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The Porter Rockwell Chronicles #1
The Porter Rockwell Chronicles: Vol. 1
This best-selling, historically accurate novel series renders Porter's life in story form, bringing it alive for adults and teens alike. (While Volume 1 sets the stage for the series, Volumes 2-4 engage readers more completely as Porter's life becomes increasingly dangerous and interesting.) Volume 1 begins with his childhood years in New York, where he becomes best friends with the future Mormon prophet Joseph Smith. The story continues through Porter's settlement with the Mormons in Missouri, where he fights against mobs and falls in love with a vivacious young woman. Readers witness his humorous courtship, as he is determined to marry her. He meanwhile proves himself in friendship and loyalty to his neighbors, and even as a teen becomes their protector. In a surprise move, the young woman he loves agrees to marry him. Based on solid research from the best-selling biography by the author, Dewey proves himself a capable novelist as well as best-selling biographer. First hardcover printing sold out in only 8 days. Now in 5th Hardcover Printing and in E-book.
486 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1999
13 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 7, 2008
I am giving this book 2 stars instead of 1 because this series got my dad to read, which is an amazing feat in and of itself and it got my dad to learn more about church history, another amazing feat. Unfortunately, that is the only positive things I can say about the book.
The history of Porter Rockwell could be really interesting. I really like following church history and would be interested in learning more about how Porter Rockwell played a part in all of it. This author was such a terrible writer that I wasn't able to read more than just the first book. I can't say enough times how bad I thought his writing was. I felt like I was reading a childs book. Very little description. Very basic sentences. Things like "then porter went to the river. He loved his boat. Him and his wife loved each other but had their differences." Seriously, you just couldn't get much more out of him than that.
I did finish the first book. I will not be reading the others in the series. I also didn't like that he didn't document what was fact and what was fiction like the author of "The Work and Glory" so I had a hard time believing any of the book because I didn't know if it was true or not. All in all, this was a very disappointing read.
The history of Porter Rockwell could be really interesting. I really like following church history and would be interested in learning more about how Porter Rockwell played a part in all of it. This author was such a terrible writer that I wasn't able to read more than just the first book. I can't say enough times how bad I thought his writing was. I felt like I was reading a childs book. Very little description. Very basic sentences. Things like "then porter went to the river. He loved his boat. Him and his wife loved each other but had their differences." Seriously, you just couldn't get much more out of him than that.
I did finish the first book. I will not be reading the others in the series. I also didn't like that he didn't document what was fact and what was fiction like the author of "The Work and Glory" so I had a hard time believing any of the book because I didn't know if it was true or not. All in all, this was a very disappointing read.
November 7, 2009
The subject should be an interesting one, but I had an especially hard time with two things: 1) historical novels bother me because you've no way of telling what is truth and what is fabrication (although usually most is the latter), and 2) the author isn't terribly talented. Issue two is the overriding problem, but I also have the feeling there isn't much in the book that is actually based on fact. You want to hear the story of Porter Rockwell, but I didn't feel I really got much of it from this book. Finding proofreading errors in the first few pages kind of set the tone for the rest of the book. But hey, if you like harlequin-quality books, you might like this one. ;-)
Hmm, after thinking about it a bit more and reading a few other reviews, two stars is being generous. I'm changing it to one. It really is a lame book.
Hmm, after thinking about it a bit more and reading a few other reviews, two stars is being generous. I'm changing it to one. It really is a lame book.
February 24, 2020
“A biographical novel of his miraculous life, loves and legacy.” This quarter in school I read a book called “The Porter Rockwell Chronicles”, Volume I. A biography written by Richard Lloyd Dewey. It is an amazing book that stood out to me, because it was recommended to me by my parents, and because I am highly interested in our church history. Which brings us to the topic of the story. This book is about the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes referred to as Mormonism) from the perspective of a personal friend of Joseph Smith’s. Joseph Smith is believed to be a prophet, seer, and revelator, of god in the 1800s. He started out as an average, athletic 15 yr old farmer in Manchester, New York. Porter Rockwell was a few years younger and of a slightly bigger build. He is the main character, and witness of the Restoration of the church in the latter days. The Porter Rockwell Chronicles is very informative and intriguing, and even a little romantic.
