Except for plural marriage and large families, I had no knowledge (or prejudices) against the Church of LDS. This well written book goes beyond just the recent Mormon Murders, and describes the early history of the church as well as more modern church politics. Krakauer did an excellent job of intertwining several storylines, and kept me turning pages. I bought the book before a long international flight, and it was so good I gave up sleeping! I have read the church's rebuttal, and I think their points are either weak or false. I really believe Krakauer writes objectively and does not slant the facts. Those facts happen to be negative against the church, but that sometimes happens when you take a critical look at something. This book has inspired me to learn more about the church's history and current aspirations. It's a scary cult, and I will never look at my Mormon friends the same.