My thoughts on Brandon Sanderson... have changed

[@NaritaZaraki]

The thing I find most interesting about Branden Sanderson, as you mentioned in your video, is his approach to writing religions. Faith, spirituality, religion, religious organization, etc. are all treated like the interconnected but very very distinct things that they are in real life. And how any or all of these distinct aspects intersect with social systems and power is explored in so many different ways throughout his works. It's great. Not to mention, without spoiling anything, this man has straight up given the fantasy world the most well written atheist characters. He really goes out of his way to bring a diversity of thought, approaches, development, and contradictions around religion in his works which makes for great storytelling, even if the themes themselves might not interest some. And like others have suggested, if you feel uncomfortable about buying his books knowing some small amount of it ends up in the Church, then libraries and second-hand bookstores are your friends. I would like it if people actually applied that principle more consistently and not just treated it as the Brandon Sanderson stick as though he is a unique case, but it remains good advice nonetheless.

[@tylersvedin3864]

I am a gay man who grew up Mormon. I even served a 2-year mission myself. I didn’t really want to, but felt like it was required of me to do so. Having left that all behind- some of Sanderson’s stories have actually been what has helped me do some of the most healing from my religious trauma. Sanderson has written some incredible characters who confront having their entire belief systems falling apart. One of his most recent books involves a character being raised in a religious environment and being manipulated and forced into doing what they wanted him to do. The character has to confront this and learn to think for themselves. I don’t know how Sanderson himself feels about the church at this point. But I know he has masterfully written about the pain of losing belief and he works to provide representation in his stories. I don’t love the church, but I’m deeply grateful for what I have felt from some of Sanderson’s stories.

[@ED-wired]

Thanks for your honesth

[@Tsuwave]

as an ex-mormon, I think Brandon Sanderson seems like a good person individually, but I can never make myself ignore all of the terrible things Mormonism did and currently does. I still read his books and enjoy them, but I don’t think my views on his religion will change because of that. edit: also the fact that he served a mission isn’t too shocking, you’re borderline brainwashed into thinking you have to serve a mission the minute you graduate High School. There are children’s hymns that we sang in church about how much we wanted to serve missions, and not serving one (or doing anything that isn’t in-line with the church) will get you in a lot of trouble, not necessarily with the church itself but the community in general and your lds family.

[@samuelleask1132]

That’s a good perspective

[@orian57]

The “discriminating against religious belief is just as bigoted” is still something I think is wrong. There’s still very good reasons to be not immediately trustful of organised religion or its subscribers. it’s not bigoted to avoid people who fly the flag of ideas that do great harm. Being black or being Mormon are not the same type of thing and the prejudices against each group are not equal in weight. However. Being black or being Mormon doesn’t dictate your whole person either. I’m only one book into Sanderson and granted haven’t seen him do a talk or anything but I suspect I’d have more in common with what I want for the world with him over, Kemi Badenoch for example.

[@imalittletoxicjustalittle]

you changed the definition bigotry is the complete refusal of opinions/views so yes its still objectively bigotry to distrust them purely based on that, stop changing definitions to fit your agenda

[@KatzePiano]

I've been learning a lot about the LDS church recently, particularly via the Ex Mormon KZbinr Alyssa Grenfell. I highly recommend her videos to get an idea of how the church works, and also how it manipulates its members; her videos talking about her own mission ('I Regret My Mormon Mission') and going to the temple for the first time ('The Day I Realised I Was in a Cult') are particularly illuminating. Interestingly, she recently made a video all about the fact that several prominent fantasy authors are Mormon and she talked partly about Brandon Sanderson ('The Bizarre Reason So Many Fantasy Authors Are Mormon'). It was very interesting hearing about him from the perspective of someone who's been in that world. From memory, she talks about him being a very active member of the church, but also about him speaking out against the church's homophobia. I've still never read any of his books, though I'm definitely interested in doing so, but the one point she brought up that makes me hesitant to financially support him is the fact that, as an active member of the church, he will be paying tithing. Essentially, to be a member in good standing you have to give 10% of your income to the Mormon church, and I would feel a little uncomfortable knowing that 10% of my book sale would be going directly into the coffers of a misogynistic, queerphobic and overall extremely controlling organisation.

[@Kringlebert]

I find it... interesting that your friend said judging someone on their religious beliefs -- a system they are choosing to participate in, choosing to believe in, especially for a person of Sanderson's age and ability to educate themselves and leave, if they thought it was appropriate -- is equivalent to judging someone on aspects of themselves over which they have no control. Religious belief, at some point, once a person is mature enough to think for themselves on the topic, becomes a choice. You are judging that person on their actions. If you're judging Mormon children for being Mormon, sure. That's different. They aren't in a position to challenge that authority and indoctrination. Sanderson is. And he isn't. In fact, he enables it by continuing to financially support it and work at their institutions. He may present himself as a kind, caring, charitable person who wants to encourage the next generation of creative writers, and that may all be true, but he is also directly contributing to a massively destructive and controlling cult-like religious organization that has done and will continue to do harmful things to its adherents and the populations of the countries in which it manages to take any sort of solid root. You can judge someone for that. All that being said, if you want to read his work, go for it. That is your prerogative. I would just suggest second-hand or libraries as your source if you have issue with the teaching and actions of the LDS church to avoid indirectly contributing to it.

[@localabsurdist6661]

The friend doesn’t know about the paradox of tolerance

[@Readatrix]

Truly. It echoes too much people arguing their vote shouldn't lose them friends because it has nothing to do with who they are as a person. Which is absurd.

[@noone9472]

I wholeheartedly agree with you on the first part, and I do think that as one of your reply expresses, it is not the same because of the paradox of tolerance he is an adult and can decide for his actions. At the same time, Sanderson did say that he does not believe that he can change the culture by leaving, meaning that he is trying to be part of a liberal side of his community, which can be a good thing.

[@Kringlebert]

@@noone9472 I didn't say this at the time, but I *mostly* meant to use Sanderson as an example as to why I thought Willow's friend's comment was ridiculous. Mostly. Not entirely. 😅 But as for the second part of your comment and Sanderson's thought that he could do more good from within the Church than without -- I don't know if I agree. For two reasons. While it is true that a lot of the change would likely happen because adherents would need to change their minds, the Church itself is, I think, more susceptible to vocal dissension. And I don't expect to see that from someone who is otherwise such a strong adherent to its teachings and is comfortable with how the Church treats them (someone like Sanderson). Additionally, by remaining in the Church, and by participating at such a high and active level as he appears to be, he is almost guaranteed to be giving at least 10% of his considerable income to the Church. A church which still, in many many ways, oppresses and misinforms and is intolerant. And I don't know if providing so much additional monetary and spiritual support to an entity that already holds so much wealth and power and influence on the hope that he's able to maybe hopefully one day nudge a bunch of very conservative leaders in a very different direction is enough of an equivalent exchange for my personal taste.

[@AmanCreatesArt]

All of this!

[@banjowarrior365]

I think it's ridiculous to say that judging someone for their mormonism is "just as bigoted as anything a church might teach". Mormonism is a religion deeply rooted in ideas of settler colonialism, manifest destiny, white supremacy etc, and I think it's totally fine to be wary of someone for being a Mormon. I'm sure Brandon Sanderson is a fine guy individually, but by staying a member of the Mormon church he is implicitly endorsing their stances. Not to mention the amount of money he donates to the church directly from the sales of his books. There's a great ex Mormon KZbinr called Alyssa Grenfell who has a video on why there are so many Mormon fantasy authors, well worth a watch! In that video she makes some really good points about Sandersons mormonism, and how he supports the church because it hasn't hurt him, while ignoring the real harm it does to others.

