Book Notices

Abstract

Michael Harold Hyer. Saints at War in the Philippines: Latter-day Saints in WWII Prison Camps. Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, 2021. xvi + 271 pp. Illustrations, maps. Hardcover: $25.99.Reading about war can sometimes be an academic exercise if a book only lists battles, soldiers, and results. It becomes the terrible experience it really is when the writings describe in detail all of the suffering and pain that takes place. It can also be just the story of the winners and losers. It shows the complex reality when it explains the cultural reasons why soldiers react to battle. This study of twenty-nine Latter-day Saints who fought for the United States during World War II in the Philippines shows the horrors of the war by telling the men's personal stories of the Bataan Death March and the Japanese prisoner of war camps. Only twelve survived. The book goes beyond just explaining the nightmare though and explains the difference between American and Japanese culture that helps explain how the Japanese responded to the prisoners. The author is an attorney and a nephew of 1st Lt. George Robin (Bobby) Brown, one of the prisoners of war that he discusses in the book.Warner Woodworth. Radiant Mormonism: Using Our Faith in Christ to Power World-Changing Service. Newburgh, IN: By Common Consent Press, 2022. 358 pp. Photographs, appendix. Paperback: $14.95.Radiant Mormonism provides a model of how the teachings of Joseph Smith and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can help the poor throughout the world. As a Brigham Young University professor and entrepreneur, Warner Woodworth has used his faith and management skills to create and support NGOs (non-government organizations) worldwide. Journal of Mormon History readers will appreciate his references to Latter-day history. They will also learn about the role of Woodworth and other Latter-day Saints in creating organizations worldwide. The book is a combination autobiography, history, and how-to-do manual.