LDS Books: Judge Me, Dear Reader

"Oh, be careful as you judge Emma, dear reader!"

Few characters in Church history are as misunderstood as Emma Smith. A member of the Church from the beginning and a staunch supporter of her husband through his trials and eventual death, Emma lived a difficult life, yet many wonder how she could have turned her back on the beliefs that she held so strongly and suffered so much for.

Judge Me, Dear Reader is the story of Emma, one of the greatest champions - and most criticized members - of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By showing Emma in a more sympathetic light, the author reminds each of us that Emma - and everyone else - will be judged according to the desires of their heart by the only one who can see things clearly: the Lord.

While presiding over the Nauvoo mission, Erwin E. Wirkus developed an interest in Emma's story. He writes, "I find few women who were asked to go through as such hardship, heartache, and tragedy as did Emma Smith." With his unique understanding, Wirkus wrote this historical novel from Emma's perspective to give readers a clearer picture of the joys and sorrows she experienced throughout her life.