[@quinncrook6058]

Her video and talking with my partner is what made me start to feel weird about Sanderson as someone who likes his writing.

[@banjowarrior365]

@@quinncrook6058 I don't have an issue with people liking his writing, I'm sure he's a great author! He wouldn't be this popular if he wasn't. I just don't ever want to support him financially knowing where the money goes.

[@Michelle777-l2w]

Ok then, Judgey Judgerson.

[@jjbeersydney]

Alyssa is awesome! Best insights on Mormonism ever! 😊 And yes, Mormonism is … definitely something 🤣 I do wonder how clearly intelligent people (like Brandon Sanderson) can be part of it.

[@banjowarrior365]

@@Michelle777-l2w I'll wear that badge proudly 😁

[@robirb_]

I appreciate your point of view and how you formed a nuanced opinion. However I do believe there comes a point where you draw a line between one individual's personal beliefs and the practical, political ripercussioni of the organisations he associates himself with. I have absolutely no doubt believing that Mistborn and Stormlight are masterpieces of fantasy writing. But by buying them I know that I would be giving my money to someone who, by virtue of being part of the LDS church, regularly donates to a cult founded on misogyny, white supremacy and queerphobia. I'm sure Sanderson does not share most of those values, but he still financially supports an organisation that does. I do not judge Sanderson's religious views and I'm sure that he is pretty progressive for a man of faith. But I'm not going to be giving my money to him either. Two things can be true.

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

If you don't want to buy his books, check out your local library.

[@angelaholmes8888]

​@@parkerbrown-nesbit1747 That's what I do I get books from the library

[@MaraWolfe420]

I had a friend send me downloaded books of his simply because we refuse to actively support him; they're likely novels that I will read and not broadcast to any socials that I am reading either. I want to enjoy what he's written for the first time but I also...kinda can't make peace with the money he'd be donating to such a horrific institution

[@angelaholmes8888]

I request books from the library that's how I have read his books

[@morticiaaddams4389]

Interesting. Hot take: to avoid indirectly supporting the LDS i'd go looking for his books in the ✨library✨ (or buy them 2nd hand, damage done)

[@BritneyT.]

Yes!

[@easytargetYT]

Or better still find something better to read which is not very hard. Here, I'll make a suggestion, read literally anything written by Gene Wolfe. My suggestion would be The Book of the New Sun.

[@billyalarie929]

@@easytargetYTI mean at the end of the day this is the solution Nice guy, well spoken, seems kind as hell- Not a very good writer lol sorry

[@midnightalleypodcast]

Interesting, one of the main reasons I support him so much is because of the massive change he supports in a community that has has such a negative impact on it's followers and adjacent cultures at large. He's a shining light in that community and offers a massive cultural revolution that has been absent to this point for Christian/+ cis white males. I'm not saying that will change your views, or that it should but He's making a much larger impact on diversity and inclusion than anyone one else in that world. Sometimes the biggest changes can only happen from inside.

[@midnightalleypodcast]

@billyalarie929 Agreed, he's not the greatest "writer", but he's the best storyteller of his generation. He's not the flashy, 5-star Michelin-rated spot with the trendy chef of the moment or the blue blood old money sophisticated high dollar country club. Instead, he's like that beloved mom-and-pop restaurant that's always packed and everyone in the city loves. Great music, consistently amazing food at a fair price, and an excellent drink selection...though without the pretentious flair.

[@jessayaki9496]

I am not willing to give my money to an artist who then gives a % of that money to a harmful organization. That's my own choice to make. What other people choose to read and how they spend their money is up to them. Like you said in your video about Neil Gaiman, choosing how and when to separate art from artist is an individual choice and not for me to make for anyone else. Alyssa Grenfell's content here on KZbin is great, like another comment mentioned. If you're going to get information from someone still inside the church, (and in my opinion still complicit with their views) I think it's responsible to get information from someone who was there and chose to leave because of the inherent harm, too.

[@amysedai]

I learned who Sanderson was way back when he was tapped to finish the Wheel of Time series. I followed his progress bars through the re-reads and through the completion of each book. Back then I had no idea he was LDS, and I didn’t care. All these years later, I have read the Mistborn series and I’ve just started book 3 of Stormlight Archive. I can’t judge his personal life, frankly I don’t know him as a person. But these books make me feel something wonderful. I highly recommend Tress of the Emerald Sea.

[@bobbykeniston7240]

I have a great friend who is LDS. She is always kind to me personally. She even convinced me to go to her church once, and it was an interesting experience, and everyone there was very nice. But behind the smiles was always that sales pitch, though they would deny such a thing, "No, we respect everyone's beliefs, really". The thing about this friend of mine--- her being a staunch Trumper strained our relationship when I saw different sides to her, and she spouts the same nonsense other LDS members I have known do--- "We love gay people, we do, we love and accept them, and welcome them--- so long as they don't act on their sinful desires that we admit they can't control! As long as they're celibate, they're welcome... oh, and sorry about all the Aversion Therapy at BYU in the 1970s, and all the 'Reparative Therapy' we practiced until 2000 to get the gay out of you!" I can't support Sanderson in the same way I can't support Rowling. He gives money, 10% of his considerable earnings, to his church. A church that literally cut the mic of a lesbian teenager giving testimony. I don't think it's bigoted to withhold support from someone who helps fund an organization that actively recruits members to restrict a woman's bodily autonomy--- just ask one of their elders about the church and Roe v. Wade--- and indoctrinates their children that they are preaching love while still being exclusionary. Join us--- but only if you're like us. I stopped reading and respecting Rowling not because of her personal beliefs--- but because she used her platform to spread lies and bigotry, and because she uses her money to support anti-trans causes and businesses. Can't do it. I'm sure Sanderson is probably a nice guy--- many of the LDS folks I have met are very nice... until you get them talking about certain topics. But his money talks, and that's too much for me.

[@niccc9476]

my main issue (and the reason why I don't buy/read his books) is that part of the money he makes from book sales goes to the LDS. he might not hold certain bigoted views (anymore) but the church certainly does, so I think it's a fair point to criticise. EDIT: okay I've been thinking about this a lot lol. highly recommend watching Alyssa Grenfell's video about Mormon authors (and read the comments), and generally look into what ex-Mormons have to say.

[@eliotopian]

this

[@markototev]

It's your choice to do so, but I find this "principle" silly. Apply it to most things in life and you'll have to live in the woods by yourself. There are far worse things to boycott instead of authors based on their personal beliefs. But to each their own.

[@niccc9476]

@markototev can you point out where I said "boycott Sanderson"? highly suggest you look into what the Mormon church has done and is still doing to its members, its stance on social issues, and its influence on politics. hope this helps.

[@markototev]

@@niccc9476 I only referenced that you are in a way boycotting him and that's your choice. Merely pointing out that the reasoning is rather selective and shaky. As for the church, I don't care about it one way or the other.

