The Conversion of Jeff Williams by Douglas Thayer

by Douglas Thayer

Provo is a world away from San Diego. In this topsy-turvy tale, it is the wealthy, religious, east-bench Provoans who enjoy the best that life can offer and share it with a less privileged, laid-back, So Cal teenager over one summer vacation. At first, Jeff finds himself dazzled by east-bench affluence and faith. But as the summer progresses, events persuade him to rethink this religion-and-riches culture and to accept that the normal temptations and foibles of youth--without the Porsche--are just Every September before school, Dad gave me a blessing and told me to be receptive to the guidance of the Holy Ghost. I didn't particularly like the idea of the Holy Ghost following me around, checking up on what I was doing all the time, but Mom said I needed all the help I could get, particularly when it came to girls. I liked living in Aunt Helen's eight-million-dollar house. It made me feel like I might enjoy the summer more than I had thought I would! . I knew that I wouldn't be able to wander around the house in my boxers and t-shirt, but I felt important."

Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Laura Craner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saved the best for last. This book blew me away. One of the best Mormon books out there. It manipulates the tension between LDS faithfulness and earnest questioning with such skill; this has got to be Thayer's best work. I loved this one so much I recommended it over at AMV and bought it for my dad for Father's Day. Everyone should read this book.

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, authentic coming of age story about an LDS teenager from California who spends a summer visiting his cousin on the wealthy, religious, East-bench of Provo, Utah. Both funny and poignant. The author told me he felt this book was one of his better works. I greatly enjoyed it and would recommend, especially to LDS youth.

[Avonlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book with religious themes that wasn't 'preachy.' It dealt with some serious issues facing a teen boy, so it is mature youth fiction (I would say age 16 and up.) I'd like to read it again.