Tell Me Who I Am: Stories of Faith, Family, and Identity

by DeNae Handy, Jana Winters Parkin (Illustrator)

Tell Me Who I Am is a collection of stories and essays depicting everyday life for sixteen LDS writers. Told with humor and sensitivity, these stories offer a glimpse into a religious culture that is alternately criticized, admired, and misunderstood. While dogma may define a people, it's individual stories that ultimately tell us who we are. Contributing Becca Wilhite; Stephanie Sorensen; Luisa Perkins; Jana Winters Parkin; Annette Lyon; Patrick Livingston; Melanie Jacobson; DeNae Handy; Debbie Frampton; Ken Craig; Christopher Clark; Karen Burton; Gideon Burton; Michelle Budge; Joshua Bingham; Cari Banning. Cover art, illustrations, and design by award-winning artist Jana Winters Parkin.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2012

Reviews

[Stephanie]

I was one of the contributors to this book, so my rating is biased, but I think it accomplishes really well its goal: a glimpse into the individual lives, faith, circumstances and values of a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's a great collection of funny, somber, light-hearted, and powerful thoughts and experiences that I think both Mormons and non-Mormons will find meaningful.

[Tammielyn]

I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about reading a book of short stories by 16 LDS (Latter Day Saint) writers, but I was pleasantly surprised. While some stories were a tad heavy on the religious side, Tell Me Who I Am was a good reminder that no matter where you come from, or what you believe in, we are all just trying to get through the day. Whether it's raising children, losing a parent, or dealing with the everyday frustrations of life, we are all in it together.

[Melanie Jacobson]

I'm honored be included in this collection of essays. With Mormons so much in the national spotlight, I think this collection gives readers an excellent insight into the lives of the "average" Mormon. These are funny and often poignant essays on people living the Mormon experience. Well worth reading.

[Quenta]

I enjoyed this collection of blog posts very much. The authors spoke from their hearts about real life and real heartache. The funny ones were funny, the sad ones were sad and the inspiring ones were inspiring. My favorite was about the man who had to take his mini van out to the dessert and shoot it. Been there, Done that.

[Stacy]

I loved this book. All the different stories were wonderful. Some made me cry while others made me laugh and some just made me think about things. In all of the stories from the different authors I realized that he I'm not alone. They go through some of the same things I do.

[Karen]

It was an honor to be included in this book of essays from the perspective of Latter Day Saints. If you are looking to understand the everyday interpretations of life by a sampling of Mormons, you will enjoy this book.,

[Shelly]

I loved this book. The experiences shared were heartwarming and uplifting. I laughed, I cried, I felt the spirit of my Heavenly Father as I read this wonderful book.

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Gregandemy]

I really enjoyed this collection of essays, some more then others- but overall it was a touching, funny, inspiring novel of true life. Stories full of humor, love, devotion, loss, faith, and family.