Review: Destiny by Cindy Ray Hale, and Where I Discuss my Religion

From Goodreads:
Destiny Clark, a young Mormon girl living in Tennessee, is wildly infatuated with Isaac Robinson, the headmaster's son at her Baptist high school. When they're cast together in the school's production of Les Misérables, Destiny is horrified to find that she has to be publicly humiliated by acting out her true feelings of rejection onstage. 

As their rehearsals begin, Destiny realizes the unimaginable: Isaac has developed deep feelings for her despite their religious differences and the fact that he has a girlfriend. 

But will they be able to find their place amongst the backbiters of their ultra-conservative world?

Weaving around Destiny and Isaac's alternating viewpoints, Destiny is the first book in a series inspired by the characters of Les Misérables and explores heartbreak, self-discovery, intolerance, and love.


My thoughts:
So, a friend of mine referred me to this book. She isn't a Mormon, but knows I am. To be totally honest, I usually stay away from LDS literature, and not because I'm anti-Mormon. No, because I AM a Mormon, a strong, faithful member of the church. The gospel guides my life and I love it with my whole heart. Nothing brings me the happiness and light the gospel has and continues to bring.
That being said, most of LDS literature bugs me. Why? Well, it's usually either one of two things.
1. It's written by sheltered Utard types. Yeah, that's a super derogatory term, but I think any Mormons out there will get it. These books are written by members who spout out rainbows and butterflies and make me want to gag. Seriously, I wonder if these writers have stepped outside of their happy little "everyone is LDS and loves each other" bubble. Stop smiling for two seconds! They try to touch on issues, but end up sounding dumb because they are clueless. I avoid these books like the plague.
And 2. LDS books written by people who aren't LDS. Yes, seriously, that's pretty much it, the two extremes in the LDS world. Sickly sweet or inaccurate. Whenever I see a non-Mormon mention Mormons in their books, I literally feel sick. I get that Mormons are the among the fastest growing religions in the world, so our presence is getting far more noticeable, but you need to get the facts straight. We're not crazy Joseph Smith worshiping polygamists! There, it's that simple. I've said it, so not more excuses. But, whenever I read a book with a LDS kid in it by a someone who isn't a member of the church, they always make us look borderline (sometimes even completely) crazy. We're not extremists. Trust me, we are totally normal--as normal comes, anyway. It irritates me when they have these LDS characters spout off "doctrines" which are wrong, or wrongly skewed.
So, that being said, when I read the blurb, I grew nervous. I didn't want to delve into anti-Mormon sentiments. Growing up, I'd faced enough of that and it made me feel like crap. My faith is in my heart, and when people trash it, it hurts. A lot.
So, I researched the author. Cindy Ray Hale isn't from Utah, so a good plus for her! She attended BYU-I and has had articles in church magazines, so is definitely LDS. Reading up on her blog and other social media stalking, I got a sense that shes a normal Mormon who faced real anti-Mormon feelings in the bible belt. I can respect that. Growing up in Australia, Mormons are perceived as being a bit... let's just say, weird. In high school, I tasted what persecution really meant, and although it was tough, I'm grateful for the strength it gave my testimony as it forced me to stand on my own two feet and know for myself that the gospel is true. Hale definitely comes across the same way, and I respect that.
So, I made a request to review the book. Thanks to YA Bound for letting me be part of the review tour, and I will discuss the rest of my feelings regard this book below, and in the mean time, learn some real truth about Mormons here: www.lds.org

My Review:
Let's start out with Destiny. I loved her character. I related to her so well, for so many reasons. I knew exactly what she felt like being the freaky Mormon kid, and knew exactly what it felt like being treated like trash by people who others see as "perfect." I felt her reactions because they were the same as mine; anger and hurt burning inside, but too afraid to speak out. Then on the times she did, she was met with scorn. Yeah, it pretty much bites. But, she is so real because of this. I love Destiny, and I think I always will.
Isaac took me longer to like. But he goes through a nice character arch. Although, I'm still rooting for the other guy.
I honestly read this book in 24 hours. I couldn't put it down, and when I had to, to you know, function and take care of my family, I was thinking about it.
This is the most honest portrayal of a Mormon girl's life I've ever read. It's not heavy on doctrine, but is raw and real. I loved it. In fact, I've bought book two!
I applaud Hale for doing what so many others failed at in LDS literature; giving it a realistic voice through Destiny.