[@gamewrit0058]

Sorry, Willow, i have to stop at 7:35. Even if someone is "nice" to my face, if they intentionally fund and support seriously harmful and powerful organizations, I walk away. Eight years later, a former friend of my queer sibling still doesn't understand - even after my sibling explicitly and simply explained it to her - why her continued support and stanning of Trump ended their years-long friendship. "You shouldn't end a friendship over something as silly as politics," she says. But it's literal life and death for us. Edit for clarity: I'll still be here for your videos on other subjects. ✌️💖

[@imalittletoxicjustalittle]

its not "life and death" your just being dramatic, if you will end a friendship of years over politics you need therapy not a internet connection iv seen true horrors stop with the sheltered nonsense

[@thardrauk]

Many of the comments I see here explain that there is a difference between discriminating against someone belonging to an organization that is hostile to others and discriminating against being born a certain way. I agree. And I don't understand how difficult that second sort of discrimination is, having never experienced it, so I do not wish to diminish anyone's experience. I would say, though, that there is a difference between someone who actively works against trans rights, like J.K. Rowling, and someone who believes this instead: "And would it really be better if I left? I suspect many reading this would want for the church to change, and become more LGBTQ+ friendly. That will not happen if the people inside of it, who are faithful, do not change. I believe in the power of change, and the power of people to become better. It is the foundation of my writing, and without that ability to change, the world becomes a much darker, more sorrowful place." I left the Mormon faith. It is more difficult to leave a cult than to leave a church. I can appreciate the struggle that Brandon has to go through to reconcile his upbringing and faith with his beliefs about discrimination. Were I Brandon, I would leave (I did). However, I am not going to judge his choice. I believe he is trying, in his own way, to make the world better for those who are oppressed.

[@trebaneconapise7793]

Agreed. (european agnostic here) If you've come across the Cinema Therapy channel, I've been following them for years, they mentioned being Mormons once or twice just off-hand and (when you turn a blind eye to the BetterHelp sponsorships) proved again and again how wonderful people they are and that the channel is a safe space for marginalized people. They recently did an episode on Heretic with the film's directors, talking about their own faith, faith in general, not at all promoting the church, and still there were some people who noped out of the channel just because of their faith when I'm so glad there is positive representation of religious people I can point at. I absolutely understand the choice to leave, I'm glad I wasn't raised religious, but if everyone with the potential to make changes for the good leaves or is even forced to, we're left with a self-radicalizing group that can be weaponized.

[@aida.isreading]

i agree with what most of the comments are saying, and i wanted to add that sanderson also supports israhell and has said very controversial things about “the conflict” (lmao). i was a big fan of his and i’d read almost all his books before i found out. as a queer, pro-palestine person, i don’t feel comfortable supporting his work (knowing what “inspired” stormlight) financially, nor engaging with it at all

[@randomperson-l2k]

ooh, I've always thought your dismissal of sanderson was because he writes books that are (i think/thought) not the type of fantasy you enjoy. coincidentally, yesterday he wrote a blog about having gay main characters and being an LGBT ally even though it goes against his church, which i found interesting (somewhat spoiler-y, though)

[@moshecallen]

I'm a Jew. A traditional Jewish value is to abhor missionizing. At uni, I formed a local friend group around an IRC chat group. Most of us in the group were in fact Jews you at the time did little or nothing religiously. One of our friends in the group was younger than the rest of us and was a Mormon. As part of their rite of adulthood, Mormons go off on missions. They have a big celebration because they go, and this friend invited all of us. We struggled what to do because as we all agreed missionizing is morally reprehensible. We ended up going but first talking to our friend aside. We told him that we'd come because for him this was a life-event but that we could not support what he was doing and hp[ed he'd hear our perspective. I doubt he did, and I still question if we were right to go. I don't question that we all accepted him as a friend and treated him as just a fellow human being.

[@rachelny5209]

As someone who was raised in and left the Mormon church, I think you're being too charitable. Judging someone for their religion is not bigoted - it's judging someone on their actions and beliefs. It's more like judging a Republican. Not all Mormons behave the same way, but this is someone who works at BYU. Maybe he thinks he can improve the system from within. But I've read Warbreaker and can totally see the religious influences. And the idea of the 'cosmere' with all the different gods and religions is the most Mormons shit I've ever heard. Not that it's bad, but it's Mormon AF.

[@megankohn2839]

While I absolutely understand your point about not judging a person by one facet of their personality, I personally can not find it in myself to read any of Sanderson's works because he is a member of the LDS. My father was a member and I know from first hand experience how manipulative that church can be. I also know their official stance on many issues that are make or break for me and they are pretty universally break. While Sanderson may not explicitly share these views, he is a public facing figure with a huge fan base; And to the public and that fan base, he is a Mormon. Which may make some of that fan base curious and may contribute to extending the reach of the LDS. Additionally, a large part of the LDS (and many other religions), is tithing. And I absolutely refuse to knowingly allow any of my money to go to the LDS. That said, I am happy for you and that you are excited about this new world you get to explore. I wish I got to feel the same way but I can't.

[@StayCalmxd]

I dislike the LDS church, but I judge the people as individuals. I love Sanderson.

[@thaliad6759]

Sanderson uses LDS motifs and teachings in his books. There are articles and interviews w him talking about this. That said, most of us unfamiliar w these beliefs (like humans can become gods), would not pick up on the LDS influence in his books. If he's a good writer and someone enjoys his books, why not read them as fantasy. The LDS and Catholic (and others) churches have horrendous histories of mysogyny, corruption and maltreatment of those in other religions or cutures, but many who practice the religions are very good people who are unaware of it's past misdeeds and even current political under currents. Sort of similar. I live in the US and grapple with accepting anyone who supports our soon to be President.Yet many of my neighbors/relatives who I know to be good caring people voted for him. It's shocking and scary to me that they support something I find so dangerous and abhorrent, but I will not cut them from my life because they are good(even if misguided:) people. It's complicated😔

[@1book1review]

I avoided his books for a long time because I had a wrong preconception of his writing as well and am so surprised how much I ended up liking his books. I'm currently making my way through the Cosmere hoping to finish this year with all of the Stormlight Archive ahead of me.

[@IIxIxIv]

I like Sandersons writing (his endings are so good), his lectures are great and he seems like a great person. I've read many of his books. If it was just that he was Mormon, that fact alone wouldn't bother me. I know a lot of good christians, muslims, hindus etc and just because someone comes from a religious background, and all the patriarchy etc that comes from that, doesn't make them a bad person. How youre born is for 95% of people the religion they end up, yes some people stop believing but we shouldn't blame the vast majority of people for not doing so. However he donates 10% of his income to the mormon church and that money directly goes to keeping up the patriarchial system. To keeping missionaries going. Idk I'm supporting him by occasionally buying his books, no ethical consumption under capitalism and I really hope he is a force for good in the church. But that 10% going to the church is why I'll never give him anything more than the 10-20 bucks for a paperback.

[@amyroze]

Willow, your channel has grown (for me) from something I found interesting, to something I can respect and support. Thank you for making this insightful video and I am so excited to see these new changes unfold in your channel ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@StrangeQuack]

But, the question is: does his booksale money go to the church? I mean, would you buy a Harry Potter spin-off by another author where JKR gets a share? Or a member of a right wing organisation that donates money to them from their book sales? In my opinion you can be a good writer and still support hateful people. And I choose not to give a cent to anyone that gives it to a hateful cause. There are so many, wonderful poc, queer etc authors, I can skip those that support things that go against my belief that everyone should be free, have all human rights and not be discriminated.

[@kiczcock]

He donates 10% to the LDS.

