My First Dip

I begin to read The Mormonizing of America by Stephen Mansfield this evening.  How fast I would get into the book I have not been too sure, as it not the genre I usually read. However, I was asked to read it, so once the commitment was made, there wasn't any backing down.

Opening its cover, I let out a small "Ah!," as I love the font and the wide space between the lines. Being nearly 60,  that type of layout is perfect for the older eyes. I am not one that skips over prologues in a book, liking background on why the author chose to place those words onto each page. In this book, there are acknowledgements before the preface is reached. Acknowledgements! Those are usually at the end of the written word, rather a duty for the author to thank the family, the editor and all those special people, making sure no one is left out. I always picture somebody showing off the said book, placed just right on the coffee table. Excitedly grabbing the book, its owner quickly flips to the last page so a friend can see how special it is to have one's name in print. Laughter is shared as accolades are given, the reader silently looking at the long list of names granted the identical honor. I forget I am reading acknowledgments from the moment I begin to read, as the section is written in the style of a story. The paragraphs of storytelling zoom by quickly for me, eight pages of them. I'm now familiar with Stephen Mansfield, our writer, his interest in faith and how he truly wants to learn about the Latter Day Saints (LDS). I see how much research he has done to get acquainted with the people belonging to this faith, getting to know them not only as sources of information, but as friends. Praising his wife through his last few sentences causes me to sigh with a smile, getting a glimpse into the marvelous and spiritual relationship they have, one that will last through eternity.