In-Laws, Outlaws, and Everyone in Between

by Kathryn Jenkins Gordon

The truth is often stranger than fiction, and it can certainly be more interesting than the history books let on. To prove it, bestselling author Kathryn Jenkins Gordon blows the dust off the past to reveal the exploits of some lesser-known figures in Church history. From the hilarious to the heroic and the zany to the downright villainous, these tales highlight the action-packed lives of some of the Church's most notorious members. Witness the attempted rise of the self-appointed "King of the Mormons." Experience the heart-pounding plight of a Latter-day Saint girl enslaved by a bloodthirsty Apache tribe. Read the thrilling tale of a stake president caught in a mobster brawl at stake conference. Just when you thought you knew everything worth knowing about the early Saints, this quirky cast of characters confirms that there's always more to the story. Get ready for a rip-roarin' ride through history as you discover the truth about In-Laws,Outlaws, and Everyone in Between!

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Lds

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2016

Reviews

[Colemen Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the phrase, "More on that later" were omitted it would be but a mere pamphlet.

Phrases such as, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves," "More on that later," "Oh the things we..." "Yes, THAT so and so," etc... annoyed me a great deal. The history is interesting enough, no need for superfluous narrative that adds nothing to the stories, but instead distracts the reader and makes us feel like children. Sometimes there is even a mocking or condescending tone. Otherwise interesting stories, many of them faith promoting.

[Jody Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read-aloud on a car trip. The chapters are short and focus on a single person, so it made for easy stopping and starting. Many of the characters described in the chapters were unknown to me and their stories were interesting.

Reading it aloud caused me to wince at phrases such as, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves," or "More on that later," which were repeated too often. The history was interesting and tighter editing would have made this a better book.

[Karianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really great information in this book, however the author comes off very biased for/against certain people. The first section on James Strang was the most biased and left me wondering how much of that chapter I could trust. Sorting through the commentary, it is interesting information. While initially I wished there was a greater variety of people discussed, the stories were unique enough that this was not an issue upon reading.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn't what it seems by the title. It does examine some lesser known characters out of Utah and church history, telling their stories. Though the author's tone is ironic and a bit snide, several of the stories in all their details are basically negative. As with most history, some of the protagonists are heroic, some ordinary, and some definitely villainous.

[James Biser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of the stories are interesting, but I was unimpressed with the presentation. I do not recommend this book. I am however happy to have read it. I am always looking for another story and true stories rate better than most fiction.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there's some really interesting information and stories in this book, it was pretty painful wading through the author's commentary, attempts to be funny and all of the "more on that later's" and "let's just say's".

[Karina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened.
Dad lent to me. It was interesting. A lot of things I hadn't heard before. A couple inspiring people, which is more my preference. But mostly some disturbed individuals, and dark history...but I guess it's good to have my perception closer to reality.

[Suze Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative as well as entertaining

[Jamille Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love her books. She gives such a colorful and unique spin on history of the Saints.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting, historical facts. Some of it quite surprising and some of it sad.

[Janell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting historical characters, but the cheesy writing style almost had me putting this in my "did-not-finish" pile. I really dislike when an author figuratively pats me on the head while making childish comments throughout their book. Things like "more about this later", "we'll get to that in a minute", "let's not get ahead of ourselves", "that's the one", "remember so and so?", etc. etc. etc. These types of statements were happening every few sentences! Very annoying. To make matters worse, I listened to this on audio. These comments felt like the same kind I might make while reading to my young grandchildren when I'm trying to help them understand a story. And I resent having an author treat me as if I am incapable of understanding their story! (sigh)

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and fascinating. Lots of interesting facts about little known and well known Mormons.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t know why I subjected myself to another of this author’s texts. Her smarmy delivery overpowers and strangles the few otherwise interesting bits of history here.

[Mary L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Characters who shared in Mormon history. The author invites you to learn more about them and about the Church of Jesus Christ at the same time.