[@Tsuwave]

according to the church you can only go to heaven if you donate 10% of your income to it

[@Rumkeez]

Great! I guess it's fine that Brando Sando gives 10% of his significant income to a Church that promotes conversion therapy and majorly supported Prop 8 (which means through his church he financially supported it too)! It's fine that his church used to preach that black people were cursed by God! It's fine cuz he's such a nice guy and he's gonna put some token gay characters into his books! genuinely though i'll echo what others have said about getting his books from the library so you're not giving money to LDS. i do think people are too quick to give him a free pass just because he's not spewing bigoted sh!t like orson scott card. Sanderson is succeeding in having his cake and eating it too. He enjoys all the connections and support from LDS while distancing himself from unsavoury aspects of the church. as a Muslim there are many aspects of my religion that i don't agree with. but no Muslim is required to tithe 10% of their income to a racist organization that actively harms queer people. and that is my main problem with Sanderson and his defenders.

[@oliverlockhart807]

I strongly recommend reading Warbreaker before moving to the Stormlight Archive. It will make things make much more sense and you’ll get two amazing and complex female characters from it!

[@sayyidahthewriter]

I first discovered Sanderson on his podcast. After listening to the podcast for over two years, I was finally curious enough to read the Mistborn trilogy. I’m glad I did!

[@ms.annaong]

Definitely, Warbreaker! I am on my 3rd book in the Mistborn Trilogy. And have Tres of the Emerald Sea and Yumi and the Nightmare Painter on my TBR. I read the emperor’s soul but did not enjoy it as much as I would have thought… happy reading!

[@ValeVin]

I remember reading the first Mistborn book and feeling icky that the 36 year old man kept telling the 16 year old girl that she'd be pretty if she smiled more. Then hitting book two, with that 16 year old girl screaming at someone that they'd never be a real woman because they weren't born one. Then book three, where you'd hear about all of the great male heroes, and then the most powerful of them was always reduced down to "but she was a wife first" or "and it was more impressive because she was just a wife," and felt super icky by that, too. I think what makes Sanderson sort of work is that he's fairly open about his attempts to grow as an empathetic human being. If you look at his BYU lecture on the mistakes well-meaning cishet men make when writing women... when you look at the phases they go through... they map pretty much 1:1 onto Elantris and then Mistborn. So since every person who's ever wanted to write fantasy starts by watching his lectures, it's easy to extend him a certain amount of grace because we've seen him as he is now, and he's literally taught us that what he's doing with in these books is something he considers wrong and misogynistic (though not deliberately so). He's also a likeable guy, right? When he's asked about the fact that gay people fare better in his books than in his church, he talks about how you can elicit change either from the outside by changing or the inside by staying and trying to fix things. Publishing Rodeo's Chuck Tingle interview has the main host talking about how she's always thought the nice guy thing was an act, since his royalty money was tithed into the same church that hates LGBTQIA+ people (and a lot of other groups, too). Chuck Tingle, though, said that wherever he goes on tour, he'll always ask if other famous authors are "a good hang" with the convention staff and fans and people who know them as a way to see if someone is actually that nice. And for Sanderson, I guess everyone told Tingle that he is a good dude. I think we're all kinda in the place where if you're a woman (Mistborn), if you're trans (Mistborn 2), if you've been hurt by religion, if you've gone through a lot of things, if you have any empathy for any of the people mentioned above... nobody should make you feel like you need to read Brandon Sanderson. It's that simple. But on an individual level, he seems like a well-meaning dude determined to do better about empathy with each new book, so I don't begrudge anyone that makes the choice to read him. I was reading my friends' favorite books one year, and that's how I ended up at Mistborn. And I absolutely get why his storytelling makes him the top fantasy author of all time. I get the appeal. But I'd also be lying if I said I didn't feel very slimy by adult men telling little girls they'd be attractive if they smiled more, or screaming violently at who gets to be a "real woman."

[@soniaalmeidadias5794]

Me, that had avoided Brandon Sanderson for much the same reasons, now writing Mistborn on my TBR. Thank you, I am always willing to change my mind.

[@Echo11_]

I'm currently reading the 3rd book of the Mistborn trilogy. I've also read Tress of the Emerald Sea and The Emperor's Soul, both by Brandon Sanderson. I'm planning to read The Stormlight Archive after Mistborn, while also reading standalone books such as Warbreaker or Elantris.

[@echobot316]

I was a bit put off too when I discovered that he was Mormon but by that point I had already read "The Emperor's Soul", "Elantris" and was in the middle of Mistborn and was hooked. Now that I have completed the first two era's of Mistborn, I think that his Mormonism actually helps him to write a very interesting and unique fantasy world. The Cosmere has a history of humans being able to become Gods and rule over planets and people (a very Mormon theme) and I do not know if it could be written so compellingly by someone who wasn't ingrained in Mormonism. The result is a very high stake story where the human struggle against injustice has no limits and has been a very fun time as a reader. I am almost ready for Stormlight and I look forward to seeing how the rest of the Cosmere unfolds.

[@mastelsa]

The thing I appreciate most about Sanderson is that he makes conscious efforts to portray people with vastly different views and life experiences than him, and that to do this he talks very openly about (and credits) sensitivity readers. He's talked before about how he knows he's going to make mistakes when he writes those out-group characters, but his response to making those mistakes and facing criticism has not been to stop writing those types of characters. Instead, his response has been to put in the work to understand where he went wrong and do better the next time, primarily by consulting other people with a better understanding of the ability/race/class/gender/whatever other trait he's writing about and then crediting them for their work. It's very admirable, and the fact that he, as probably the most influential fantasy author currently writing, openly advocates for other authors to use this approach and formally teaches it to aspiring novelists constitutes, I think, significant and genuine allyship.

[@AcesPrune]

Not to mention that Sanderson is currently facing backlash for his support and inclusion of LGBTQ+ To the point where he is being attacked and shunned by his own faith, as well as the people of his church. He, regardless, has remained steadfast and refused to change his stance; one, that strictly goes against his church and fellow faith - Here is a quote from him: "I am a practicing and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As part of that, I support the leaders of the church, accept them as my spiritual advisors, and believe they are led by God. That said, on the position of gay rights, I find my own beliefs more liberal than the general tenor of the church... ...My current stance is one of unequivocable support for LGBTQ+ rights. I support gay marriage. I support trans rights, the rights of non-binary people, and I support the rights of trans people to affirm their own identity with love and support. I support anti-discrimination legislation, and have voted consistently along these lines for the last fifteen years."

[@barrysmith3408]

Just a point of fact, Elantris was Sanderson’s first book.

[@Rennar3210]

I think this is generally a good video, but I wouldn't go as far to say that disliking somebody's religious beliefs or somebody for those beliefs is "just as bad as" homophobia, racism, transphobia, etc. It's the tolerance paradox. When those ideas (assorted phobias and bigotries) are core to the religion or ideology, it is perfectly find to dislike it. It *does* actually affect other peoples' lifes negatively. Sanderson by all accounts seems to be a wonderful person, but it's absolutely fair to be cautious and to not want to support somebody who tithes and supports and organization that pushes many of those bad ideas.

