As Wide As the River

Adventures of Young Joseph Williams

by Dean Hughes

Book by Hughes, Dean

Genres: Lds Fiction, Historical Fiction

150 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Dean Hughes is the author of more than eighty books for young readers, including the popular sports series Angel Park All-Stars, the Scrappers series, the Nutty series, the widely acclaimed companion novels Family Pose and Team Picture, and Search and Destroy. Soldier Boys was selected for the 2001 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age list. Dean Hughes and his wife, Kathleen, have three children and six grandchildren. They live in Midway, Utah.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very interesting reading from the perspective of a child. It was such a difficult time for everyone. I, once again, am developing a greater appreciation for the early saints and the insurmountable things they were able to endure, and the strength they had.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

keep looking forward and never give up!

I thought it had a lot of good lessons in life, but it was very sad to think what our early saints had to endure. We all have trials and life is not easy for sure. I am thankful that we can pray to the Lord for strength and feel peace as we go along being grateful for our blessings.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libby. Second book in series. Good read.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad continuation of the story of Joseph Williams and his family. Joseph's father is still very ill after being beaten by the angry mobs that drove his family from their home. Joseph is confused, not sure what to think, since they were driven from the place that Joseph Smith said would be Zion, but when his father dies, he is thrown into a hopeless doubt and guilt. Unable to fully adjust, he eventually runs away from home, but learns that sometimes what is best, may be what you left behind.

This was a hard book for my 10 year old to hear - it was quite sad. That said, it was a good way for him to face issues of loss and doubt, without having to actually live through them. And it showed that even if we make bad choices, we can always turn back toward to good and come home.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happened to "inherit" it and after reading more recent (Children of the Promise) books by Hughes, I decided to dust this one off and give it a try. It is a youth type fast read which I truely enjoyed.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book didnt take as long to read as under the same stars. I really liked it.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book if you'd like the history of the early LDS church to come alive. It helped me feel closer to Joseph Smith. --Jemima