Related Works
| Relationship | Work | Contributors | Genre | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reviewed in | [Review of] The Conversion of Jeff Williams, by Douglas H. Thayer | Daniel K. Muhlestein | Review |
The Conversion of Jeff Williams
Douglas H. Thayer
Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 2003
- Douglas H. Thayer: Author
Novel
Provo is a world away from San Diego. In this topsy-turvy tale, it is the wealthy, religious, east-bench Provoans who enjoy the best that life can offer and share it with a less privileged, laid-back, So Cal teenager over one summer vacation. At first, Jeff finds himself dazzled by east-bench affluence and faith. But as the summer progresses, events persuade him to rethink this religion-and-riches culture and to accept that the normal temptations and foibles of youth—without the Porsche—are just fine:
"Every September before school, Dad gave me a blessing and told me to be receptive to the guidance of the Holy Ghost. I didn't particularly like the idea of the Holy Ghost following me around, checking up on what I was doing all the time, but Mom said I needed all the help I could get, particularly when it came to girls. I liked living in Aunt Helen's eight-million-dollar house. It made me feel like I might enjoy the summer more than I had thought I would. I knew that I wouldn't be able to wander around the house in my boxers and t-shirt, but I felt important." [publisher blurb]
Winner of the 2003 Novel Award, Association for Mormon Letters