[@max4pne]

I don’t think equating judging Sanderson for his religion to be the same as the LDS’s bigotry to be equivalent. You’re right to say Sanderson is more than just his church, he does seem a decent guy and from what you’ve described of his work to be more anti-colonialist than I expected is great. You’re utterly right not to judge him on his religion alone. However, he’s still comfortable being a member of and sending money to an institution that has DEEP real-world problems and influence on people’s lives. That isn’t say either you shouldn’t read his work or not buy it. I’m not fully sure where I stand on that myself. While there’s definitely way more to him than his faith, he still at the end of the day is supporting a deeply problematic (to put it lightly) institution. I’m likely rambling here, but you essentially shouldn’t be too hard on yourself for your old perspective on him. Edit: fan fact, I grew up in Chorley, which has the largest Mormon Temple in the UK, but the cowards at the Church call it the Preston Temple, Preston is about 10 miles away from the temple itself. My home town isn’t good enough for them it seems 😂

[@analiese8596]

Is it also bigoted to judge a Republican based on their beliefs? I find the suggestion that you can be bigoted toward someone's religious affiliation which similar to politics, is a system of values and beliefs (which can be harmful), is absurd to me.

[@IIxIxIv]

For most people, like the vast vast majority, religion is determined by how you're born. Almost all people have the religion of their parents, it's not that at a certain age they choose to be Muslim or Mormon or atheist from an option menu. The statistics are very clear in this. I hate most religions, I even hate how most people practice those religions. But I can't blame individuals for the circumstances of their birth.

[@analiese8596]

​@@IIxIxIvI think once people are adults they hold responsibility for their beliefs. I was a bigoted Christian at one point. Why? I was raised that way. I changed. It's really not some super special thing to believe harmful things for a spiritual or religious reason. It's still wrong

[@IIxIxIv]

​​@@analiese8596yeah but Sanderson is not bigoted, he had multiple (positive) LGBTQ+ characters, complex and nuanced female characters. A lot of his characters are not white. I know queerphobic atheists. Bigotry is wrong, but someone's religion doesn't make them bigoted. Judge someone for being a *bigoted* Christian, not for being a bigoted *Christian*.

[@giuf175]

@@IIxIxIv Religion is a choice

[@IIxIxIv]

​@@giuf175 techhnically, sure, but it's a choice in the same way that eating meat, being obese, addicted, maybe even poor (depending on where you live) is a choice. Yes, there's (often difficult) choices an individual can make to not be religious. But judging someone for not taking those steps is a very high standard that we often don't apply to other things or ourselves. That's why we statistically see that someone's religion is mostly based on their environment. Treating someone else with respect is easy, changing your entire worldview, possibly fighting your family and friends and giving up that community can be be very very difficult, even if it's the right thing to do ultimately.

[@josie8997]

"I've gotten back into fantasy and I felt like I couldn't avoid Brandon Sanderson" I'm sorry but I really feel like it boils down to this. And to each their own, if you want to read Sanderson, read Sanderson, but I feel it's a bit disingenuious to justify yourself like this. If it's wrong to support Liu Cixin bc his problematic views and it's wrong to support J.K. Rowling, it can't be right to support Sanderson who, as many other comments point out, contributes massively to the LDS church. "Maybe the church isn't so bad" is one hell of a thing to say about an organisation that is so extremely homophobic and transphobic (as well as sexist and racist as you said) and whos entire M.O. is missionary work. Sanderson may be a good person. He may not be. He certainly knows just what to say to keep his readership of more liberal readers happy enough to buy and read his stuff and it's entirely possible that he believes what he says. But that doesn't undo his monetary support of the church nor the way he, as a well known and well liked public figure, is noramlizing the practices of the LDS in ppls eyes (as evidenced by this video among others)

[@bobbykeniston7240]

Well said.

[@Marina-oq1th]

Didn't know about Liu Cixin and the search " Liu Cixin problematic" is only about the 3 bodies problem ahahhaha What happened?

[@josie8997]

@@Marina-oq1th I was specifically talking about Willows stance on him, she made a video on it, not too long ago I believe

[@Marina-oq1th]

@@josie8997 ohhh will check it thanks!!

[@rodsan12]

lol…

[@morbidgirl6808]

Everyone is on 2 extreme sides; condoning Brandon's beliefs and criticize his beliefs. But I have a question; "what Brandon truly believe in?" I'm honestly still shocked by the fact that he is a mormon because he always wrote positive representation of atheist characters. Even his latest book, Wind and Truth was criticized heavily by his conservative fans for including the storylines of "gay relationship." He even portrayed religious figures as antagonists. Especially he said that one of his villains is inspired by his experience with missionary in South Korea and that villain is literally an allegory of "anti-missionary." He has many characters who challenges religious institutions, who has sound arguments against religions and who has overthrown gods. He also doesn't shy away from the dangers of religious extremism. I'm really confused by Brandon Sanderson. Why he's too progressive in his writing? He admitted that he's more of liberal member of LDS. I don't know but you're reading mistborn trilogy. There will be a spoiler (i apologize) but Sazed's struggle with faith kinda felt like Brandon Sanderson was writing his own experience. So maybe Sazed is the closest thing to analyze Brandon's mind.

[@noone9472]

My only rec is to either start with Mistborn era 1, or stormlight archive. after that, any book is good to go

[@TheBRD0001]

Nooo!!!! Not my favorite booktuber going down the Sanderson black hole. I have read the first 3 stormlight archive books and my god… he is the single most mediocre writer for how much hype he gets. If I ever have to read how much of a sad boy kaladan is again, I will vomit. He is so hamfisted with his portrayal of mental health issues, to the point of un readability. And don’t even get me started on shallon. Every time he starts deep diving into a character, he ruins them. Breaking them down into the same exact person, shoving their flaws down your throat over and over again. I think dalinar is the only character I didn’t hate by the end of their “character arc”. I remember starting the 4th book and immediately closing it cause kAlAdAn is dEpReSsEd was basically the first line. I did pick it back up again after I had cooled off some months later but then ole Sanderson started a deep dive into navani, and I would not watch my last favorite character ruined by poor character development. There are so many incredible authors out there that I don’t see why anyone has to read someone who continues to support a misogynistic racist patriarchal institution while only offering the middest of stories. As someone who grew up in an evangelical Christian home, it is quite alright to judge an American by their faith. Especially one who still supports the church. If your religion is misogynistic and harmful, then so are you. Even if it is just because you are part of that institution. I completely disagree with whoever told you it’s exactly the same as being judged for being an atheist. Atheists dont have an organization that has and continues to do so much harm to the world and people in it. Anyways. Ending my rant now. I get heated when someone tries to justify how great Sanderson is when he is just… fine.

[@Majesticon]

6:46 no, I’m sorry but NO. This is a ridiculous take that drives me up the WALL

[@GiuseppeSole-i3t]

They say the stormlight archive is even better than mistborn.

[@sh_j3148]

Wow, as a Korean reader who recently finished Mistborn trilogy, I was so surprised and amused to know that Sanderson worked two years in this country as a missionary. Lol. It may assuage your concern a little that in Korea where so many aggressive missionaries from all kinds of religions are pestering innocent citizens on the streets, those pair of clean shaven mormon guys with crew cut in conservative suits are viewed as most harmless and somewhat goofy kind. 😂😂 In fact, the most toxic kind of religion right now is the ultra conservative christian church, imported from the southern part of the usa. They have political clout and are vehemently campaigning against any slightly liberal agenda including Lgbt movements. As for Sanderson, I found quite curious that religions played so huge part in mistborn. After knowing his mormonism, I was rather disillusioned and became guarded, for I am also an Atheist and not very interested in religion-imbued fictions as a rule. (Though there are some authors and fictions dealing with established religions and individuals faiths exquisitely, Graeme Greene, Hyperion, ets.) Anyhow, as I rather enjoyed Sandersons characters and plot in mistborn, I'd give a chance to the first book of Stromlight Archive.😅😅

[@chrisheapsenhouse7086]

I love the Mistborn series, and I *LOVE* The Stormlight Archive. You are in for a treat.

