Book Brief (and, Mom, please write a review)
Monday, January 30, 2012 The shameless self-promotion that goes along with writing a book has been more challenging than I expected—and it's something I procrastinated actively engaging in for the first few months. Handing copies of to Mormons, with LOVE to my neighbors and LDS friends left me feeling anxious as I waited for their reactions to trickle in. Prior to the book's release, a few people heard that I'd written something about Mormon culture through the lens of a nonmember. "Is this like The Help?" one woman asked. No, but I wish it was as good as The Help. I was proud of how I handled the content so my reluctance to peddle my product wasn't rooted in false modesty, but the last thing I wanted was for my neighbors and friends to feel at all betrayed or like I'd been exploitative. I'm happy and you-have-no-idea-how-relieved to report that all is well. We don't have to move!
And it's time for me to hustle my book. Word-of-mouth marketing has been effective and sales have increased each month. The feature article I wrote for LDSLiving Magazine's November/December 2011 issue was well received and generated more interest in the book and my writing in general. A portion of the article is currently on their website. LDSLiving asked me to blog for their online readers as the Non-LDS Neighbor. I've submitted a few pieces and am waiting to hear from the editor.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for to Mormons, with LOVE from both members and nonmembers. I started the book three years ago so it's serendipitous that we have an LDS presidential candidate and The Book of Mormon Broadway Musical is doing so well.
Here are a few photos from the book launch in October.
Ta-Da!
Repeating in my head..."you're" is YOU ARE.
It was an exciting evening and I tried to look comfortable as I signed books for the first time. My brain recalled memories from high school yearbook signing parties, so that's what I did. Hey, Jenny! You look terrific. Love your purse. Thanks for taking a peek at my book. You're the best! Have a super great month and enjoy the read. Your friend 4-ever (even though we just met!), Chrisy Ross.
Book signings are humbling. I'm still amazed that someone wants me to sign a book. My own mother commented recently, "I can't believe you didn't sign the book you sent to your father and me." I said, "YOU'RE MY MOTHER. You really want me to sign your book?" She said, "I guess not."
This Saturday, February 4th, from 1:00-4:00 PM, I'll be at the South Towne Barnes & Noble store in Sandy for an Authorpalooza event. I'd love to sign a book for you like we sat beside each other in biology class, grossed out by the fetal pig dissection, and we're parting for summer break. I'd also be thrilled with a simple hello. Swing by if you're in the area.
AND, one final request.
If you've read to Mormons, with LOVE, thank you for reading. If you enjoyed the book and want to help me hustle, please take a few moments to write a review on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and/or DeseretBook.com. Reviews facilitate book sales. And if you think a friend or two might enjoy the read, please recommend the title (via Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, casual conversation, etc.,) or share your copy with someone. Books are happiest when circulated!
NOTE TO MOM: If you write a review for me on Amazon, I'll sign your book. Love, Chrisy
Book Stuff, Mother, Writing tags: LDSLiving, Mormonism, book reviews, book signings, to Mormons with love 
Reader Comments (12)
My review of this post: I love Chrisy Ross. LOVE her. And I've never sat beside her in biology or English or trig. I've never even met her. I'd never be able to keep up with walking, let alone running. And three of her would fit into a pair of my jeans. Despite this, I still love her, because she is an insightful and funny writer and a good person and wears comfortable shoes. I've also happily read and reviewed and pimped her book--YOU SHOULD TOO.
Thank you, V! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your reviews, pimpage and shared adoration of comfortable shoes. I need to pimp YOU. (Veronica makes the most beautiful handmade cards. I recently ordered some and I'm having a difficult time sending them to a *worthy* friend. Check her out! V-Grrrl's Handmade Cards )
so darn exciting! looking forward to reading and reviewing your book!
Go Chrisy! I'm *so* excited for you! And whistle away, my friend! xo
SO embarrassed that I haven't read your book yet. I'm buying it now!
Of course I know I'll love it - I think I've been reading your blog longer than you've been writing/selling the book!
Logging onto Goodreads now with a five star rating!
How great that your book is getting great reviews!
Is it available for Europe on the Kindle?
Great book, Chrisy! We moved to Draper, UT from Ft Collins, CO 9 months ago and I chuckled through the whole book. I can relate!! Thank you, my copy of your book will be in my guest room for all our family and friends to enjoy!
Thank you, Anna, Galit, Kate, and Tristan! You girls need pom-poms and cute skirts. I see you all as loving cheerleaders. XO
Lady Fi, you should be able to purchase the Kindle version in Europe. If you have trouble let me know, but things should be in place.
And Marianne, many thanks! Ft. Collins is a beautiful town. I've often thought we would enjoy living there. I appreciate your comment! :)
I recently read online in LDS Living an excerpt from your book that deals with LDS shunning non-members. We are life-time members and have lived in Idaho, Texas, Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia (there for 18 1/2 years). We retired to Utah.
I have had all sorts of experiences with non-members and members in all these locations. Depending on the location, relationships vary greatly. In Saudi Arabia where we had a multitude of friends of various nationalities and religions, we became like family. While we were close to our LDS members there, we were a small community who associated in many aspects of our lives.
When we retired and chose to move to Utah, I experienced many of the same things that some non-members do in this state. These are my observations:
1) Because Mormonism is (much like Islam) a daily way of life, rather than a Sunday-go-to-meeting religion, members are involved in responsibilities all week - Young Men and Young Women activities, Primary activity days, service projects, temple work, scouting, genealogy, etc. Their daily lives are intertwined with religious responsibilities and expectations. This naturally builds relationships within the church.
2) Many have long-term relationships with church associates and, although people were kind to us at church, their time is limited by those things listed in point 1, so they are slow to bring in new people to their lives.
3) My experience is that many Utah Mormons are slow to leave the state and thus have many extended family members that take up much of their time, thus even limiting their circle of friends outside their own families. We had one unmarried daughter in the state when we moved here, but since then we now have two other children who have moved to Utah, along with their spouses and children. Now there are 18 relatives and much of our socializing involves them and their family activities.
4) I have had to work hard to establish friendships here, even though I am a member. It isn't that people dislike me - -they are just overextended with church activities, extended family, and employment. I think these things affect their association with non-members also. I also think that people who have not lived in areas where they are definitely the minority religion do not seek friendships that branch out from church associations. That is truly their loss, because I have grown to love many people of other races and religions.
There are people on both sides of this issue who have preconcieved notions about each other that color their attempts, or lack thereof, to associate. What a pity! If you look for a person that is your stereotype of a Mormon or non-Mormon, you can find one. The challenge in living together more congenially is to get rid of the stereotypes. And that is a real challenge.
Thank you for your insights in your book. It is good for both Mormons and those who aren't to take a look at themselves and make some changes which help us be more united , no matter what our differences are.
Chrisy,
I just purchased your book tonight at an SLC B&N. Your book signing poster was hanging in the window, which prompted me to give it a go. I am loving every second of it. My fiance and I just moved to slc from Ohio, and i feel like it was totally meant to be to pass that poster. Just wondering if there is a schedule available for your signings? I can't make the one in sugarhouse and was hoping to find you somewhere else. Thank you for sharing your experience. :)
I just ordered your book from Amazon and can not wait until it gets here. My husband, daughter and I moved to Southern Utah a year and half ago from Southern California. I have yet to make any friends here. I have taken a couple classes in hopes to making some friendships but that just has not happened. I have come to terms with it and frankly I'm fine with it I have a wonderful husband. However, I do feel for my 23 year old daughter no friends and no future in Utah. She is looking at moving back to CA I don't blame her.