Yes, the Book of Mormon is great. We all love it. You should read it. But there are other books you should read too if you want to know the history of the church.
Obviously, this post is geared to an LDS audience. Many LDS are defensive and apprehensive to read anything about the church that isn't official and sanctioned by the church. It's to your own detriment to do that. You should have a deep and realistic faith, not one that is shallow and easy to break. Some of these books aren't written by LDS authors, some are.
1. Rough Stone Rolling-Yes, I've mentioned it 300 times, and I apologize up front, but this is really the Rolls Royce of Smith biographies. Written by the amazing Richard Lyman Bushman, (a former patriarch and active member of the church) this is a book that has broken into the mainstream and is read by non members and members alike. Bushman goes in depth, amazingly so really-into the Prophets life, desires and personality. Simply put, you are missing out if you choose not to read this one.
2. Wrestling the Angel-Terryl L Givens. Also a member, this book is a bit more theological and philosophical than Rough Stone Rolling. That's not to say it's better than Rough Stone Rolling-it's just different. Rough Stone Rolling is for undergrad and this one is for grad school. It's not a book you can easily read. In fact, it's difficult at times and a little dry. However, if you really want to know about the history of the church and it's theological beliefs-read this. You will be better off for it.
3. American Crucifixion-Alex Beam. I don't recommend this one to people who are fragile or can't handle a different view. Beam is not a member of the church. However this book is very fairly written. While the author is not a member, he seems oddly sympathetic to us. Almost like he wants to be a member but doesn't allow himself to be. This is a good one to read if you want to see how the skeptical, non believing world views us.
4. No Man Knows My History-Fawn Brodie-I'm going to be blunt on this one. If you don't read this, you have no right whatsoever to comment on it. Sure, I know why most LDS avoid it, but if you don't know the other side, how can you defend your own? You can't. No matter how brilliant you think you are you are no so bright as to be able to refute a book you haven't bothered to read. Also, if you are so sure in your faith, reading this shouldn't be an issue. Like I've said before, I've seen families treat this book like taboo and once their kids are introduced to it's ideas, it shatters their faith. They correctly think "Well, what else has the church been hiding from me?" This book helped my faith. I love Freudian psychology and this book is heavily influenced by it. Do I agree with everything Brodie wrote? Nope. Am I confident enough in the church to read "anti" literature and still have a solid testimony? Yup.
5. Brigham Young, Pioneer Prophet-John Turner-This book has been called the Rough Stone Rolling treatment for Brigham Young. While I don't go that far, it's certainly worth your time. Out of all the book I've mentored here, this one is pulls the least amount of punches. It goes in depth and the Mountain Meadows Massacre, his nasty and repulsive views on race, his temper, his polygamy and treatment of his wives - but through it all, Brigham remains an oddly noble character. He's like Victor Frankenstein in this-sure he creates a lot of misery, but you can't help but like and respect the guy. Again, this book isn't recommended if you can't handle critique.
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