[@The13thMaker]

"Judging someone on their religious beliefs is just as bigoted as something the church might teach" WHAT???? Thats... not true.

[@AmanCreatesArt]

Yeah, that seemed like a false equivalency.

[@elisabethstones]

Willow, that comment by your friend is way off and shows terrible critical thinking. Judging someone for their religious beliefs - something they can change - is very different than judging someone for their skin colour, gender, or sexual orientation. I’m sure Sanderson is a nice guy, but he isn’t a loner on the fringes of Mormonism. His tithes (this is enforced by the church) support their organization, which does not only have a history of terrible things, but has a very active *present* involvement in oppressing LGBTQ+ folks and others both on a personal and political level. Sanderson isn’t my kind of fantasy, but my husband loves his work. We get them from the library or used.

[@andrewmazar4921]

I found out about this when I was already very deep into his works. It very nearly turned me off at the time but I personally haven't seen any direct evidence from what I've seen of him to think he significantly embodies any of the bad things I see in most organized religions (though it might exist, I just haven't seen it). I disagree with you on one point, though. I don't think judging someone based on their religion is remotely close to the same level as sexism/racism/etc. I'm not saying it's good to judge based on it right off the bat, but religion is a choice (one that you can be brainwashed into, but still a choice), and I think it makes sense to initially assume that someone who chooses to be part of such an organization would likely embody some of its ideas. That being said, always good to do some research and find out for yourself, when possible.

[@cwesley2005]

Your reviews are really insightful!

[@sharxboy]

"Brandon Sanderson is a feminist"? Mary Sue characters don't equal feminist leanings of the author. I encourage you to re evaluate the choices the main character had to make in Mistborn. She was 16 and had to choose between the bad boy or the author surrogate character as to whom she would "love". Smacked to me of "of course marriage to a man is the ultimate goal" (VERY LDS). Just 2 cents.

[@chrisowenssff4876]

I understand people who born were into a high-demand/high control groups, as I was born in member of the other group you mentioned. I had to fill out a timesheet detailing my proselytizing efforts every month. Not performing the monthly demands come a cost. Shy? Introverted? Tired? Severe social anxiety? There were no excuses. And of course, walking away from such a group comes at a cost--in the case of the high demand I was in, of losing everyone. Therefore I do give Brandson Sanderson a pass. Unlike the JWs, who've a firm top-down authoritarian leadership expelling and shunning those with the least bit of dissent, modern LDS have evolved to have progressive members. He hopes to change the problematic aspects from the inside. I'm not sure it's possible, but I wish him luck.

[@maraflint]

I loved all the Mistborn books and I've loved the 4 books of Starlight Archive that I've read so far. I didn't know anything about Brandon Sanderson as a person, but I agree that you can't judge someone for the religion that their parents indoctrinated them into. You have to remember that almost all religious people are indoctrinated as children (even though many of them get offended by this fact), and it can take a while for people to develop their own thoughts and opinions - if they ever do. It's not easy to realise that your parents are spending a lot of time with their imaginary friend. But... someone who uses their religion as an excuse to be crappy is just a crappy person, even if it is because their parents taught them to be a crappy person. But you still have to judge people as individuals, not religions as monoliths. And people who are alive now and aren't responsible for things that their religion did before they were born. Some Christians are lovely, kind people, and some are MAGA cultists. But even MAGA cultists can't be blamed for the Crusades or the Spanish Inquisition.

[@bran7536]

Sanderson's Skyward series has a lot of trans masculine resonance and some fun gender times. I also detest missionary work, but I don't judge Mormons for their missionary pasts. Whereas most missionaries of other religions make a conscious adult choice to work as missionaries, LDS requires people to do a mission quite young, often even before college. The Mormon missionaries I've talked to who were on missions were still basically kids far from home. I wouldn't judge someone that young for continuing to follow the religion they were raised in, and they were still kind and respectful.

[@aldakendall4921]

So generally I don't care what religion an author is. Some of the most well-known and praised sci-fi and fantasy authors are rather religious: Orson Scott Card: Endors' Game, J.R.R. Tolkien- The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, C.S.Lewis: Lion the witch and the wardrobe, L.Ron Hubbard, Stephanie Mayer: Twilight. Some of these are great writers, some are just some how people loved the books and they became run away hits. Some of them their religion is important and heavily influenced things in the books, other times they just happen to be that religion. So for me it is a thing i consider. I also have been on a low/no buy and have been getting my books from the library. I kept going round and round about Sanderson. I love him via his writing podcast with 4 to 6 other authors called "Writing Excuses" 15 min cause you don't have the time and should be Writing. All of them are different styles and genres of writing. One is romance, one comics. They have guests on different topics like weapons in books. (That was a cool episode at a conference) highly recommend.

[@Jillybeanzxo]

I’m a big Brando Sando fan. I watch his weekly podcast, have read all his books apart from the middle grade and can confirm he is a great storyteller and good person. Since following him I’ve seen him take in criticism from his audience and grow tremendously in being accepting of the LGBTQIA community. In a recorded Q&A a fan asked Sanderson if he could include more LGBTQIA representation, to which he responded Yes we’re doing our best (foreshadowing for what’s to come in upcoming books) I haven’t read Wind & Truth (#5 of Stormlight) I’ve heard there’s LGBTQIA rep so woohooo SCORE ONE FOR THE GAYS 🎉🎉🎉

[@alexpotanos6752]

I think your skepticism was justified. The LDS church has been a part of the religious right here in the US. I’m a big fan of Sanderson and I’ve have the same concerns. Very glad you’ve enjoyed Mistborn, he has some really lovely work. Finishing up the new stormlight book right now and it’s just beautiful in many parts.

[@sarahchristinaganzon8244]

I was the same with Brandon Sanderson. Apart from some of the reasons that you have (colonialism, sexism, etc), another reason why I avoided his work was because of my own relationship with religion--I grew up evangelical and was subjected to a lot of sexist and anti-lgbt practices in some circles I grew up in. Part of me avoiding work like Sanderson was me growing out of these religious circles that formed my childhood and teen years. But I realize I am way past my "growing out" and I am grown and set now in my position towards anti-racism and intersectional feminism. So I picked up Tress of the Emerald Sea, and found it funny and clever. In some ways, the writing in Tress read like a fun Terry Prachett novel. In the next few years, I do want to try to read Mistborn. But another good standalone is Tress of the Emerald Sea.

[@orkosubmarine]

Brandon does have a handful of solid books, but he has a bunch of mid ones as well. I still think Shadows for Silence In the Forests of Hell and Emperor's Soul are his strongest

[@philippawood5047]

I really love it when anyone has the maturity to learn more about something before passing judgement and to admit their opinion has changed (especially literature). I know you spoke about how much you are struggling with your mental health, but being able to keep your mind open and engage with new perspectives takes strength. Really hope you feel well again soon, Willow. 😘

[@magister343]

I first read Sanderson's continuation of the Wheel of Time a few years ago, and then the Wax and Wayne series (a sequel to the Mistborn series set centuries later) a few months ago. I was not impressed by those. He was an extremely repetitive writer who I feel needed to edit his work down by at least 25% of its length. I then read his "The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England." It was surprisingly good, perhaps because I came into it with lower expectations. Next I read the original Mistborn trilogy and found it far superior to the Wax and Wayne follow-ups. Then I read "Alcatraz Versus the Shattered Lens," which is quite bad. I am currently halfway through the second book of the Stormlight Archive, which seems better than Mistborn so far. I have not purchased any of these books, but checked them out from the local library. His better books had a wait list, which is why I read some out of order.

