update: I finished this book recently. Again, it is a very well written of a local story wrapped within the larger picture and history of Mormonism. If I were teaching a course on religion, this would be a text book for sure.

update: As I continue to read this book - I completely forgot what a compelling read this is. For anyone interested in Mormonism and the westward expansion of the country and this particular area - Utah - this book is great. Jon does a great job at weaving in a contemporary tragic story with the historical past of this religion, showing how things evolved and moved forward in the hopes of this faith becoming the one true faith. Great book! It makes me want to go back and visit some of the places he talks about.

I recently went to Salt Lake City on a business related trip. I spent a few hours in Temple Square and this inspired me to re-read this book.

It's a great book on the history of Mormonism as well as the history of any major religion. Great read - I highly recommend it.