If you're not sure what a Mormon is, let alone a Mormon Mention, allow me to explain:  My name is Susan and I'm a Mormon (you've seen the commercials, right?).  As a member of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon or LDS Church), I'm naturally concerned with how my religion is portrayed in the media.  Because this blog is about books, every time I see a reference to Mormonism in a book written by someone who is not a member of my church, I highlight it here.  Then, I offer my opinion—my insider's view—of what the author is saying.  It's my chance to correct misconceptions, expound on principles of the Gospel, and even to laugh at my (sometimes) crazy Mormon culture. 

My favorite (bloggy) part of a new year used to be picking out reading challenges to work on for the next 12 months.  Then, I realized how overwhelmed they made me feel and how little progress I actually made on them!  These days, I only choose one or two that really tickle my fancy; if I don't complete them, I don't beat myself up about it.  It's just for fun, after all.

I've had the most fun doing challenges where you track in which states your books take place, so Book Journey's Where Are You Reading Challenge sounded right up my alley.  The setting up of a Google map is a little beyond my abilities, so I'll just keep track of my progress on my right sidebar, as I've been doing for the past couple years.  If you'd like to join in this fun challenge (bonus: if you read books set in all 50 states by December 31, 2014, you'll be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble), click on over to Book Journey and sign up.

Happy 2014!