LDS Book: The Lights of Mahonri Moriancumer

A monk with a secret...

A light that never dies...

A legend that could change history...

There is an ancient legend about shining stones. About lights that never dim, never die. And the stones are old. Very old.

Archaeologist Mathilda Howard believes in solid scientific fact and proven history. Not mythical stories about shining stones or prehistoric advanced civilizations. But when an old Tibetan monk shares his experience of the "lights that do not die," Matt knows she has to find out more.

Then, when at an archaeological dig a student gives Matt a little black book that contains a story about shining stones - a story that happens to match a local legend - she finds herself on a journey to uncover the truth. From a sacred mountain in China to a lost civilization in Brazil, Matt finds that she is digging up more than just archaeological artifacts. Her search for the shining stones leads her to some startling discoveries, as well as to a new religion. The LDS church may have the answers she has been looking for, but it may also cost her all that she values in life - her career, her prestige, and her family. As evidence of the shining stones mounts, Matt is faced with a decision she never thought she'd have to make: does she ignore the stones and agree what is scientifically acceptable, or does speak out against the established norms and tell the truth? There are people who are desperate to keep the stones a secret. How much is Matt willing to sacrifice for the lost stones of the Jaradites?

This is one of the best written and most interesting manuscripts I've ever seen. The plot was fascinating. I love the way so many ideas are woven together in a plausible way.

"The Lights of Mahonri Moriancumer" is truly engaging from start to finish. Phyllis Gunderson has a creative gift of inspirational and adventurous story telling. My only disappointment with this wonderful story, is that it ends - leaving me wanting more. My hope is that she's inspired to write similar works. I have recommended and read this book to many friends and family, whom have all enjoyed it just as much.

The main character is Mathilda ("Matt") Howard, a University professor, deeply involved in the ancient past. She is a lovely character -- lots of spunk, tons of curiosity about everything ancient and arcane, and willing to pick up at any time and go on a dig with other experts. On one trip, she hears a rumor about stones that shine all by themselves. She's skeptical, and rejects the whole idea as nonsense. But on another trip, a student tells her that he has a book that mentions such stones. He gives her a Book of Mormon, which she takes home and promises one day to read.

What follows is a story of one woman's awakening to the truths of the Book of Mormon. Step by step she sees reflected in the Book of Mormon ideas about ancient civilizations that she recognizes could not have been known by Joseph Smith. And when she finally reaches the story of the Jaredites, she recognizes what she's been looking for -- an ancient account of stones that emit light.

Gunderson gives us some interesting views of how the archaeological enterprise works. Her heroine goes on several digs, one accompanied by her adopted daughter. And we get some insights into the roles that greed and pride can play in how even the best scientists can skew their research in order to accomplish their goals. Toward the end of the book, I was fascinated by the interplay between Howard and some of her fellow researchers.

The author's fascination with foreign lands adds good color to the story. Through her eyes, we travel to some exotic locales. We learn of the hardships researchers face when journeying into jungles and forests, alive with both danger and discovery.

Have you ever wondered just what happened to the Brother of Jared's stones? In this book, archaeologist Mathilda Howard stumbles across stories of stones that shine by themselves over and over again. Each mention that is made, she is more intrigued. From the Tibetan monk, to a mountain in China, and a lost city in Brazil, she is following a mystery that will mean more to her than knowledge of artifacts.

I love it when a book gets me excited to learn about new subjects! I finished this book with a whole new appreciation of the Book of Mormon and desire to learn more about ancient civilizations. I was fascinated by the new pieces of information that I learned about the Book of Mormon that once again testify of its truth. For example, the colophon that is mentioned by the author in relation to the Book of Mormon is something that I have never heard of before. But when she describes it, it makes sense. And how would a young man from New York with limited education know anything about it? I loved this book. I loved the premise, the idea, it was easy to read and it was totally original.