Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling
By Richard L. Bushman
Synopsis: A biography of Joseph Smith written by a historian who is a faithful member, but written from a more-or-less objective view, and which does not shy away from the controversial events and aspects of Joseph Smith's life.
Strong Points: This book is great because it tells very frankly the facts of Joseph Smith's life without mincing words. It covers all the controversial topics, including the much-thought-of treasure-seeking, the Prophet's overblown involvement in "magic," the Prophet's plural marriages, etc.
Weak Points: Sometimes, in order to take a topical approach, the book seems to mention information out of chronological order, which might mix up a reader who is not familiar with the life of Joseph Smith. Also, I would have hoped for more development on the subject of Joseph Smith's plural marriages. Todd Compton's In Sacred Loneliness is excellent for that.
Interesting: 4.8/5
Must Read: 3.9/5
Overall: 4.6/5