This book starts with a bit of a backstory where Rockwell is being bullied as a kid. Joseph Smith was a new neighbor at the time and he decided to go down to a fishing pond and fish for a bit. Though when he got there, he found Rockwell was in the center of 5 older boys who had taken his fishing rod. Joseph intervened and made a deal that if the bullies won in a game of stick-pull (an old fashion game similar to tug-of-war), then the bullies would get Rockwell’s rod, as well as his. If not, the two rods would go back to their rightful owners. The Stick-pull game lasted over two minutes with everyone exhausted when Smith yelled: “Enough is enough!”, and sent the five older boys toppling over the line. With much joyous yelling and laughing, Joseph and Porter finished their fishing trip and went home. Before they went their separate ways, Joseph invited Porter over for dinner that night along with his whole family. That was the beginning of unbreakable friendship.
One day Porter had heard rumors that Joseph was saying he had seen Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and a messenger from the lord (an angel) and was creating a new church. Curious, Rockwell decided to ask him what all these rumors were all about. The following morning when he asked, Joseph bore a strong testimony of what he had seen to him and Rockwell became intrigued. Later, when Joseph had begun translating the Golden Plates into the Book of Mormon, Rockwell joined the church. Not long after, there was a rapidly growing amount of persecution in that area, so the church decided to migrate most of the members to Nauvoo, Illinois where Rockwell found the 2 loves of his life. A beautiful, young, blonde woman by the name of Luana, and a canal ferry sold to him by a close friend. This was a happy place for Rockwell until the persecution began. It eventually got to the point that the people of the town chopped at Rockwell’s canal ferry with axes until it sank to the bottom of the deep canal. The persecution was so terrible, and so persistent, that the members had to migrate again and again until they could find a safe place to live. His main passion and skill during these times was protecting and fighting for the innocent. Rockwell had two daughters named Emily, and Charlotte. They were well taken care of and adored by their mother and father. The book begins its conclusion with a conversation between Luana, Joseph Smith, and Porter Rockwell about a final move to a northern settlement in Quincy, Illinois where many other members had gone, and the book finishes with a look from Rockwell in the direction of the road he must walk on for just 40 more miles.
Porter Rockwell’s character seems to be a strong, humourous character with much wit and farming experience. He is constantly making jokes and laughing with his many friends. His most incredible trait is his ability to love and especially protect those that he loves. Such is shown when he led a group of men into battle against a rioting battalion who had taken a few teenage boys captive. This battle, though a great victory, did end in the unfortunate death of one of Rockwell’s best friends William Phelps. His wife, on the other hand, was a woman who quite matched his wit, and could mostly handle the badly timed sarcasm and humor that came from her husband. She gave birth to two beautiful and adored daughters that could never escape the constant love from their mother and father. Joseph Smith is a trustworthy, faithful, funny, polite, humble, hard-working, and athletic character who is a great person to be around. He is an example to all who are in his presence and lived as a latter-day prophet of God. There are many other friends of Rockwell, all of whom are interesting, diverse, and share his love of laughter.
The story was an accurate biography that was well researched, and fascinating in it's smoothly transitioning timeline of events. It was a complete outline of Rockwell’s life during that time and their persisting faith and endurance. The book was not over-detailed but had enough detail for a very accurate visualization of how events happened. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who has any interest in our church history or wants to know how life in the 1800s could be like. While reading this book I never found myself wishing the author added something more, and could never find anything I read that made me uncomfortable or distracted. As a very well done book, overall, I would rate this book 5-5 stars.
This book starts with a bit of a backstory where Rockwell is being bullied as a kid. Joseph Smith was a new neighbor at the time and he decided to go down to a fishing pond and fish for a bit. Though when he got there, he found Rockwell was in the center of 5 older boys who had taken his fishing rod. Joseph intervened and made a deal that if the bullies won in a game of stick-pull (an old fashion game similar to tug-of-war), then the bullies would get Rockwell’s rod, as well as his. If not, the two rods would go back to their rightful owners. The Stick-pull game lasted over two minutes with everyone exhausted when Smith yelled: “Enough is enough!”, and sent the five older boys toppling over the line. With much joyous yelling and laughing, Joseph and Porter finished their fishing trip and went home. Before they went their separate ways, Joseph invited Porter over for dinner that night along with his whole family. That was the beginning of unbreakable friendship.
