Open Fire: J. Golden Kimball Takes on the South

by Scott M. Hurst

In this fast paced story filled with holy hi-jinx and missionary mayhem, Golden squares off with his characteristic cowboy sense of humor against everything from spiteful preachers to the threat of death at the hands of the terrible Ku Klux Klan. Join Golden as he takes on the South with these unbelievable, true stories.

Genres: Religion, Historical Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 12, 2012

Reviews

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Open Fire" by Scott M Hurst is one remarkable story. It is written in a way that makes you feel like your watching it happen as you read it. We all know the name J. Golden Kimball. We've all heard some of the stories, but Scott Hurst has captured the emotion and the humor that describes the cowboy, the missionary, the man of God, who never wavered. His humor is expressed as well as his love for God. I got caught up in this book and I couldn't let go until I read the last page. Now, because I enjoyed it so much, I've ordered my own personal book. I've told other people how good it is, and my mother can hardly wait to read it, herself.

I give this book five stars.

[Kristen Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! I've heard about J. Golden Kimball all of my life but it was fun to read about him and his struggles! I outwardly laughed a few times and kept quoting other parts to my husband! Great read! I'm even recommending it to my 14 year old to read.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think I would have ever chosen to read this book, but it was a gift from someone I care about, so it would be rude to not give it a chance! The writing style is reminiscent of Early American tall tales with lots of over-the-top adjectives and old West metaphors, and it works with J. Golden Kimball's over-the-top reputation.

Hurst's story focuses on the 2 years Golden was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the southeast United States, and then the 3 more years he served as the president of the Southern States mission. I'm not sure how committed the author was to sticking to history, but his story is full of tarring and feathering, KuKluxKlan attacks, and intense persecution against the Mormon community. It gave a tiny, though very mono-focused look at 1880s Tennessee. Open Fire reminded me of my great appreciation for the level of religious freedom that is guaranteed today.

3.25 stars.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

J Golden Kimball is a bit of a legendary character to those of the LDS (Mormon) faith. He's well known for his colorful language and character. The myths about this character abound. In this fun book, author Scott M Hurst, introduces us to J Golden Kimball from his very beginnings. One of the many sons of pioneer Heber C Kimball, Golden had not intention of serving a mission. He was far happier ranching. One day when he was nearing 30, his beloved mother secures a promise from him to at least ask if a mission would be an option for him. He asks and when he never hears back from the Church, he knows that a mission isn't for him and he realizes that he must get on with his life. He goes to Salt Lake City by chance one day and is approached by a secretary to the First Presidency telling him that President Taylor would like to talk to him. Golden is surprised when President Taylor asks him why he never responded to his call, he'd never received one. It must have been lost in the mail but Golden quickly learns that he's to be called to the Southern States Mission and he's to leave in a week. Quickly Golden gets his affairs together and is on his way to what will be one of the most trying experiences of his life. Along the way, he'll meet fiery preachers, Ku Klux Klan members, and many Southerners opposed to Mormonism. And he'll make his crazy mistakes that he became known for.

I really enjoyed reading this book! There were lots of things that J Golden Kimball did or said that made me laugh out loud at them as I was reading this book. I liked the way that you saw things from his perspective. I thought that the story line was interesting, who wouldn't want to learn more about this crazy character. I liked the humility that J Golden Kimball possessed all through his life. This book is a must read for all you lovers of history out there!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is presented as biographical, the author mentions at the beginning that he has fictionalized some things, like actual dialogue, he's condensed other things so the story flows better, thus making this biographical/historical fiction. The main events of the story however did actually occur and the man was quite a character. Before leaving on his mission, Golden had never left the Utah/Idaho area, so going to the Southern States was a huge shock, especially with the huge amount of anti-Mormon prejudice that existed at the time. I was amazed at the courage of these men leaving their homes and families to share the gospel at a time and place that was anything but welcoming. Today's missionaries receive a lot more training, back then they simply packed up and went.

This is a story of faith and courage and one man's efforts to share what he believed. Golden wasn't perfect and he never claimed to be. I think what made him effective was that he was sincere and never pretended to be something he wasn't. You don't need to be a Mormon to appreciate the determination of this man and the lasting impact he made on those he met. While fictionalized to some extent, this book still gives insight into the life of J. Golden Kimball. It's also just plain full of entertaining stories. I highly recommend this book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. When I first started reading it, I was a little disappointed at too much attempted tongue in cheek humor. Too many cliches... But, as the story progressed and the narrative got more normal, the book became addictive. I had to finish the last 1/3 of it in one reading. The stories are delightful and you truly come to love J. Golden as much as those who knew him personally. I hope the writer will continue in another book and tell the rest of the stories we didn't get to read about in this book!

[Rusty Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

If my mother hadn't bought this book for me and told me to read it, it never would've left the bookshelf. I'm glad I started it, though, because once into it, I really enjoyed it. J. Golden Kimball is something of a legend in Mormon history, if for no other fact than his swearing from the pulpit. It was interesting to read about his mission to the Southern States. The author takes a bit of different approach to the story telling, but is able to maintain it throughout the book without it becoming too hokey. Not a bad read.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has captured the spirit, humor, and voice of this colorful character in Mormon history. This fast-paced missionary tale is full of suspense, wit and wisdom that will keep the whole family laughing. Everyone will identify with J. Golden’s humility and lack of pride. At times he surprises himself with his ability to solve a problem that he thinks is unsolvable. As a reader, that’s something we all wish for ourselves.
Hats off to the author! This is a great read!

[Lucie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and entertaining! The author conveys a very down-to-earth yet inspiring picture of J Golden Kimball.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more than I got from this book.

[Hilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite the tale of adventure. Golden does a fine job.