Gentile Girl: Living with the Latter-day Saints [Paperback]

Carol Avery Forseth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2002

Gentile Girl: Living with the Latter-day Saints introduces the major beliefs and practices of the Mormons through the easy-to-read, captivating story of a young Christian girl at Brigham Young University.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Although respectful in tone, Gentile Girl clearly distinguishes between Mormonism's merit-based doctrine and Christianity's faith-based beliefs." -- CBA Marketplace, March 2002

"In this refreshingly balanced memoir... [Carol Forseth] presents individual Mormons...as three-dimensional people, not caricatures." -- Publishers Weekly Religion BookLine, January 29, 2002

"One of the best books ever written on this subject as it provides insight into the Mormon culture and mind." -- Writer's Digest, April 7, 2003

"Rather than a long-winded book about doctrine, Gentile Girl offers a glimpse into the lives of [Mormon] church members." -- Fort Collins Coloradoan, February 3, 2002

From the Inside Flap

They're called Gentiles: non-Mormons living among Latter-day Saints. Here is the true story of a Gentile student at Brigham Young University. This captivating account offers an inside look at the world of the Latter-day Saints.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: Crossroads Press (January 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971478201
• ISBN-13: 978-0971478206
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,031,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great insight to life among Latter-day Saints, June 5, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Gentile Girl: Living with the Latter-day Saints (Paperback)

I myself am a Christian living among a vast majority of Mormons. I was very interested in purchasing Carol's book when it was first mentioned to me by a friend. I truly enjoyed reading it because it so closely related to my own experiences in Utah.

I suggest to anyone who is interested in a little knowledge of the Mormon faith and life amongst Mormons, to purchase this book. Carol does a wonderful job of describing the typical experiences of non-mormons. I myself have learned a lot about Mormons while living in Provo. I have grown more spiritually while living in Utah. I personally have had a positive experience overall, but still choose not to follow the Mormon faith. I attend the Baptist church in Provo and enjoy being a minority for a first. I am very strong in my faith and in knowing the "truth" of Jesus Christ.

This is a must read for all who want to know more on life in Utah, living amongst Mormons. Carol gives a brief understanding of the Mormon faith without being degrading.

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, sensitive reading, April 26, 2002

By 

Ed Moran (Loveland, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gentile Girl: Living with the Latter-day Saints (Paperback)

In this first-hand account of an outsider's life among Mormons, Carol Forseth has provided a non-technical, yet accurate view of Mormon belief. Because of it's biographical nature, the book does not attempt to explain all Mormon doctrine. While she does not agree with much of Mormonism, without being acerbic or derisive the author very sensitively explains those Mormon beliefs to which she was exposed during her two years at BYU. She also writes warmly about the relationships that were developed with her fellow Mormon students, and it is obvious that she respects and loves Mormons as individual persons. At the end of the book are a number of helpful suggestions about relating to Mormons and to their missionaries ("elders") who show up on our doorsteps. For anyone curious about Mormonism, this is a very readable and interesting book. For those interested in ministering among Mormons, this book is a very helpful addition to other, more technical books about Mormonism. Carol Forseth has given us a view of the Mormon people that is compassionate and human. Gentile Girl provides very helpful insight for those of us who view Mormons with jaundiced eyes, especially those who have never had contact with a Mormon. It is a book that can be heartily recommended for all Christians to read.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! A "gentle" book from a "Gentile Girl"., March 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Gentile Girl: Living with the Latter-day Saints (Paperback)

I was born a fourth-generation Mormon, but I have since left and found the Jesus of the Bible. Although I strongly oppose Mormon doctrine, I love the Mormon people. All too often, books that expose Mormonism tend to be brutal, and often they are flat out wrong. This book is neither. It is written in a very gentle yet accurate manner, and it clearly shows the goodness in the Mormon people, while at the same time explaining how their doctrine does not match the Gospel as taught by Jesus Christ. The book is mostly about the two years that the author spent at BYU. During those years, she had the opportunity to observe first hand what living the Mormon life is all about, and this book will help anyone to better understand their Mormon co-workers, neighbors, or friends. Oh... and the title has nothing to do with being Jewish. Mormons refer to non-Mormons as "gentiles".