Mormon Myth-ellaneous: AMAZING True Mormon Stories--and Some That Should Be!

by J. Michael Hunter

Take a light-hearted jaunt to unlock the hidden mysteries of Mormon urban legends, faith-promoting rumors, and alluring facts and fallacies. Scores of researchers and experts weigh in on issues not exactly critical to your salvation, but ones you've always wondered about.

Did Elvis really read the Book of Mormon? Why are the Three Nephites always hitchhiking? Were there really whales in the Great Salt Lake? Did Japanese bombers have the Laie Hawaii Temple directly in their crosshairs? Find out about these--and more!

Genres: Church, Lds, Nonfiction, Religion

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

J. Michael Hunter is an author of mystery novels and nonfiction works on history and culture. Mike's love of mysteries began as a child reading The Three Investigators series by Robert Arthur. Those mystery adventures ignited a spark within him. Soon after, he read as many of Agatha Christie's mysteries as he could get his hands on, and the allure of mystery writing took hold. After taking writing courses, Mike began writing mystery novels, nonfiction articles, and books.

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Mormons are so GULLIBLE! Great read about LDS urban legends, some of which I had totally bought into while on my mission. There's a great DVD connected with the book, and I even found holyfetch.com, which is the Mormon version of snopes. Bottom line: CHECK YOUR SOURCES BEFORE SPOUTING OFF IN CHURCH, FOLKS!

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good antidote to rumors I've been hearing my whole life. Not afraid to cite where the myths come from, even if it rooted in something as heinous as racism. Could have been written to be a tad more engaging.

I like that the call to action is that we should always check our sources before we spread rumors about important topics.

[Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fascinating and well researched. I loved how the author made a point to also share true stories.

[Crazy Uncle Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I especially enjoyed the way the author explored and explained the various tall-tales but than would relate some similar true and verifiable stories. The main point of the book seemed to be that there are enough true faith-promoting stories out there that we ultimately don’t need the fake ones. I also liked how the author didn’t limit himself to just Mormon myths but also addressed some of the more prominent and persistent myths that are found around the rest of Christianity in general. One of things I didn’t like as much was that the real stories of miracles, revelations and other experiences and happenings almost all happened in the early days of the church. It seemed to promote the false idea that I think many in the church (probably without realizing it) buy into that the miracles and great spiritual manifestations of this dispensation happened in the days of Joseph Smith and the pioneers but that any such things that are supposed to have happened in more recent years must be myths.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't really interested in the parts of this book that told true faith-promoting stories, most of which I was very familiar with, so I skimmed through them. What I paid close attention to was the tracing of the origins of the false rumors. Undocumented stories are a major pet-peeve of mine; I always want sources. Faith is a knowledge of things that are not seen but are TRUE, so it especially bothers me when faith is being built on falsity clothed as truth. I don't want my testimony contaminated with rumor, so I am grateful to Hunter for discounting several stories that I have heard, as well as many that I have not.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read that I found fun. Any person that is a member of the LDS church has heard a rumor or two and one must always ask the question, "Is that really true?" I even read a few that I had never heard before and many that I had. It was also fun to read of some myths that are factual. The amazing part is that it only takes a few moments to repeat some of these myths and they spread like wildfire. I was surprised to read that several of these myths had been discussed in general conference or via one's stake to stifle the rumors, but many myths have not been squelched to this day. Fun!

[Janiece · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book. It could be a powerful book for understanding how quickly out of hand spreading rumors and unfounded stories can get. I did not always agree with how the author came to the conclusions that he did but appreciate his take on things. I was disappointed to find that a story given me some 20+ years ago about a portrait of Jesus that I received at the same time was false. It was inspiring and something that I have believed all of this time and even passed on way back when.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another quick easy read. The author presented many "myths" and used facts to back up whether they were true or false. I hadn't heard of all of them. He does a good job of pointing out how quickly rumors can get out of control. And that there are many true miracles in our Church history to place our faith.

Edit: Didn't realize until entering this in 2022 that I had previously read this. Found it interesting again😏 and now I know why I had already heard of these

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I posted on this one...I read it way last year when it first came out. If you are looking just to be entertained, watch the DVD. If you want some really interesting information on Mormon Urban Legends, this is a really great book. I have it if my friends want to borrow it.

[Tenille · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting! I hadn't heard most of the myths.

[Larsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasonables and perspective is essential in all things and a strength in regard to religion.