I chortled my way through this book on both my first and second readings. Imagine First Nephi from the point of view of Laman. I guess it just goes to show that principle of "sensitive dependence on initial conditions" found in chaos and complexity theory in physics applies to memoirs as well. Where you end up all depends on where you begin. Laman is described in the translator's introduction as a "consummate malcontent" who is presenting his "multi-phobic personality." Laman appears to be the individual who never seems to see the big (or small for that matter) picture. He understands little or none of his father and younger brothers' relationship with Deity despite having been raised in the "Church." This meant that he and his brother Lemuel were unable to head off their father's unpopular, and at least to them, inexplicable actions and maintain their life of comfort and ease. For example, once Lehi's preaching began to draw negative attention to their family, Laman and Lemuel purchased him a copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People hoping that even if it didn't stop the insanity, Lehi would stop long enough to read the book. (Laman 1:17) When this didn't work, Laman suggested his father take a vacation. Shortly thereafter, Lehi took his entire family into the wilderness which led Lemuel to suggest that Laman "Keep his big mouth shut." (Laman 2:3-4)

Laman efforts for his own well being are often couched in terms of the good of the entire group and even on occasion the good of many who will follow. For example when, after reaching Bountiful, Nephi built a forge to make tools, Laman wonders if this fire could be used for everyone. "Now behold, I did gripe unto our father Lehi, saying: If Nephi can build a fire to make his ball peen hammer and his lug wrench, why could not we have a little fire for a barbeque? Yea, and why do we need tools in the first place, for have we not become hunters and gatherers, or are we now to become farmers, and will not this confuse those at BYU who will one day do master's thesis on us?" (Laman 14:12) In this verse we can see Laman's desire for not only the good of his family but also those who would follow as long his path remained gentle and smooth.

This book is not for everyone. Even within the Mormon community, its readership is limited to those able and/or willing to have a chuckle at themselves and their socio-cultural mores. I know many people in the Church who would be horribly offended by this book. I, on the other hand, wish we were studying the Book of Mormon in Gospel Doctrine this year so I could quote from Laman on occasion in order to put forward the dissenting viewpoint. This is an incredibly amusing work. I can just imagine how much fun it must have been to write.

******************************************************************************
Ryan Johnson

Information Services Librarian
Zach S. Henderson Library
Georgia Southern University
rjryan@gsaix2.cc.gasou.edu

		"Any technology distinguishable 

		from magic is insufficiently 

		advanced."