Mission to America

Mission to America follows Mason LaVerle, a member of the Aboriginal Fulfilled Apostles (AFA), a small religious sect based in rural Montana. When his isolated community faces declining numbers, LaVerle and fellow member Elder Stark embark on a recruitment mission into mainstream America. The two missionaries encounter modern American culture for the first time, navigating temptations from fast food to sexuality. Their journey leads them to Snowshoe, Colorado, a wealthy ski resort town where they become entangled with the lives of the affluent residents. LaVerle must confront his growing attraction to a former internet model while watching his partner fall under the influence of a billionaire seeking spiritual guidance. His struggle to maintain his faith and save both his fellow missionary and his dying religious community drives the narrative forward. The novel explores themes of cultural isolation, religious identity, and the clash between traditional beliefs and modern materialism. Through its satirical lens, it examines how faith and values transform when confronted with the pressures of contemporary American society.

Readers found Mission to America to be a satire that didn't fully deliver on its premise about a fictional Montana religious sect. Many noted the strong opening chapters but felt the narrative lost focus and momentum in the second half. Readers appreciated: - Sharp observations about American consumer culture - Humorous commentary on New Age spirituality - The unique premise and setting Common criticisms: - Plot meandering and becoming unfocused - Character development falling flat - Ending feeling rushed and unsatisfying Several readers noted that the protagonist became less compelling as the story progressed. As one Amazon reviewer wrote: "The promise of the first 50 pages dissolves into a mess of half-developed ideas." Ratings: Goodreads: 2.9/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 3.2/5 (40+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.1/5 (100+ ratings) The book received notably lower ratings than Kirn's other novels, with many readers expressing disappointment given the intriguing concept.

The Book of Mormon Girl by Joanna Brooks A woman's memoir of growing up Mormon and gradually questioning her faith mirrors the spiritual questioning found in Kirn's work.

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer This investigation into Mormon fundamentalism explores themes of faith, doubt, and American religious movements that parallel Kirn's satirical take on alternative spirituality.

The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson The story of two performance artists and their children presents a similar examination of fringe cultures and unconventional beliefs in American society.

Drop City by T. C. Boyle The chronicle of a 1970s commune depicts the same exploration of alternative American spiritual movements that Kirn satirizes.

The Believers by Zoë Heller A family's involvement with a radical leftist movement presents similar themes of spiritual searching and disillusionment in contemporary America.

🔹 Walter Kirn worked as the literary editor for GQ magazine and has been a regular contributor to Time Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, and The Atlantic Monthly. 🔹 The fictional Aboriginal Fulfilled Apostles sect in the novel shares similarities with real American religious movements of the 19th century, particularly those that emerged during the Second Great Awakening. 🔹 The book's setting in Montana reflects Kirn's personal connection to the state, where he lived on a ranch and attended high school after moving from Minnesota. 🔹 The novel was published in 2005, during a period of increased national discourse about religious fundamentalism and American identity following the events of 9/11. 🔹 The ski resort setting was inspired by Kirn's experiences in Park City, Utah, where he witnessed the stark contrast between traditional Mormon culture and the wealthy tourist industry.