Customer Reviews

The Skousen Book of Mormon World Records and Other Amazing Firsts, Facts, and Feats

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Review

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Title: The Skousen Book of Mormon World Records

Author: Paul B. Skousen

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Year Published: 2004

Number of Pages: 478

Binding: Quality Paperback

ISBN: 1-555517-811-1

Price: $19.95

Reviewed by Jeffrey Needle

Move over, Mr. Guinness, there's a new player in the "world records" game, and his name is Paul B. Skousen.

When this book arrived for review, I groaned just a bit. So much of what comes from the presses these days seems rather pointless, a solution looking for a problem. So much repetition, so much dreary, boring stuff. I feared this book would fit that description.

Instead, I found the Skousen book to be lively, informative, and, ultimately, a lot of fun. It explores the varied ways in which Latter-day Saints have contributed to society - in politics, sports, culture, etc. As I thumbed through the book, I wondered why Skousen spent the time and money to gather all this information! In the end, I was glad he did.

So, here's a test: name the artist who emigrated from Cuba under partial sponsorship by Ernest Hemingway, who went on to draw many of the superheroes (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash Gordon), and then went to work for Disney, Dreamworks, etc. Answer: Ric Estrada, member of Scotsdale Ward, New York.

Didn't get that one? Okay, try this one: BYU 4th Ward has a hamburger feed to celebrate the opening of each new school year. Who holds the record for eating the most hamburgers in one sitting? Answer: Jake McCready of Saratoga California, who downed 13 hamburgers at the event. (I'll leave it to Mr. McCready to explain his blatant violation of the Word of Wisdom - eat red meat sparingly - in order to attain this record...<grin>)

On a more serious note, this book describes LDS inventors, statesmen, and word record holders. You can also learn who first converted to Mormonism from several world religions. And who were the oldest and youngest men to be ordained apostles?

You get the idea - this is a treasure trove of Mormon trivia, facts that the author clearly worked very hard to gather.

While one will not consider this book required reading, it certainly ranks high as a book to be savored and enjoyed. Opening it at random is a little like panning for gold - you don't know what you're going to get, but you sometimes find a rich treasure of information and insight.

I liked this book, and recommend it to those in the Latter-day Saint community who wish to learn more about the accomplishments of their fellow members around the world and throughout history.

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Jeff Needle

jeff.needle@general-net.com

I really enjoyed this book. Who knew so many of the movers and shakers, the entertainers and entertained were LDS? Highly recommended as a book to have on hand (like an almanac for LDS). Non-LDS people would also be amazed at how many LDS people are in the public eye.

I purchased 7 of these books for my relatives & myself & everyone loved it. It is something the whole family can look at.