Coke Newell has written the ideal introduction to Mormonism for the curious outsider. As a convert himself, he understands the misconceptions that have long distorted the public image of this distinctly American form of Christianity. More important, he also understands those modern perplexities for which Mormonism offers a timeless resolution. To the question of human origins, for instance, Mormonism answers with the doctrine of the premortal existence of spirits. And in response to modern uncertainties about family life, Mormonism promises to seal husbands and wives, parents and children, together forever. Moving deftly from metaphysics to narrative, Newell draws from the Church's history of persecution and migration clear illustrations of the mortal-world meaning of transcendent beliefs, adducing compelling evidence that the historical trajectory of this dynamic faith ensures its increasing visibility in the decades ahead. Even readers who reject its tenets will finish this book with a better comprehension of why this new-yet-ancient religion continues to attract throngs of converts.

— Bryce Christensen, author of UTOPIA AGAINST THE FAMILY From Amazon.com

“A ‘tiny sect’ in Utah 150 years ago has grown into an 11-million-member Church found around the globe. This makes LATTER DAYS a most welcome volume. False and flawed opinions about Mormon beliefs and practices abound. Coke Newell's forthright, clearly written, even fascinating account of Latter Day Saint doctrine and history should help clear the air. Those non-Mormons, like myself, who admire the LDS Church's proselytizing zeal and its unusually strong commitment to family bonds can also gain insight here into the doctrinal sources of these behaviors. I truly enjoyed the book.”

— Allan Carlson, President, The Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society; From Amazon.com

An ecclesiastical anomaly for some, a theological abomination for others, Mormonism has attracted a large army of converts in recent decades. As one of those converts, Newell understands how to explain this distinctively American form of Christianity to the curious outsider. With lucid economy, he explains the additional volumes of scripture (and not just the Book of Mormon) that teach a surprisingly complex array of doctrines (including premortal existence and eternal marriage). But coming to terms with this unusual religion requires historical as well as doctrinal exegesis: in the persecution of the church in nineteenth-century Missouri and Illinois, Newell locates the fiery crucible that created the Latter-day Saint identity, now increasingly visible in Sao Paulo and Moscow, Hong Kong and Lagos. Indeed Newell is at pains to explain just why the church’s missionary outreach–enlarged since the 1978 revelation giving priesthood authority to blacks–now extends around the world. Skeptics may complain that in writing this book, Newell has himself turned proselytizer, abandoning objective analysis. But as this rapidly growing religion exerts increasing cultural influence, many readers will be turning to the library for exactly what Newell has provided: a short but lively summary of a puzzling faith.

— Booklist, 4/15/00

This insider's description of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will serve to complement last year's more journalistic Mormon America. Newell manages the media research development at the church's headquarters, so he can hardly be faulted for writing a polemical piece that takes the truth claims of the religion at face value. He is convinced that his church is what it says it is and tries to give the reader a sense of being on the inside. Nevertheless, he wants to present the best face possible. As a result, controversial topics are often briskly dismissed, and the point of view is more idiosyncratic than Newell cares to admit– it is stronger on historical topics than contemporary Mormon life. Clearly, there are more ways to be Mormon than his. The style is chatty and familiar, as the subtitle suggests, making this an engaging read, but the footnotes make it appropriate for both academic and public libraries.

— Library Journal, April 2000

A Mormon primer that believers and nonbelievers alike will profit from. At the start, Newell lays his cards on the table: he is a devout Mormon, albeit a convert to the faith from a vegetarian, rock-and-roll background. He is also a pretty leisurely writer; his history of Mormonism doesn’t get to its founder, Joseph Smith, until chapter eight. The first seven chapters lay the foundation, starting with God’s creation of the world. Those who know their Bible may be tempted to skip ahead, but those who don’t will learn that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (that’s the official name) believes that “long, long ago you and I were born as spirit children of God, and, naturally, a Goddess”; that Adam and Even knew (and lived in accordance with) the Gospel; and that, after his resurrection, Jesus visited North America. In short, we are offered not just Mormon history, but Mormon cosmology, as well. Then Newell takes us through more familiar territory— Joseph Smith receives his visitation in 1820, translates the Book of Mormon, and organizes his band of faithful followers. They set up shop in Missouri, and then later in Nauvoo, Illinois, where Smith is assassinated. Brigham Young leads the Latter-day Saints to Utah. If Newell’s historical narrative is not terribly original, he does give more attention to Young than most accounts, and this is important because, while all sectarian groups have charismatic founders, what distinguishes those that survive from those that fade after a generation or so is the ability of the second leader (the one who comes after the founder) to seize the reigns of command take charge— something Young did masterfully. Newell’s account would have benefitted from more coverage of contemporary Mormon life (in the style of Richard and Joan Ostling’s Mormon America). Furthermore, non-Mormon readers may be put off by Newell’s occasionally sanctimonious and smug tone. But, on the whole, this is an engaging introduction to Mormon history and belief.

— Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2000

Very compelling, even though I already knew the story! In fact the engaging writing style and clever structure (identifying "Mormonism" as something that started not with Joseph Smith's first vision but in the premortal existence and down through the ages) made it a very difficult book to put down. I believe both Mormons and non-Mormons will enjoy it. It will probably be faith promoting for members of the Church and answer in an honest and forthright way many questions of non-members. I believe the tone is just right: neither apologetic nor defensive. Mr. Newell simply recounts events and explains doctrine as he understands them. It is a very readable, interesting book, one that I'll recommend to others.