[@michaelfoley7577]

Technically, Elantris was his first novel, but Mistborn is a great start.

[@bcdavis1979]

Sanderson is a good person despite his membership in the LDS church. I'm not exactly sure how he squares their dogmas with his attitudes, but I'm thankful that he does. He has done a great job with queer representation and feminism in many of his books. There's definitely the fear that he'll end up like Orson Scott Card with the problematic viewpoints due to his faith, but so far he's not gone that route.

[@Androsynth75]

I completely respect your honesty here. Here’s the thing: The modern argument that ‘I can’t support person x because they believe y’ is fundamentally flawed, especially if you live in the western world. Have we all checked to see if every item of clothing we own was made ethically? Every item of food cruelty free, fair trade and non exploitative? That political party we’re a member of has never done anything unethical, like ever, right? And those religions have always been perfectly loving and never harmed anyone, yeah? Or for the athiests, they’ve never done anything bad right? Ultimately this stance makes anyone a hypocrite. Fact is, all groups are made of people and half of those people are gonna be shitty assholes. A Modern member of that group may be actively disagree or be working trying to improve it. Like, I’m not religious but there’s a church down the street whose wider organization has been historically homophobic that has a giant pride flag on the side of the building with a sign that says ‘all are welcome’. They’re lovely people. Life is messy. Judge people by their actual actions.

[@niccc9476]

with all due respect, the comparison here is flawed. clothes and food are essential, books are not. if an author monetarily supports an institution like the LDS, people are allowed not to support them, and also criticise them for that choice. when you know how the Mormon church has impacted US and global politics, it's difficult to argue that everyone should respect the active members of this church by giving them money.

[@Androsynth75]

@ I’m not at all arguing the Mormon church isn’t problematic. It is. I strongly oppose its belief system. Or saying you should support Sanderson. That’s your decision. I’m just saying you and I are both members of political parties that have done bad things. Same with religions, if you’re at all religious. Same with most jobs. Same with ma y products we buy, even non necessities. You play video games? Horribly abusive practices have come out about many developers. Don’t even get me started on Hollywood, guess we can’t watch movies either. See what I mean? I’m just saying we cannot do this sort of judgment without being hypocritical. It’s impossible. And that I’d rather judge people on their individual actions and who they are as a person. I find the black and white, social media thing where we just block people because they’re Catholic, or Mormon or whatever silly. I know plenty of great human beings who have opinions or beliefs I disagree with. As long as the individual isn’t actively homophobic or racist or whatever, I’m not going to get worked up over it.

[@niccc9476]

@@Androsynth75 It's not black-or-white though, and the comparison is still flawed. I can't control what the political parties that are in power in my country do (I'm neither from the US nor UK nor any Anglophone country), all I can do is educate myself and others and then vote for the least bad option. What I can control is who I give my money to, which companies I boycott, which authors I support. Only focusing on the individual is ignoring the systemic. 10% of the money Sanderson makes goes to the LDS, and with that knowledge I can make the informed choice not to support him. How is this black-or-white thinking? I didn't disparage his character or anything, I'm simply pointing out that supporting someone who donates to specific institutions has a larger impact than just putting money in THEIR pocket. Also I am Catholic so lol I'm very aware of what's going on (and what the Catholic church has done throughout history) and left the church a while ago. 90% of my family and friends are Catholic (not practising, just on paper, because in my country that's the largest Christian denomination) so yeah I understand. Catholicism and Mormonism can't really be compared either because one is SO much more cult-like, and it takes a lot of courage and cutting off loved ones to leave, whereas I just filled out a form saying I didn't want to be part of the church anymore. I still have the right to judge someone for their actions based on religious beliefs (which, again, had nothing to do with Sanderson, I never said anything about his character).

[@Androsynth75]

@ Yeah I’m not saying you don’t have the right to make decisions for yourself. We all do. That’s fine. I said that, in fact. I’m just pointing out that it’s not a black and white moral choice to buy a book from someone like Sanderson who happens to be Mormon. And Catholicism has done waaaaaaaay more damage than Mormonism has objectively speaking. They may be dissimilar but Catholicism is even more problematic if you want to look at its past history. I also know active Catholics who are aware of that fact and actively trying to change it because they believe in what it’s supposed to stand for. Or people like you who have left it because of what it has done. Both are reasonable choices. I’m not going to judge someone either way unless their own actions are bad. I’m just saying it’s not a black and white moral choice. There’s a lot of gray. Supporting someone like Sanderson (or not) is not a black and white moral choice. It’s a personal one.

[@niccc9476]

@@Androsynth75 I don't think my point is really getting through: this isn't about which religion is worse, or what individuals are doing. This is about supporting the institution of the Mormon church, which is currently very influential in US and global politics (on the right-wing side, in case that also was not clear). Personal choices are always political too. Supporting an institution like this is not morally neutral. If it is something that can be avoided (again, purchasing books is not a necessity, and there are many many fantasy authors who aren't part of this church) then the phrase "no ethical consumption under capitalism" doesn't apply. Highly encourage everyone to look up the stories of ex-mormons.

[@liul]

Hi, your videos are dubbed to me in french because i live in France, but I want to watch them in english and with your real voice. Plus the translation isn't good enough. I can't do anything about it, I think you could remove the feature though , as a creator. And, this is delicate, in some of your videos , the AI voice that dubs you is feminine and in other videos is masculine, maybe you are ok with it but I tell you in case you are not. Sorry to bother you, but I thought you'd appreciate some feedback .

[@Barbarabrubru]

Thank you so much ! Yes, you can do the topic some kind of justice (quoting ! 😉) !! Cheers!

[@solithecat]

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the entire first Mistborn trilogy!

[@joeyessoe]

You are positively adorable. Thank you for being so thoughtful and willing to change your mind! I have my reservations with Mormonism, but I agree with what you expressed about how we should judge a person/author based on their work and thoughts, not their affiliations. My faith is often judged harshly in my industry, and I wish more people are as thoughtful as you are 😊 Also, every firsthand account I have heard of Brandon is positive and that he is a genuinely kind person as well.

[@sLePpInG]

funny you're making this just when so many people are disappointed with him and his new book. I read mistborn and honestly don't think I can ever read more than 300 pages of him, much less a big series. His classes were great, as you said. I respect him as an author more than I like his books

[@WW7150girl]

I’m an active member of the LDS church, and this video almost brought me to tears. Thank you for taking the time to learn about us without condemning us for bigotry that the majority of us don’t subscribe to. I love your videos, and have been a fan for a while now. Thank you for your open-minded, kind approach. I’ve been the butt of jokes and scorn my entire life because of my beliefs. I was afraid this video would follow the same vein. You’re a lovely person.

[@tonyfabiano3053]

This video is a good life lesson in general. You should always judge the actual person who they show themselves to be.

[@lesliegraham8478]

Absolutely amazing video. Thank you❤

[@TimeTravelReads]

I grew up Mormon. Yes. Missions are harmful, but I wouldn't make that my main complaint against him. Kids are pressured into going on missions from the time they're little. He probably never knew he had a choice not to go. He probably never grew up with critiques about colonialism. He might understand those criticisms now, but he can't say them out loud without losing his job, his community, and his LDS fanbase. Another thing to keep in mind is that a lot of BYU professors don't agree with a lot of what the apostles say and do. There has long been a fight between intellectuals and the institution in Mormonism. Sometimes the more outspoken intellectuals get excommunicated, meaning they are considered anti-Mormon evil apostates. He probably walks the line between writing complexity and some of his own opinions into his books, while selling himself to the church's official policies. You can definitely criticize that. Many braver Mormon souls have walked away from their careers and families in similar circumstances.

