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Baptists at Our Barbeque by Robert Farrell Smith
At age twenty-five, Tartan Jones has seen little of the world outside of Utah — and nothing by way of an eternal mate. Frustrated, and still single, Tartan makes a desperate bid to change his life and luck by accepting the first transfer that comes along at work. Fate lands him in a small town affectionately nicknamed Longwinded (pop. 558), located deep in the mountains, somewhere in the American Southwest. Longwinded is home to not only some colorful personalities but also an equal number of Mormons and Baptists. Tartan's arrival breaks the tie and intensifies a feud that has existed for years between zealots on both sides of the argument. Suspicions really fly when someone hauls off half the double-wide trailer that has served as the Mormons' chapel. To make things worse, likely marriage prospects remain in short supply. Baptists at Our Barbecue is a story for the ages, a reminder that life is a barbecue to which God has invited all of us. Whom we sit by or pass the salt to is up to us. Bon appetit!
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First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 28, 2008
Funny. Don't see the movie. The book is typical RFS style - quirky mormon characters narrated by a cynical sarcastic funny person that I totally relate to. They make me happy.
July 10, 2010
Oh my Gosh! I just have to say that I love, love, love this book. I've always loved the movie, but the book is amazing. I will admit that there are some things I like better about the movie, and things that I like better about the book. If you want a good, easy read this is definitely a great book for that. It is cute and cheesy and clean. Plus it is just hilarious and funny! Definitely a good book to laugh at!
January 24, 2008
Another book that shouldn't be judged by the movie.(The movie was good, but the book is much better.) I love this author because he makes me laugh out loud with the situations in the book and has great wit and turn-of-phrase.
June 24, 2011
This is one of the funniest LDS novels out there. I actually laughed out loud when I read it. Truth is, Mormons take themselves WAY too serious. All the one- and two-star reviews of this book are evidence. This book is fantastically quirky and funny for a group of people in desperate need of humor. Dang waterdrinkers!
March 23, 2015
After wading through 45 pages, I have given up. This has got to be one of the most ridiculous books I have ever read. It's obvious this author thinks he's hilarious, but he tries too hard and ends up falling terribly flat.
August 7, 2025
Inane, culturally offensive twaddle.
Take Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls), remove all warmth and charm, lower everyone’s IQ by 40 points and you’ll be getting close to the town of “Longwinded”
The supporting characters aren’t even as well written to be caricatures or stereotypes as they resemble no humans (Mormon or Baptist) that I know. The main characters are one dimensional at best.
Many of the situations in this book are ridiculous, but I didn’t find any of them funny. Even the moments in this book that I enjoyed, or at least could relate to the most (blessings and some warmth at the end of the book) were completely cliche.
If I was not reading this book for a book club, I wouldn’t have finished it. And I would have been better off. Because the “miracle” that brings the town together is actually the agonized groaning of an injured man dying absolutely alone….
Horrific.
In many ways this is the worst book I’ve ever read.
Take Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls), remove all warmth and charm, lower everyone’s IQ by 40 points and you’ll be getting close to the town of “Longwinded”
The supporting characters aren’t even as well written to be caricatures or stereotypes as they resemble no humans (Mormon or Baptist) that I know. The main characters are one dimensional at best.
Many of the situations in this book are ridiculous, but I didn’t find any of them funny. Even the moments in this book that I enjoyed, or at least could relate to the most (blessings and some warmth at the end of the book) were completely cliche.
If I was not reading this book for a book club, I wouldn’t have finished it. And I would have been better off. Because the “miracle” that brings the town together is actually the agonized groaning of an injured man dying absolutely alone….
Horrific.
In many ways this is the worst book I’ve ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2010
Tartan was so named because his mother was fond of Scottish fabric. He moves to the very small town of Longfellow where there doesn't appear to be even one "normal" person. He had hopes of finding a wife in this new location but folks there are all quite unconventional. One woman is trying to fix him up with her daughter but upon seeing the girl, he makes a wide berth - from the young woman's mother. Because the bartender laughed when Bob made a lousy shot at pool, he took pool balls and threw them at Tartan and the bartender. Later Bob throws his empty beer can at the back of Tartan's head. Tartan shares a slice of sweet pie with someone he's just met. The pie is so sticky sweet, he motions for his host for water. His host only has a canteen and takes it for himself, wipes it off with his shirt and hands it to Tartan who immediately gulps gulps gulps it down and discovers it ain't water but vodka. Having a weak stomach, he proceeds to get sick right on his host's sofa. This small town contains a motley citizenship of mostly Mormons and Baptists, with some Catholics and atheists and other religions thrown in. The Mormons and Baptists far outnumber the other religions. In fact most of the time those two sects are tied in numbers. That is until Tartan arrives. He's a Mormon but when the eldest in their Mormon clan dies, the numbers are tied once again. Until...
