Yes, that's where the title comes from. I got pissed at a smug companion on my mission, so I turned on the Heaven Up Here album with the volume up loud. Made me feel better.
I just finished devouring my copy of your book last night! Oh, what an amazing account. I kept alternating between feeling so sorry for you and everyone, then getting mad at the supercilious a-holes you had to deal with on your mission (not the Bolivians, but the Mormons!). I never raised a child while in tscc and I don't think I could ever support a mission again for anyone. I loved your book- it was eye opening and made me again realize a couple of things: One, that I had indeed been brainwashed and secondly, that we who have left are brave and can reclaim our lives to make them what WE want, not what some pencil neck in a church office expects us to be.
I can't wait to read it! My husband is TBM, but from the reviews on Amazon, he shouldn't be getting his knickers in a twist. He served in the Philippines back in 1980 and ended up hospitalized with severe dehydration. I'm sure he'll enjoy reading your experiences, and will relate to many of them.
Great moment. Congratulations, my friend, on the production of a great read. I actually gasped out loud at some parts. No wonder my ex never, ever gave a detail about his missionary time in Bolivia. Oh, I asked and asked and all he would say was, "I learned to love the people." There was this faraway look when he said it and I knew, just KNEW, there was something more to the story. He served in the late sixties.
Writing a book is like donating blood. You feel weak after it's over but glad you did it and wonder if it will make a difference. I think yours might already be a banned book in Mo-land (as differentiated from Motown!).
A terrific read and as the president of the Runtu Fan Club, it's my job to finger-tap audibly until I know you are working on the sequel...
I finished your book yesterday on the plane to Iowa (visiting in-laws). Thank you so much for writing about your experiences! It was a great read, and definitely nice to hear the good AND bad about it. I used to bug two of my friends who'd served missions for details, but they pretty much stuck to the "faith-promoting" half-truths. Another friend came home for "medical reasons", but later admitted to me he just hated it.
The thing that struck me most about it was that I understand now that it really is a learning experience. I've always thought it would be neat to spend some time in a poorer foreign country to appreciate my own life more, but at least reading about others' experiences there help.
You write well. Your story is very objective. You give the facts. Reader is left to interpret as they are so inclined. Congratulations. I hope you make some money--but I know how that goes. I really appreciate you and the fact you were willing to share this.
You write well. Your story is very objective. You give the facts. Reader is left to interpret as they are so inclined. Congratulations. I hope you make some money--but I know how that goes. I really appreciate you and the fact you were willing to share this.