More Than Miracles - Extraordinary Stories from 17 Miracles

by T.C. Christensen

Were two little girls truly spared from harm while running a gauntlet of agitated rattlesnakes?

Did a mysterious man really reveal a cave and a stash of dried meat?

Was a beloved daughter, left for dead in a shallow grave, actually brought back to life?

As you will discover here, these and other miracles depicted in the film are based on the testimonies of those who witnessed them or learned of them from those who were there.

T.C. Christensen wrote, produced, and directed the landmark film 17 Miracles. In this book, he and Jolene S. Allphin, principal historical adviser on the film, answer questions viewers frequently ask.

Genres: Nonfiction, Historical, Religion, Inspirational

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

just lovely to read. I particularly enjoyed reading the excerpts from Louisa Mellor's journals, partially because I read the same excerpts through Family Search. She is an ancestor of my husband's paternal family.

[Krystine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to hear the behind the scenes of the movie. I was hoping for a bit more with the stories of the pioneers. I will keep looking for more information on the beautiful stories from the movie!

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this interesting because 1) I like to know behind-the-scenes stuff for movies and 2) I LOVE Church History (LDS) and have a special place in my heart for the Pioneers/Handcart Pioneers. There was more of the latter than the former in this book, which was slightly disappointing (and will probably be more so for others). I expected to hear about lots of stuff that happened while creating the movie. Instead, this is "verifying" some of the stories portrayed in the movie with journals and records that were consulted for the movie. I liked that a lot; others may not. Who knows. Either way, it is a short, fast read that helps add to the wonderful movie. I think the best part was, as a reader, remembering to be aware of all the miracles that always occur around me.

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here the director of "17 Miracles" talks about the inspiration for the movie. He explains how he weaved a variety of pioneer stories together to make the movie. He gives background to the stories. Some information was not discovered until after the movie had been produced. For instance, the character with crutches who gets lost and is found fending off some wolves, is given a name in the movie. However, at the time the movie was being made, the story was known but the real man's name was not. The sources used for the movie didn't list a name. However, his name was later discovered and is included in the book. The book also contains a few black and white photos of some of the real people whose stories are recounted in the movie.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love the 17 Miracles at our house. We're among those who can count many more. In a Question and Answer format, this book adds more insight and information to the hows and whys of the making of the film, as well as more to the histories behind the stories that were chosen. The producer/director and the chief historian share their thoughts and knowledge on each question; they don't take turns, which I liked. It makes the answers feel more complete, somehow. I enjoyed reading it, but Andrew (8) was disappointed because there wasn't more information about "Buffalo chip boy," though he is mentioned in several of the Q&As.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to find out more information about my husband's ancestor whose story is in the movie. It is written by the director of the movie and the historical consultant who happens to be the lady who wrote the book, Tell My Story Too. She has compiled a file of information about the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. She looks for first hand information, primary sources, etc. not just he said she said. I did find some additional information about my husband's ancestor. I ended up reading the whole book and really enjoyed it. I'm not really a big reader of LDS church books, but I read two good ones this summer that I would recommend. This is one of them.

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and the video that was made after. It is based on the Wiley Handcart Company and the many many trials they were called to face, but also the many faith building events
that happened along the way. It really inspired me a lot and helps with my own faith and trust the Lord has given me. Would recommend. The book expands on the stories shown in the movie, but pretty much sticks to the story.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting little book which is connected to the LDS movie "17 Miracles." It gives more explanation and historical documentation for many of the scenes and "miracles" in the movies. I actually learned a lot from reading it - both about the history of the Martin and Wiley handcart companies, as well how the movie was made. The book whet my appetite to read more about the fascinating and inspiring history of the Mormon pioneers and their trek to the Salt Lake Valley.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A companion to the film "17 Miracles" this book was able to answer about 20 of the most FAQs the director has gotten since the film was released. He also had the main historical consultant Jolene answer each question and provide some additional story and evidence for some of the miracles in the film. A good read (if you've seen the movie) and a quick read.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really informative. After seeing the movie, 17 Miracles, I had wondered about some of the history behind the movie and what was fact and what was fiction. There were tons of good questions answered about the movie. I recommend it for anyone who is curious to know more after watching 17 Miracles.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband bought this for me because he knows I like behind-the-scenes stuff. However, this book shares more historical stories than "insider" information on the making of this movie. It's always nice to know the real-life stories behind what you see on a movie screen.

[Melissa T · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because I wanted more! I would have loved more of a story rather than a question/answer book, too. That said, though, I was inspired and touched the entire way throughout, and I'm glad I bought it!

[Breena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful inspiring read. I pulled it off the shelf right after watching 17 miracles with my children today. What miraculous events have been all around us. I pray for eyes to see the miracles!

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Kinda cool and inspiring to read about the real stories behind the movie. But it's very brief and most of it is just reiterating the movie so it all feels like extended footnotes for the events in the movie. Some good little tidbits in there.

[Sandy T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a little more information on the miracles from the movie, but for the most part, it just repeated what was in the movie...

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book just made me want to watch the movie 17 Miracles again. It is a nice reminder that we can learn so much from our ancestors.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great clarification of events in the movie .

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book answers questions about the movie 17 Miracles. I liked reading more about the stories portrayed in the movie.

[Tenille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories and questions answered about a great movie, 17 miracles.

[Heidi Rothert · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it a almost as much as the movie