Yawn...maybe another time I'll feel like working on this one. Sorry can't. gave it to the library
Yawn...maybe another time I'll feel like working on this one. Sorry can't. gave it to the library
February 10, 2013
I saw the movie based on this novel before I read the book. It was cool to see that a lot of the funny dialogues in the show were lifted straight from the book. I understood better some of the story lines, like the missing half of the mobile home, worked out the way they did. I enjoy this story of a small town, divided on the issue of religion. The charm of this story lies in the feud between the Baptists and the Mormons...the population of the town is one half Baptist, and the other half Mormon, give or take a few people.
The story is a good reminder that it's important to build good relationships with your neighbors, no matter what their religion. It also pokes a lot of fun at the silly things people do in the name of religion that actually have little to do with being a good member of any church. This book is fun and engaging, and a great fluff read.
The story is a good reminder that it's important to build good relationships with your neighbors, no matter what their religion. It also pokes a lot of fun at the silly things people do in the name of religion that actually have little to do with being a good member of any church. This book is fun and engaging, and a great fluff read.
June 15, 2014
I was drawn to this book because of the movie trailer, and I was not disappointed.
I love Tartan's character and the town of Longwinded. It's easy to relate to Tartan as the only sane person, and reading his dry and sarcastic commentary. It was the first book I ever read by Robert Farrell Smith and I quite enjoyed it. His zany quirky characters are easy to love and want to learn more about. The gentle way he pokes fun at mormon culture, he finds the line and he never crosses it. I would recommend it to any of my friends. I have re-read it several times, and will probably continue to read it throughout my life.
The movie is enjoyable as well, you will often see in the background things happening, that the book records, though the movie never points it out. the movie is a love letter to this book and they did very well with capturing the tone and humor of the book.
I love Tartan's character and the town of Longwinded. It's easy to relate to Tartan as the only sane person, and reading his dry and sarcastic commentary. It was the first book I ever read by Robert Farrell Smith and I quite enjoyed it. His zany quirky characters are easy to love and want to learn more about. The gentle way he pokes fun at mormon culture, he finds the line and he never crosses it. I would recommend it to any of my friends. I have re-read it several times, and will probably continue to read it throughout my life.
The movie is enjoyable as well, you will often see in the background things happening, that the book records, though the movie never points it out. the movie is a love letter to this book and they did very well with capturing the tone and humor of the book.
July 11, 2008
I love this book, but I am admittedly biased. While I was working at Aspen Books a long time ago, I saw this book sitting in manuscript form sitting on our editor's desk. So I took it home and read it. It was the the first LDS humor novel that actually succeeded in making me laugh. We quickly published it and I've been a huge Robert Farrell Smith fan ever since. As a matter of fact, if you watch the movie, pay close attention to the crowd during the talent show. About a third of the way up on the far right side, you can see my family...and if you're real good, you can see my elbow appear on screen for a split second. Ahh, fame.
October 8, 2019
Tartan Jones is 29, a returned missionary, forest service employee and has never left Utah. He accepts a transfer to Longfellow (or Longwinded as the residents call it) and becomes embroiled in the dispute between the Baptists and Mormons. When the niece of a member for AZ shows up, he finally falls in love. The church members are a little strange from being in the middle of nowhere so long. Finally Salt Lake starts straightening them out and Tartan is called to be 1st counselor in the bishopric. They finally plan a barbeque to try and heal the town breach and things finally start happening.
Very twisted and not real plausible. Not as good as advertised.
Very twisted and not real plausible. Not as good as advertised.
March 3, 2008
This book actually got worse for me as I went along. Like a first date, it started out with a world of possibilities, but the further I read, the cheesier and more predictable it became.
As far as good message and wholesome book, it was a 5. However, as far as romance goes, I thought it was poorly developed and the only real reason they seemed to fall for each other was that they were both LDS and single. I judge a romance by how much I want to go cuddle up with my husband after I'm done reading, and this did nothing for me.
As far as good message and wholesome book, it was a 5. However, as far as romance goes, I thought it was poorly developed and the only real reason they seemed to fall for each other was that they were both LDS and single. I judge a romance by how much I want to go cuddle up with my husband after I'm done reading, and this did nothing for me.
March 23, 2014
3.5 I read this book for book club. Really not normally a book I choose but it was light, funny and an easy read. The strange characters are somewhat believable but in a much more condensed version than most small towns. I think that is why many can relate. Everyone knows someone who is a tad bit eccentric and extreme. The comedy in this book comes easily after such a strange cast of characters. If you are looking for realism or a great literary creation, probably not the book for you. But, if you are looking for a fun and funny story as a bit of escapism, this might suit you just fine.
