While trying to digest what I've _The NY R M S H D_, I've read through quite a few of the preexisting reviews on GoodReads. Many of your points, both positive and negative, are well-taken and seconded.

While Baker is unapologetically self-centered for the 274 pages of her book, which can get a little hard to take, I feel she's pretty justified in doing so: this is a memoir, and of basically her early-to-late 20s. And seeing as how she probably has 30 to 50+ more years on this planet, I think she's been pretty brave to put it all out there for a bunch of strangers to read.

At times I felt very empathetic to her struggles, as they had that "we've all been there" feel to them. At other times, I had little relation to her experiences, but she explained it so well that I felt I was getting the full perspective of another human being. And as someone who herself has come out of a Fundamentalist background, I can say the struggles she's having, much less putting them on display "for God and everybody" aren't easy at all. If nothing else- even if you *hated* the book, admit that Miss Baker's got chutzpah.

I don't know if it's because I have already heard so many of her stories on This American Life and The Moth, or the fact that the book is 274 pages long, but it did seem to drag a bit to me, and I had wished for a skilled editor who could have removed just a bit of the bulk without changing the spirit, voice, intent of the writing.

There are passages that seem like they are revelations to the author like, "It wasn't just a break-up. It was an existential crisis". (Aren't they all?) And other long portions are the relation of hysterically funny or basically mundane or plot propelling details. But in between those, the reader is invited into an incredibly intimate world: desires, fears, beliefs, worldview. And there are sublime yet simple passages like:
I am made up of skin, and muscles and fat, my body began. I have a heart that pumps blood and a foundation of bones that are as vulnerable as paper because they too can become ash. But I move, and I can jump, and I feel, and I can do all of these incredible things...but you don't love me. When are you going to realize-- this is your only chance.

I think that's what I like best about Elna Baker's book. Besides the fact that I was raised my Fundamentalists and it's hard for me to find literature that speaks to that aspect of my life (which this book does extremely successfully), what I like best is that the author is not trying to impress anyone. Too many words in her book? Too bad. Think being a virgin at 26 is funny? Fuck off. Think pounds and pounds of extra skin is too gross to write about? Your loss. Want a more cohesive, persuasive, neat story with a bow on top? Sorry, that wouldn't be honest. And she does all this with candor and humor, and without a confrontational attitude.

(Incidentally, if anyone knows of an online "chat with the author" event, please let me know via my Goodreads e-mail. Thanks!) ( )

Fun to read book. It's a memoir of a young Mormon woman who is filled with self doubt both for herself and her religion. At the end of the book she is 26 and still a virgin, excluding kissing. The book starts at the Mormon Singles Halloween Dance as the title suggests and Elna is a 250lb woman who has dressed herself up as a bumble bee. We learn that she is the "funny" one in her family. She takes us on the journey of her ups and downs, losing a lot of weight, then getting hooked on speed, plastic surgery, love of an atheist. At times I want to say that she dwells too much on religion, but in truth I think that's part of what makes her her. ( )

Elna is a fantastic storyteller. I found myself engaged and laughing throughout her tale. I don't necessarily see things the same way as Elna, but I still think that I could potentially see myself being friends with her. Overall, an entertaining read. ( )

Synopsis: Elna Baker dreams of moving to New York to become a writer and an actor. However, this goal is made more difficult because she is a practicing Mormon. The lesson from this book is that no matter how devout you are, you may still have doubts; those doubts do not necessarily derail faith.
Review: Parts of this book will make you laugh until you cry. Other parts are mildly interesting. However, through out it educates folks regarding what it means to be a Mormon and how this effects every aspect of the followers' lives. ( )

I first heard of Elna Baker on the Moth podcast which, if you've never listened to it, you should try it out, and prepare for ugly crying on the subway. On the Moth, Baker told an abridged version a story from her memoir - a book that deals mostly with her life in New York, trying to date as an overweight twenty-something, and a Mormon. The title alludes to an annual event in the Mormon community to which Baker returns year after year like a recurring nightmare, or a gym membership. If you're looking to try a memoir on for size but aren't quite ready for the episodic sexcapades of Isaac Oliver, this book might work for you.

Baker is a lovely storyteller, which is why I finally picked up the book. She speaks very plainly and genuinely from the heart on every subject - from being the "funny" sibling, to battling her religious roots, to nearly ODing on diet pills. Her frank portrayal of modern Mormonism isn't fully fleshed out - she seems, as of 2009, to still have been battling with her own beliefs and as a result, reading it can sometimes feel like watching shadow puppets while the real players hide behind the curtain.

I am self-confessed ignoramus when it comes to most religions, but probably most especially Mormonism. I often accidentally confuse it with the Mennonites - not because I'm stupid or purposely ignorant or anything, but probably because of the clothes. I just get confused. Those bonnets throw me off. After reading Baker's memoir, I can't confess to being much the wiser on the subject. But beyond that, I did get the sister-in-arms feeling that I think she was going for. Being single in this city is certainly daunting, and being an outsider in one way or another intensifies that feeling. Baker's story provides more insight than hope on that subject, perhaps an effect of writing a memoir so early in life, before the arc could be fully formed. Her writing is sweet and bubbly, and the kind of thing that I wish I'd been able to read when I was starting out in New York. As a mostly-jaded established New Yorker now, it's a little flat.

www.theliterarygothamite.com ( )