open herself up as a target. Carolyn's book title is taken from a quote of the LSD leader Brigham Young when he looked out over Salt Lake City and proclaimed "This is the Place". Contrary to some reviews I had read about her book, I found that there was no attempt to attack any organization. She deals with people in her book and it is the actions and views of her characters that become the focus of the issues in her story. However, the culture she writes about is a collective thought and action process of a group. She writes about her lead character having to deal with life as a non-Mormon in a state where this is the primary social driving force. The premise seems to be that no matter what you do or achieve as a non-member of this cultural you will always remain feeling like you are on the outside or at least separated in some social way. Carolyn uses her lead character to bring out the past as she explores her family genealogy. We discover how a group of early founders escaped from the bigotry and persecutions of other places. They came to Utah to build a place where they would not endure such things again. In her book, it seems that the former persecuted become intolerant of outsiders over time. Maybe not in brutal ways like blacks had in the south but at least socially there was a division between the non-believers and those of the LDS church. When reading her book one gets the feeling that her story seems almost personal and autobiographical. It feels like we are following along in a memoir of someone exploring their family and themselves looking for their roots and meaning. It is well written and the prose is top notch stuff. It flows with energy as it almost dances through the pages. Her characters are all alive and have depth and animation. This was her first novel but it feels like classic piece of literature like many other great first novels of our time. This book will continue to be controversial but hopefully in a healing way. I get the feeling that the author is trying to throw a mirror out there for

This story of a young woman's heart as it blooms in matters of life and love takes on special meaning as she struggles in the midst of discrimination during an era when not only Mormonism, but the judgemental attitudes of the 50s, trapped women inside tight little boxes. An unexpected twist at the end.

In "This is the Place," Carolyn Howard-Johnson sheds light on the mysterious world of Mormonism. Growing up Methodist in a Mormon-populated town, I had never understood the beliefs of the Mormons until I read this book. Despite the push-pull that forces Sky Eccles to reconsider her place in Utah -- and, subsequently, in her family -- the author's tone is compassionate for all her characters, both Mormon and not. Particularly satisfying is the twist ending, a delightful surprise that left this reader happy for the journey. In an age that doesn't quite appreciate literary authors, Ms. Howard-Johnson has created a work of depth and ambition that doesn't speak down to its readers but rather allows them to become a part of the tale. Well-done!

Carolyn Howard Johnson takes the reader back in time to an era of polygomy and prejudice in Utah. She shows us that our rightous prejudice is exclusive and hurtful. Living as a minority in any community requires courage. Sky is an example of one womans courage to row against the tide and be true to herself. The message that prejudice can be cloaked by love, family, and church is skillfully presented whitout defaming the founding principles of the LDS Church. As an active, open minded LDS member, I can appreciate her message and take it to heart and still say: The church is perfect, the people aren't! The book sends a message that we still have a long way to go in fully appreciating diversity.

"This is the Place," by Carolyn Howard-Johnson offers the reader insight into Utah, a state she obviously loves, and the dissension that religious intolerance and bigotry can create within families, communities, states, countries and worlds. This timely and powerful tale evolves through the experiences and vision of Sky Eccles. Readers will feel both her joy and her pain as she offers us glimpses into Mormon life from outside its security net. Howard-Johnson's lyrical style captures and holds your attention from beginning to conclusion. The author's emotional ties, her sense of loyalty to her native state of Utah parallel my feelings about my beloved Iowa. I enjoyed reading "This is the Place" and recommend it to all avid readers. Howard-Johnson's writing is skillful and often downright poetic. Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge