The Backslider
 

So, I just finished The Backslider by Levi S. Peterson. It's not a bad read, especially if you're pretty familiar with Utah geography and Mormon culture. It's basically about a kid (Frank) who struggles with notions of sin and guilt against a rural, 1950s LDS Utah backdrop. I thought the book could have been about 50 pages shorter (Frank feels guilty for stuff he shouldn't. Yeah, we got that.), but the last scene, where Frank has a vision of the Cowboy Jesus, is witty, clever, powerful, and moving.

I think I could handle a hereafter run by the Cowboy Jesus.

Has anyone else read it? If so, what did you think?

Personally, I prefer the Jesus in a tuxedo t-shirt. Either that or the Jesus with big eagle wings singing lead vocals for Lynard Skynard.

eugene england had people read that book is his mormon lit class i believe

Or as a Ninja, fighting off evil Samurai.

Daddy, you made that grace your bitch!