One day Porter had heard rumors that Joseph was saying he had seen Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and a messenger from the lord (an angel) and was creating a new church. Curious, Rockwell decided to ask him what all these rumors were all about. The following morning when he asked, Joseph bore a strong testimony of what he had seen to him and Rockwell became intrigued. Later, when Joseph had begun translating the Golden Plates into the Book of Mormon, Rockwell joined the church. Not long after, there was a rapidly growing amount of persecution in that area, so the church decided to migrate most of the members to Nauvoo, Illinois where Rockwell found the 2 loves of his life. A beautiful, young, blonde woman by the name of Luana, and a canal ferry sold to him by a close friend. This was a happy place for Rockwell until the persecution began. It eventually got to the point that the people of the town chopped at Rockwell’s canal ferry with axes until it sank to the bottom of the deep canal. The persecution was so terrible, and so persistent, that the members had to migrate again and again until they could find a safe place to live. His main passion and skill during these times was protecting and fighting for the innocent. Rockwell had two daughters named Emily, and Charlotte. They were well taken care of and adored by their mother and father. The book begins its conclusion with a conversation between Luana, Joseph Smith, and Porter Rockwell about a final move to a northern settlement in Quincy, Illinois where many other members had gone, and the book finishes with a look from Rockwell in the direction of the road he must walk on for just 40 more miles.
Porter Rockwell’s character seems to be a strong, humourous character with much wit and farming experience. He is constantly making jokes and laughing with his many friends. His most incredible trait is his ability to love and especially protect those that he loves. Such is shown when he led a group of men into battle against a rioting battalion who had taken a few teenage boys captive. This battle, though a great victory, did end in the unfortunate death of one of Rockwell’s best friends William Phelps. His wife, on the other hand, was a woman who quite matched his wit, and could mostly handle the badly timed sarcasm and humor that came from her husband. She gave birth to two beautiful and adored daughters that could never escape the constant love from their mother and father. Joseph Smith is a trustworthy, faithful, funny, polite, humble, hard-working, and athletic character who is a great person to be around. He is an example to all who are in his presence and lived as a latter-day prophet of God. There are many other friends of Rockwell, all of whom are interesting, diverse, and share his love of laughter.
The story was an accurate biography that was well researched, and fascinating in it's smoothly transitioning timeline of events. It was a complete outline of Rockwell’s life during that time and their persisting faith and endurance. The book was not over-detailed but had enough detail for a very accurate visualization of how events happened. I would highly recommend this book to anybody who has any interest in our church history or wants to know how life in the 1800s could be like. While reading this book I never found myself wishing the author added something more, and could never find anything I read that made me uncomfortable or distracted. As a very well done book, overall, I would rate this book 5-5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2010
Impossible to not cry. This book is based on actually events from Porter's life. Many people don't realize that he and the prophet Joseph Smith were friends from the time they were little boys. The only person more faithful and true to Jospeh than Porter was Hyrum. Porter would have killed and did kill to protect Joseph from those who sought to harm him. He was an Angel to the Saints at that time. Can't wait to read number two.
June 28, 2021
Actually, I'd probably give this 2.5 stars. Several friends and relatives highly recommended this series, and I wish I could say I loved it, but I just can't. When it comes to Church History, I prefer non-fiction. So one of these days, I hope to read a good biography of Rockwell, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it and learn a lot.
Also, this is rude and picky, but I have to mention it. This book had a lot of spelling errors (even a couple of inconsistencies in the same paragraph), some odd grammatical usage errors, and a very awkward writing style. It was very distracting, and I have to admit that it affected how I felt about the book.
Also, this is rude and picky, but I have to mention it. This book had a lot of spelling errors (even a couple of inconsistencies in the same paragraph), some odd grammatical usage errors, and a very awkward writing style. It was very distracting, and I have to admit that it affected how I felt about the book.
May 26, 2020
It was a quick read, and I enjoyed it. I always love historical fiction, but in this case, I thought the dialogue sometimes was not in keeping with the times, and more like what might be said today. Even though the author did give a bit of a guide as to what was fiction and what was not, I would have liked a little more clarification. I have always been a bit intrigued with Porter Rockwell, and will definitely read the next volume, but in the end, I'm going to read his biography without the fiction added.
December 26, 2022
I was interested in this book for the first few chapters, but as soon as Porter married Luana I grew increasingly tired of the whole story. Not only was most of it fictionalized, but the writing of this book was terrible. I would love to learn more about Porter Rockwell's life and how he became one of the most infamous figures in all of church history, but I won't ever read anything by this author ever again.
November 17, 2017
It was most gripping. It shows the life of Joseph Smith through a different perspective with Porter Rockwell.
February 18, 2019
This was such a good book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Can't wait to get the next in the series.
May 16, 2019
Not as historically accurate as some, but generally accurate and interesting.
Read
June 17, 2020Fun to read-interesting stories of early church history
February 16, 2022
The writing is mediocre at best. The idea and story were good. Thank goodness it was a quick read.
