About
About
About
About
About
About
About
About
About the Author
I don’t think I ever made a decision to be a writer. It is something I’ve always done. During much of my life, this happened during stolen moments or sleepless nights. Often, it happened with a yellow scratch pad on my lap while being jostled around on some Chicago ‘L’ train, or sitting on a bench waiting for a bus. Most of my life, it has been something like an obsession. If I were to stack my yellow scratch pads in a pile, I’d call the entire collection “The Lamentations of Just Judy”. I had a lot of grievances about my youth. Sometimes I titled these scratch pads, “Working it out with Words.”
I was thirty-ish when I was first introduced to the Mormon elders. My husband had been raised a Catholic and I, a Lutheran. I loved the structure and the purpose I found and the change in lifestyle, and there were many activities for myself and my family. Yet, I often felt conflicted with the two theologies. My husband had no conflict. He went to Sunday meetings, genuflected and made the sign of the cross. He had converted, but he was still Catholic.
This was my turmoil: Life is eternal progression, a spirit world exists simultaneously with us, Jesus is our elder brother, and once God was also a man. Top that off with the Godhead being three separate personages–I loved practicing the Mormon faith, but the theology was somewhat like fairy tales.
Holy Joe!
Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader–not that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.
E.L. Doctorow
Front Side
Holy Joe! Prophet, Seer, Revelator
Back Side
Ebook: $9.99
Paperback: $15.95
Hardcover: $22.99
Our Client Reviews
I was intrigued from the beginning after I learned that Mormonism (a truly large religious empire today) started from a man believing in mere stones and other highly respected men did not question Joseph’s judgement but rather dedicated themselves to Joseph and his absurd theories. And even more intriguing is that Joseph continues to captivate people long after his death as millions are still dedicated to him, including the author who dedicated her life to recreate his story. Highly recommended for history buffs and those interested in learning the background of Mormonism.
– Sandra Green
Holy Joe! Prophet, Seer, and Revelator is a historical and biographical fiction book. It is based on the life of the founder of the church and the events related to it.
Joseph Smith, the main protagonist of the story, is a farm boy. People call him a ‘money-digger’ as he uses his stone to find lost things. The story is set in 1805, in New York City. As he finds out about lost treasures, he gets famous. Some people even get against him for fooling people regarding finding lost items. Gradually, the story takes a turn. The transition from a farm boy to a prophet takes place. The Mormon Church gets established. The book describes Joseph’s adventures and his roller coaster ride throughout his life. How does he turn from a simple boy to a prophet? Go and find out!
The best thing about this book is the author’s ability to make the reader feel as if they’re living in the early 1800s. The witty dialogues and perfect character development are worth noting. The language is pretty easy to understand and clear. It was a really adventurous life that Joseph lived. There is also a separate section in the last about a few major events throughout his life that may have questioned the reader’s minds.
Although I absolutely loved reading this book, I think atheists or people who aren’t religious might really enjoy reading it Overall, it is absolutely an amazing book. I will rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Except for an error or two, I could not find any more errors, which means it’s an exceptionally well-edited book. The story line is well written, and the plot is amazing.
I will recommend this book to all the historical fiction lovers out there. People looking to read an inspirational biography will surely love this book. Religious people looking forward to reading a thought-provoking book will love it!
– On-line Book Club Reviewer Aditii Mehta
I find this fictional novel of Joseph Smith interesting in two ways. First, I found enjoyment in understanding something about how the Morman faith came to be. Second, I found it interesting how history repeats itself, how seemingly good and honest people can be so easily lead by faith without questioning their leader. This book is a moral lesson to all who read it. God’s words when spoken by man are spoken for the benefit of the man. Beware!
– John G
I borrowed this book from a friend. After reading the back cover, I asked her if it was good. She said she loved it! So, I took it home and began to read. I have been reading ever since, and I am hooked! I enjoy getting into other people’s lives, but this story is about religion, where it came from, and how it grew. I am not Mormon myself, but I do find them to be interesting as people and in their culture. I am glad to have this chance to have a closer look. I’m looking forward to the author’s next book.
– Jorgi
‘Holy Joe!’ is a thought-provoking and enjoyable read that describes Joseph Smith and his adventures leading to the formation of the Mormon church. The novel depicts Joseph’s adventures in New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Chapters are written and enjoyable in describing Smith’s adventures, trials, and tribulations. The author includes a final section discussing aspects of Smith’s life that many readers may wonder about as they read. Readers will appreciate the clever dialogues and descriptions contributing to chapters describing his life.
– Em
I found this fiction work to be very readable. Just Judy has an easy writing style and appears to have done a great deal of research. Joseph Smith’s progression from a con man and treasure hunter to a self-proclaimed prophet and leader was believable. The story seems consistent with other nonfiction works about the first Mormon prophet. I did not realize that Mr.
Smith sent his elders on missions before proposing plural marriage to their wives. Also, seeing the incidents in their proper time and place broadened my understanding.
While this is the first work of a talented writer and not an in-depth view of the character portrayed, I thoroughly enjoyed suspending belief for some time and walking into the days of the past — a treat one does not get in non-fiction. I’m looking forward to seeing what else this writer will offer us.
– Amy
I don’t like to read history and generally don’t choose historical fiction either, but Holy Joe! held me. Just Judy has pulled together a mass of historical material from various viewpoints and come out with a believable, balanced, and fascinating version of Joseph Smith’s life and the early history of the Latter Day Saints. The book is fiction but based on careful research (check out the bibliography) and is not adorned with fictitious characters or subplots. It sticks to what could realistically have happened based on the evidence. Unlike docudramas that use “based on a true story” to swing off into wild tales, Holy Joe! is more of a “true story based on what’s available.” I highly recommend it.
– Cara Synder
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