Book Review: Mormon Mishaps and Mischief

When author C. L. Beck gave me a copy of her latest book, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief, my first thought was: "What, exactly, is Mormon mischief?" Certainly Mormons, with their fresh-faced, missionary persona aren't the first religion to come to mind when one thinks of mischief and humor. "Mormon Mishaps and Mischief" may change that. D. N. Giles and C. L. Beck are out to prove that Mormons are...well...human. And, there's no better way to do that than by poking fun at human goof-ups.

In chronicling various true, humorous anecdotes, "Mormon Mishaps and Mischief" exposes Mormonism for what it truly is: a religion made up of normal people. From ecclesiastical foot-in-mouth moments to tender yet humorous moments of youthful innocence, Giles and Beck have compiled an easy-reading treasure trove of humorous vignettes.

While the book is obviously written by and intended for Mormons, most of the anecdotes will be easily understood and enjoyed by anyone. There are no preachy moments or subtle attempts at conversion here. "Mormon Mishaps and Mischief" is a lighthearted tour of everyday Mormon life.

That may be its biggest selling point. Many religious humor books are more religious than humorous. Many provoke little more than polite, I-don't-want-to-offend-my-religious-neighbors chuckles and noncommittal nods of acceptance. Giles and Beck have done an excellent job at presenting genuinely humorous material in an open and guileless manner.

For non-Mormons and those unfamiliar with Mormon terminology, a glossary would have been useful. However, most terms are easily understood from the context of the story and any unfamiliar terms are no more than an Internet search away. Anyone, Mormon or otherwise, who has associated with any form of organized religion will sympathize with humorous anecdotes such as the following:

Although the elderly brother at the microphone was sincere, his petitions to the Lord on the congregation's behalf tended to meander like the Mississippi river. And were just about as long.

One Sunday, when it seemed the man was winding up for the last half hour of another long dissertation in prayer, one toddler had enough. Standing up on the bench he opened his gray-blue eyes, shook his blonde head and looking pointedly at the gentleman announced, "Amen!"

If you're looking for a good, humorous compilation of Mormon anecdotes, or if you're looking for insight into the humorous side of Mormonism check out "Mormon Mishaps and Mischief." You won't be disappointed.

"Mormon Mishaps and Mischief" is available at bookstores nationwide and online at Amazon. For more information about the book go to MormonMishaps.com or visit the authors at their LDS humor blog.