"Backslider" Turns 20

One of the more interesting events in Mormon Literature this year is the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Backslider, perhaps the finest LDS novel published to date. (The other novel widely considered for this designation is Maureen Whipple's The Giant Joshua. Personally, I prefer The Backslider).

While I expect there will be other events to mark this occasion, Sunstone has apparently stepped up to commemorate the event, by publishing a series of essay's on the book's effect.

Sunstone recently issued a call for essays on the book, as part of this effort. Essays are to be 500 to 1,500 words long, and are open to any theme that the writer would like to cover. Those interested should send their essays to Cherie Woodworth (cherie.woodworth [at] gmail.com).

Regardless of what you think of LDS literature, this is one title that is worth the read, and should be included in the "canon" of LDS literature -- those works that you have to have read to be fully educated in Mormon culture. If the Mormon people were truely a separate culture and nation, this book would be on the required reading list in high school, just like Tom Sawyer, The Last of the Mohicans and The Sun Also Rises are for many high school students in the US.