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“Goin’ Back to Californ-I-A” by Stephen M. Todd is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir that chronicles the journey of a young man, Steve Todd, on his mission to spread the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California from 1988 to 1990. This narrative offers a deeply personal and honest account of the challenges, successes, and spiritual growth experienced by a missionary in the field. Todd’s story begins with the excitement and anticipation of serving a mission, a calling he receives with a profound sense of duty and honor. However, the reality of missionary work quickly sets in as he encounters resistance, rejection, and the harsh realities of proselytizing in the diverse and often challenging landscape of Southern California. The author candidly shares the moments of heartache and disappointment that come with doors being slammed in his face, painting a realistic picture of the emotional toll such experiences can take on a young missionary. Despite these obstacles, Steve’s unwavering faith and determination shine through. His first successful baptism of Louis Martorella in Fontana in October 1988 is a pivotal moment in the book, marking a turning point in his mission and bolstering his resolve to continue his efforts. Todd’s narrative is replete with stories of perseverance, showcasing how his steadfast commitment to his faith and his love for the people he meets help him overcome the myriad challenges he faces. The memoir is not just a tale of missionary work; it is also a journey of personal growth and spiritual discovery. As Steve navigates the trials of his mission, he evolves both as a person and as a servant of his faith. His experiences in California shape him in profound ways, leaving him with a deeper understanding of his religion, a stronger sense of self, and an enriched perspective on life. Stephen M. Todd’s writing is engaging and accessible, drawing readers into his world with vivid descriptions and genuine emotion. “Goin’ Back to Californ-I-A” is more than just a memoir of a Mormon missionary; it is a story of human resilience, the power of faith, and the impact of service on both the giver and the receiver. In conclusion, “Goin’ Back to Californ-I-A” is a compelling and uplifting read that will resonate with readers, regardless of their religious beliefs. It offers a unique glimpse into the life of a missionary and serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the human spirit. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking a story of hope, perseverance, and spiritual growth.

- J. Main

Goin’ Back to CALIFORN-I-A Chronicle One-Hells Angels by Steve Todd is a heartfelt, spiritual journey taken by the author at the age of nineteen on his first Mission Trip with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints (LDS) to San Bernardino, California in the late 1980’s. Heartfelt is not nearly a strong enough word to describe the passion and the zeal the teenaged Mr. Todd brings to the job of finding and bringing recruits into the arms of the LDS Church. This Chronicle, the first of three that are planned for this memoir, was meticulously detailed by the author in his daily journal back in 1988 and as such rings true to the simpler times in which he wrote, ie. prior to the distractions of the internet and other electronic devices, his life is focused solely on his recruitment mission. The author’s goal is to share his daily experiences first hand in his first six months on a two year long mission trip which he describes very well by the accomplished writing in his daily journal. As we travel along on the mission with the author we encounter the many ups and downs of the journey and witness the author’s struggles and rewards for committing himself to this very difficult task after leaving his family and friends in Georgia. Whether it be potential recruits questioning his spirituality and the LDS religious foundation, or the tangles with his girlfriend left behind in Georgia, adapting to a new climate or squabbles with his LDS companions the author steadfastly holds onto his faith, love of family and mission throughout. I was intrigued as I read this book because it is a bird’s eye view into the life of a long religious mission trip versus the week long mission trips I had heard about my friends taking back in high school. Having never been on one and coming from a fairly unreligious background I generally had a dim view of religious groups of any denomination trying to convert people. However the youthful exuberance, earnestness and commitment to family and faith is awe inspiring. A recommended read for those interested in the Religion/Spirituality, Self-help or Positivity genres.

-C. Ellis