— From Amazon.com Brad Mortensen, Brigham City, Utah

“There are few stories in American history that rival for substance the persecution and the perseverance of the Latter-day Saints. This is among the most intimate, accurate and impressive tellings of that story I have read.

— Richard Paul Evans # 1 New York Times Best Selling Author

“Latter Days is a refreshing view of Mormonism written by an enthusiastic convert. I applaud Coke Newell and St. Martin's Press for presenting this innovative book.”

— Susan Easton Black, Professor of Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University Author of “Impressions of a Prophet”

“This is an astonishing story, told incredibly well. Coke Newell has helped lift the Latter-day Saints into the forefront of Christian discourse and relevance.”

— Stephen R. Covey, Internationally best-selling author (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People)

“This engaging introduction to Mormon history and doctrine from the viewpoint of a convert gives a good idea of why Mormonism attracts and holds so many modern Americans. Along with the facts of history, one gets a feeling for the unconquerable spirit of the Mormon people.”

— Richard L. Bushman, Gouverneur Morris Professor of History at Columbia University, author of “Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism” (University of Illinois, 1984)

“Here the story of the Latter-day Saints, in the hands of a gifted writer and a great storyteller, takes its place among the most important non-fiction books of our day.”

— L. Don LeFevre, Manager of Media Relations (retired), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"I could not put this one down. Very well written and informative, ‘Latter Days’ takes a valued place in my ‘quick reference’ library on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

— Lee Groberg, award winning documentary producer, “Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail” (PBS, 1997) and “American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith” (PBS, 1999)

“Latter Days is wonderful. I find myself silently cheering as I read. We're (Church members) so often on our heels fending off blows from those who constantly attack us that it's almost a learned response to start dodging when issues such as Adam's role in creation, Heavenly Mother, plurality of Gods, and creationism vs. evolution ("Middle Earth" — nice touch) surface. Because we've suppressed these issues for so long, they are beginning to disappear from our consciousness. We subsist on a diet of (I want to say milk, but in reality milk is too strong a word) water while we push behind a curtain the fascinating doctrines that resonate with the spirit and bear eloquent witness to the divine mission of Joseph Smith. You come out swinging, without apology, confident and honest. I'm looking forward to reading the rest.”

— Neil Newell (no relation), Church Welfare Services

“Latter Days is extremely well written. Coke Newell has a real gift. He is able to communicate with non-Latter-day Saints in a way that they can understand, but in a way that still recognizes the sacred nature of these important matters to members of the Church.”

— Randy Bluth, Baton Rouge stake president

If you don't believe that Mormonism is making an aggressive attempt to win converts, get your head out of the sand and read this book, written by the top PR dog in the Mormon church. The entire theme of this book can be described thusly: “This is what we believe, and this is our history, ain't it great?” Newell assures us that we are getting “clean water” from him, but he forgets to tell you that the water went through the reclamation plant first. Don't expect any acknowledgment of the exegetical problems associated with Mormon use of the Bible; don't expect any of the darker problems to be dealt with. Do expect a hammer-pounding emphasis on how badly Mormons were persecuted for their beliefs; do expect also, surprisingly, a frank admission of some of those doctrines that are normally hush-hush when the missionaries come by (like the Kolob story, multiple gods, and the Michael=Adam formula). And therein lies the usefulness that earns this book a single thumb-up: It is an excellent, albeit one-sided and besparkled, delineation of Mormon ideas, theology, and history. Take it as a declaration of intent for future attempts to convince prospective converts...and be aware of the material it contains if you care to enter counter-Mormon apologetics seriously. A bold and nerve-filled presentation of Mormon beliefs and history that accentuates the positive— as much as possible.

— by J. P. Holding , Tekton Apologetics Ministries

Latter Days [is] a most welcome volume. False and flawed opinions about Mormon beliefs and practices abound. Coke Newell's forthright, clearly written, even fascinating account of Latter Day Saint doctrine and history should help clear the air. I truly enjoyed the book.”

— Allan Carlson, President, The Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society; From Amazon.com

With lucid economy... Newell understands how to explain this distinctively American form of Christianity to the curious outsider. As this rapidly growing religion exerts increasing cultural influence, many readers will be turning to the library for exactly what Newell has provided: a short but lively summary of a puzzling faith. — Booklist, 4/15/00 This insider's description of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will serve to complement last year's more journalistic Mormon America. The style is chatty and familiar, as the subtitle suggests, making this an engaging read, but the footnotes make it appropriate for both academic and public libraries. —Library Journal, April 2000 A Mormon primer that believers and nonbelievers alike will profit from. ...an engaging introduction to Mormon history and belief. — Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2000 There are few stories in American history that rival for substance the persecution and the perseverance of the Latter-day Saints. This is among the most intimate, accurate and impressive tellings of that story I have read.

— Richard Paul Evans # 1 New York Times Best Selling Author

Latter Days is a refreshing view of Mormonism written by an enthusiastic convert. I applaud Coke Newell and St. Martin's Press for presenting this innovative book.

— Susan Easton Black, Professor of Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University Author of “Impressions of a Prophet”

I could not put this one down. Very well written and informative, ‘Latter Days’ takes a valued place in my quick-reference library on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

— Lee Groberg, producer, “Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail” (PBS, 1997) and “American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith” (PBS, 1999)

If you don't believe that Mormonism is making an aggressive attempt to win converts, get your head out of the sand and read this book.... It is an excellent, albeit one-sided and besparkled, delineation of Mormon ideas, theology, and history. A bold and nerve-filled presentation of Mormon beliefs and history that accentuates the positive— as much as possible.

— J. P. Holding , Tekton Apologetics Ministries