March 21, 2020
I found Orrin Porter Rockwell to be the most interesting character. He always was so tough, but it was interesting to see how he would be so gentle to Luana. Even when he was a young boy. His loyalty to Joseph was admirable. I’m trying not to spoil the book but Porter was always faithful throughout the story. His strong faith and dedication is what most people of his religion strive to have. It’s also nice to see just how dynamic he was, even though he was a real person. It gives me hope that I can also change.
Porter Rockwell: A Biography, by Richard Lloyd Dewey was an intriguing book. It was a fairly easy read, but I enjoyed the fast pace I was able to dive into the book with. The whole book was filled with detail and stories about Rockwell’s life that I would have never guessed. Dewey really did his research well and was able to bring the story to life. I couldn’t put down the book and once I was done I found out that there were more books. I grabbed those and am excited for them. I would rate the book 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. I would suggest this book to anyone who wants an exciting real life story.
Porter Rockwell: A Biography, by Richard Lloyd Dewey was an intriguing book. It was a fairly easy read, but I enjoyed the fast pace I was able to dive into the book with. The whole book was filled with detail and stories about Rockwell’s life that I would have never guessed. Dewey really did his research well and was able to bring the story to life. I couldn’t put down the book and once I was done I found out that there were more books. I grabbed those and am excited for them. I would rate the book 4.5 stars out of 5 stars. I would suggest this book to anyone who wants an exciting real life story.
July 21, 2008
It takes some pretty astounding ineptitude to make the story of Porter Rockwell mind-numbingly boring. And it is by the grace of the awesome subject matter only that I give this book two stars instead of one.
When the characters aren't busy trading stupid dialogue, they constantly seem to find themselves laughing inanely. For no reason, and for stupid reasons.
The book's romantic pinnacle involves two people in pioneer garb kissing while rolling around in cowpies. No. I am not EVEN kidding. I can only assume Dewey thought this would come across as funny, and not as the plotline of a horrible fetish film. Maybe he was laughing inanely (for no apparent reason) when he wrote this little bit of cowpie romance, as his characters always do.
If you want another peek into the astonishing lack of talent displayed by Dewey, watch the positively dumb movie version of Rockwell's life, directed, written and produced by him and guest-starring Karl Malone.
When the characters aren't busy trading stupid dialogue, they constantly seem to find themselves laughing inanely. For no reason, and for stupid reasons.
The book's romantic pinnacle involves two people in pioneer garb kissing while rolling around in cowpies. No. I am not EVEN kidding. I can only assume Dewey thought this would come across as funny, and not as the plotline of a horrible fetish film. Maybe he was laughing inanely (for no apparent reason) when he wrote this little bit of cowpie romance, as his characters always do.
If you want another peek into the astonishing lack of talent displayed by Dewey, watch the positively dumb movie version of Rockwell's life, directed, written and produced by him and guest-starring Karl Malone.
May 2, 2011
Confession: I did not know who Porter Rockwell was before picking up this book. I had maybe heard of the name, but couldn't tell you anything about him. So I randomly picked this book up just to have something to read and I have to say I got sucked in. It is quite the story and it definitely leaves me wondering what is fact and what is fiction. Either way, Porter Rockwell had an interesting and crazy life. I learned a little bit more about what life would have been like for those early saints as well. I read the whole series (4 books) in 2 weeks (on vacation...in real life I never would have been able to do that.) Fun, entertaining story. I wouldn't recommend it if the fact/fiction blurriness of historical fiction bothers you or if you're looking for deep, challenging writing--this is a very easy, quick read. But it's fun!
February 1, 2010
This is a historical fiction based on real events, sort of like the Work and the Glory series. It was pretty good but overall it was sort of disconcerting to sit and watch Porter Rockwell and his young bride make virtually every mistake in the book on their way to establishing their family. I also didn't like the creative license regarding Porter's assistance in the Prophet Joseph Smith's escape from Liberty Jail, but the rest of the "fiction" was fine with me. I enjoyed the portrayal of Porter, Joseph and the other characters. Sometimes the dialogue was a bit forced. I don't think I'll read the rest of the volumes but I might read the original biography written by the same author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2010
I read this series in High School when I thought it would have been awesome to be a pioneer and when I still thought the coolest people were the toughest and the ones that could beat up everyone else. Now I understand that as much as I would like to believe it and as much as I try to convince myself of the contrary, I probably couldn't have made it as an early pioneer. Even still, if I had been a pioneer, Porter Rockwell is the pioneer I would have liked to have been. The day I finished this book is the day Porter Rockwell became my hero.