February 6, 2008
I read this book with JP, after we had seen the movie. It is probably better than the movie because it is a little more in depth, but I had the movie characters in my mind as I was reading (always read the book first :) It was good for a "Mormon Fiction" book. It has a lot of fun inside jokes, and witty humor. But it didn't have any deep thinking, or life changing message. It's definitely a fun light read. (and I definitely need a lot of those in my life.)
August 14, 2008
i realy like the author writting style he write realy funny books. this book is allot like the moview bt has allot more detial and is allot funnier that the movie. i started reading this book about two years ago, and if you want to read a romantic comedy about a 29 year old returned missionary that just has not had allot of luck, this book is for you. it is also a charming little story about two groups that just cant get allong. :)
July 24, 2016
Funny dialogue
My view of the book was colored by having seen the movie first, and I prefer the movie. The pacing is better, the storyline tighter, and the characters more likable (especially the narrator). The dialogue of the movie, however, is mostly true to the book, and that is the author's strong point. Where the prose and narration drags, the dialogue of the secondary characters consistently delivers.
My view of the book was colored by having seen the movie first, and I prefer the movie. The pacing is better, the storyline tighter, and the characters more likable (especially the narrator). The dialogue of the movie, however, is mostly true to the book, and that is the author's strong point. Where the prose and narration drags, the dialogue of the secondary characters consistently delivers.
September 4, 2008
A nice light read, but when compared with the movie, the book is of course, better. Things seem to go to extremes in this town and one problem after another surface while there is a big "rival" between the baptists and the mormons. There were some great funny parts, and a nice love story that goes on as well. I would probably read it again, in a few years.
May 28, 2010
"Baptists at Our Barbecue" was a hilarious book with my quirky situations.
Twenty-nine year old Tartan puts in for a job transfer to get out of boring, predictable Provo, UT. He takes the first one that comes up and ends up in a very small Southern town. The people there were such characters and the storyline was very entertaining.
Twenty-nine year old Tartan puts in for a job transfer to get out of boring, predictable Provo, UT. He takes the first one that comes up and ends up in a very small Southern town. The people there were such characters and the storyline was very entertaining.
July 24, 2010
I've probably read this about three times now. Each time I read it, it becomes less and less funny, but I still laugh out loud at a few parts. The first time I ever read it, I about wet myself during the part where Tartan tries to clean the oil off the white couch. It's a fun book...much better than the movie.
January 10, 2020
This book is such a fun read. The rivalry between the two religious factions in town, the Baptists and Mormons, is comical. The characters are quirky, lots of strange happenings, and plenty of romance and tension between Tartan Jones and the young lady he'd like to impress. The movie based on this book is a lot of fun, too.
June 22, 2009
I love reading his books-they make me laugh out loud! He finds great humor in the extremes of lds culture. I actually met him when we were living in Albuquerque-great guy and really entertaining author!
April 23, 2009
It's funny because my husband knew the author, and then we ended up going to church with the director of the movie. I definately liked the book much better than the movie, although the movie was cute. The humor is the kind that is better read than acted out in my opinion.
June 17, 2009
I loved this book! Especially as a Mormon familiar with the Single Adult culture in the church. It is chock full of all those characters that you know and cringe from....
It is really, really funny! Maybe his best.
It is really, really funny! Maybe his best.
September 19, 2009
I picked up this book for an easy, humorous read. I received what I wanted and not a lot more. This book was cheesy and predictable. And, I liked the book more in the beginning, than when I finished.
March 16, 2011
Got this in the mail at noon yesterday, finished it before going to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. Fun, quick read. Not sure if it is taking place in New Mexico or Arizona (the geography is obscured) but it is set in a small mountain town full of whacky people.
December 20, 2013
Condensed down, this was a fun little story. I did love the verbal exchanges between Charity and Tartan. I particularly liked the last half of the book. The first half of the book was so over-the-top that it was difficult to take in one sitting. I would rate this 2.5.
March 13, 2015
I laughed myself silly reading this book. It's so great to read a humorous religious novel that teaches us that members of all religions are invited to sup at the Lord's table. We are all His children, and we can all see the divine in others if we will but look.
December 18, 2016
The characters are caricatures with exaggerated personalities. Forced myself to finish it when I wanted to stop 1/4 of the way in, thinking it had to get better. It didn't. I truly don't understand the high ratings this has received from other readers.
April 5, 2021
You could tell the writing was still a little rough, and every once in a great while the narrator was a tiny bit condescending, but overall this was really funny. The small-town feel was done well, even if the plot was a little shaky at the end. I did, for real, laughed out loud several times.
December 28, 2008
Fun and entertaining. The movie is great, too. In fact, reading the book is kind of like reading a movie...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews