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LDS Literature: The Explosion of An Evolving Genre

© Eric Jordan Jensen

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have always felt the need to express themselves. From the pioneers, who described their treks in journals, to faithful saints recording their feelings in hymns, Mormons have always had the desire to write. Fortunately, this need has not died out. All one needs to do is walk into a church bookstore to realize that the LDS people have produced a significant amount of literature. Today, we have biography, fiction, poetry, songs, and volumes of reference materials, all intended for an LDS audience.

We, as members of the LDS Church, base our lives on the words of the prophets, both ancient and modern. The scriptures contain the teachings of the ancient leaders, and we are commanded to read them. From them, we can gain vast insight. Although we are not required to read any other volumes, we have been told to "seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). Where can we find the best books? One place to start is the nearest LDS bookstore.

The mention of LDS literature may make you think of dusty books full of scriptural analysis and long dissertations on this or that Gospel topic. While those volumes do exist, you can also find a vast array of novels, poems, songs, talks, journals, biographies, etc. to appeal to any taste. Even children and young adults can find something valuable to read.

LDS authors seem to have mastered non-fiction, having turned out volumes of well-written factual books for years and years. Mormon fiction, on the other hand, seems to have struggled in its evolution. Many of the novels that have been available to LDS audiences in the past consisted of sloppy editing, poor plotting, flat characters and easy resolutions. They focused on teaching readers a lesson. As a result, LDS bookstores are full of cheesy, feel-good stories that fail to address real life and real issues. In the last decade or so, several talented Mormon writers have appeared in print, offering readers a better choice of reading material. The cheese still exists, but authors seem to be focusing more on situations that real LDS people face every day. Finally, Mormon readers have a wide variety of books to read that teach and uplift without a lot of sap.

This column will highlight LDS literature in all of its forms. I intend to review books and discuss other topics relevant to LDS literature. I invite all who are interested in this subject to join me here to discuss this wonderful, evolving literature.