July 17, 2021
I bought this to learn more about Porter as I had lived in Utah when I was younger. He was the subject of admiration of the locals and he maintains a degree of respect in Utah while he seems to be ignored by most outside of Utah unless they happen to be LDS. This one starts with his childhood and first meeting with Joseph Smith. The series continues on from there and although it is written in a style that a child could read it is not devoid of sophistication. It is written in the language of it's subject though so do not expect to pull many quotes from it to impress anyone.
November 13, 2008
i loved this book reminded me alot of my dad. the story is about a man named porter rockwell(ofcourse) and how life was for him, how he fell in love, how he met joseph, how he felt when his fisrt child was born. This book also has some comedy like when he has to get joseph out of trouble, or why his beard was so long (its more significant than you would think). there are laughs and crys to this series, i felt conected to this book and i hope you do to.
January 12, 2009
This book was interesting to read, but when I finished I had to read the disclaimer at the end telling everything that didn't really happen. This made me very wary as I started reading Volume 2, wondering if anything I was reading "really happened." I like reading historical novels, but I don't like all the embellishments the author changes or adds. Kind of like reading a novel, then going to the movie and seeing all the things that were added or changed for the sake of the movie.
October 23, 2009
My parents had the book so I thought I'd give it a shot. It's obviously written by a historian about his 'hero'. The history is there but the author has dreamed up all the little details in between to make it more fun in their own head. The writing is a little cheesy but it's probably more of a fun read than the official biography and it leaves you wanting to know more about Porter Rockwell's life.
February 3, 2010
This is a good historical novel, going into a little more of the human side of Church history and the persecution -- cause and effect -- of the early saints. I'm a little more on Luana's side than on Porter's side...
Since the history was really what interested me, I am now reading Dewey's actual biography of Porter Rockwell (non-fiction). Depending on how I like that, I might go back and finish the other two volumes of the Chronicles.
Since the history was really what interested me, I am now reading Dewey's actual biography of Porter Rockwell (non-fiction). Depending on how I like that, I might go back and finish the other two volumes of the Chronicles.
July 15, 2008
I read the whole series and was facinated by it. alot of time
i wasn't sure if porter rockwell was a good guy or a bad guy, I think he rally loved joseph and did amazing thing for him but was a terible husband. I think his only true love was the love for his daughter. From the other reviews I read-it's weird that they didn't like it.
i wasn't sure if porter rockwell was a good guy or a bad guy, I think he rally loved joseph and did amazing thing for him but was a terible husband. I think his only true love was the love for his daughter. From the other reviews I read-it's weird that they didn't like it.
December 1, 2008
I love Porter Rockwell. He was such a interesting person. He was not always the best example of a member, but he was faithful. He was always there for a friend and he did what he could to help out. Porter was not looking for highlights or to be famous, he just did what needed to be done and left it at that.
August 14, 2011
So.....I actually think the subject matter is really interesting and the author has written a Biography on Porter Rockwell. He should have stopped there. I am pretty easy to please as a reader but I just didn't feel like he was that talented and I didn't really enjoy this historical fiction as much as I had hoped. I think I would have been better off just reading the Biography.
June 17, 2008
What a boring book for such an exciting character. I love church history especially around the Joseph Smith time period, and Porter Rockwell is probably the most colorful character in our history. I thought the book was dry and lacked heart. Boo.
August 17, 2008
I liked this one, although the size of the book is misleading, as the back of the book has extensive historical photos. So, while you feel like you still have another 100 pages left, it ends abruptly.
October 19, 2008
This book is so exciting! It's an incredible way to learn more about the Prophet Joseph Smith and his loyal best friend, Porter Rockwell. I've always liked Porter Rockwell, but my admiration for him has grown substantially after having read this book. I can't wait to read Vol. 2
February 17, 2009
This started really slow for me, but the story and history were facinating. The writing style is very biographical, but I liked a lot of the humor. I want to read the rest of the books. Do any of you have the next books in the series?
January 6, 2010
Horrid!
The creative license was wielded far to freely for my taste and the worst part was the deviations from fact did nothing to improve the story and proved to drastically distract from a good story.
It was so lousy I made it halfway and quit.
The creative license was wielded far to freely for my taste and the worst part was the deviations from fact did nothing to improve the story and proved to drastically distract from a good story.
It was so lousy I made it halfway and quit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews