Salvation: A Judge’s Memoir of a Mormon Childhood

Protection from harm:
This is the original Greek definition of salvation, and it’s an innate human need that begins at birth.

Protection can come in many shapes and forms. Sometimes it is simple, but often it is complicated and confusing. Salvation, Judge Katharine English’s personal memoir, presents a road trip through her tumultuous past that traces the many faces of her journey to protect herself, and eventually others, from harm.

Mormonism provides exotic stories, gospels, and doctrines that come to life in English’s childhood imagination-but she confronts confusing contradictions that are difficult to reconcile. Her attentive and devoted father protects her from an abusive, alcoholic mother, but his love takes a devastating turn. As English grows up, salvation drifts farther and farther away from her reality-and rebellion creeps into her life to compensate.

Throughout this journey, English digs into her childhood, reveals her dark secrets, and uncovers the forces that have influenced who she’s become-a family court judge-and chronicles her journey toward finding peace.

A tribute to parenting challenges, religious complications, and forgiving the wrongs committed to us during childhood, this memoir is ultimately a testament to the true meaning of salvation.