[@Medi0cre]

@willow Talks Books I would read mistborn then warbreaker. Then you can do stormlight :)

[@myfirstnovel]

I always envy people who have not read Mistborn yet…❤

[@chesscomix6]

Willow would you say Brandon Sanderson is how you could coexist religious folks like me.

[@spreadbookjoy]

Thank you for being so open and honest about how you have changed your opinion on something, particularly as it seems to have opened up a wider debate in the comments that I’m sure you were not expecting. I think it demonstrates strength of character to admit you thought one way and changed your mind on something. Brandon Sanderson is a hit or miss author for me, but the hits - Way of Kings in particular - were big ones. Mistborn trilogy is a lot of fun, though I didn’t enjoy the next books in that series and have dnf’d some of his other books. The first two books in the Stormlight Archive are brilliant and that’s a series I will be continuing, though his recent release of book 5 has been dividing opinion. I look forward to your thoughts on them!

[@trebaneconapise7793]

(agnostic here who doesn't really care about people's church as long as they're not assholes and respectful of other people's faith) to everyone disagreeing on the grounds of sanderson supporting the church despite being a decent person, like. what about catholics? what about various american protestant churches? anglicans? (i mean, especially catholics.) most if not all religions (and cults!) that are followed today have at some point caused incredible harm and violated human rights. are you going to single mormonism out or is this your approach to every single person affiliated with a religious organization? like i really don't understand how someone is able to be a decent human being AND a financially supporting part of such an organization but it's not my place to judge as long as they're not harming others. maybe he still hasn't gotten rid of the hold the church has on him, who knows. if you don't want to financially support it, just don't *buy* the books. (it might just be me being central/east-european but i usually download ebooks from random sites online or get them at the library), it doesn't mean you can't still enjoy his work just because your values don't align with every single thing he does. (again, as long as he isn't actively harming someone, i personally can't enjoy jkr or gaiman anymore and they're not even religious)

[@AmanCreatesArt]

Maybe a spoiler warning before revealing who the writer of the journal entries was? Or just not even reveal it. It didn't seem like necessary information to get the point across that it was an interesting reveal.

[@Antosza]

He gives his money to that church. It would be a red flag for me, if I loved his book. But I find them bad anyway. Unreadable bad.

[@thehighground_]

The Orson Scott Card endorsement on his book Elantris initially put me off reading him because that guy has some wildly awful views and I just figured probably so does this Sandy guy. It does seem like I was wrong about Sanderson, he does seem like a genuinely nice guy whether that's just a public facing persona or not I cannot tell and I can only take what he presents as who he is. So I have enjoyed the hell out of his works. There's a lot and it's very fun. Mormons are certainly a lot and I won't lie my views on them were heavily tainted after reading Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven because holy shit. I really try to hope Sanderson isn't secretly that

[@AnaClaudiaBertiniCiencia]

Sorry, Willow, but Sanderson is still a NO to me, like Rowling. See you in another video!

[@brunoss28]

the irony is that he's being cancelled by a large part of his fans because he started to add lgbt characters in his books

[@5Gburn]

Years and years ago, I think in 2008 or so, he put out a statrment about being a member of the LDS Church and his stance on homosexuality. He was reassuring fans (many of whom are also members, or at least Christians), that he wouldn't be writing anything that would offend them. They trusted that. Don't get me wrong; most Mormons and other Christians are extremely loving people who treat people as people, but they may not want to read about concepts that go against their religion. As for being canceled, I think it's largely a protest against wokeism, but also his writing quality. Sanderson crossed the line with Wind and Truth. I'd been thinking of reading his books and saw several reviews that went like this: "Who even wrote this book? The prose is okay and then devolves." "His books are getting worse. How is that possible?!" " 'I'm his therapist.' What is this out-world vernacular?! " "I DNFed it after 80 pages."--this from a booktuber who'd read every single Sanderson novel, some multiple times. A lot of this was about writing style, like it got sloggy (1,344 pages? Come on.), but then it being so navel-gazing it was painful. Even without the wokeness, I can see why even avid fans who'd read others of his series multiple times gave up with WaT.

[@thewriter1008]

So I am religious myself, consider myself progressive Christian, and I have an interesting relationship with the Mormon church in that I have extremely significant issues with the organization itself, but I've also known a lot of Mormons who I've really liked as people. I'm kind of in the same place with Sanderson although I don't know him personally. His books have shown how his views and perspectives on things have evolved over time - his more recent stories have a lot more gay characters and even a minor character in Stormlight is trans and it's all fairly well-handled. Stormlight also has a really interesting look at the way its most prominent religion constructs very rigid rules around gender specifically and from an outside perspective, those rules are incredibly silly (for example, women's left hands are considered to be specifically lewd and they always wear either gloves or sleeves to cover them up) but also built into the world in fascinating ways. The whole time I was wondering "So what do you do if you're left-handed?" and there's a character in the third book who is and she finds the whole thing extremely annoying. You can definitely see an arc of personal growth in his writing and how he presents certain things as he goes further into his work. I do however want to say that I appreciate you taking the time to consider and change your opinion on this - I've run into a lot of people who adamantly refuse to and even though I sympathize with them since rarely does their hatred of religion come from absolutely nowhere, but that doesn't mean it isn't harmful and prejudiced. I'm not exactly fond of the sort of puritanical, destructive Christianity that these people hate either, considering that I am autistic and ace, but I've talked to a lot of people who casually lump me in with it or act like I'm no different even though I agree with them on a number of things and the only real difference between their views and mine is that I'm not an atheist. I would personally recommend reading Mistborn era II and Tress of the Emerald Sea as well, as I think those are some of my favorite Sanderson works. Mistborn era II is set a few hundred years after the original trilogy and follows the setting into the advent of steam power and firearms and follows a cowboy detective and his partner as they solve mysteries in a steampunk world. It has some of the most interesting fight scenes I've read in a fantasy novel, with the same creative uses of magic that you see in the original trilogy with old west style gunplay. I especially appreciate the way Sanderson writes action because it's very hard to get right and he nails it often. Book 3 of Mistborn era II is probably my favorite Sanderson book, given that it takes that same steampunk cowboy detective framework and adds a sort of Indiana Jones artifact hunt element into it and it's just a delightful read the whole way through. Tress, meanwhile, is a swashbuckling pirate adventure set on a planet where the seas are made of really dangerous spores will instantly sprout if water so much as touches them. He uses a real scientific process as a foundation for this really wild setup, but pulls also on a ton of really fun pirate adventure tropes the whole way through. It's a rollicking good time the whole way through and probably my second favorite Sanderson book.

[@Readatrix]

I support you. I still can't do it as long as I know he tithes to a homophobic/transphobic church. I know those aren't his beliefs, but if he's donating 10% that means millions at this point. If this changes, I'd love to read him. I'm getting more into fantasy these days, and he certainly dominates the genre. If a horror reader told me they'd never read King, I'd think there had to be a story there, and the same is true here. You have to work to avoid him. I also just don't read a lot of cis straight white men so spaces are limited. LOL! Have you read Charlotte Bond? She has a couple sapphic fantasy novellas out that I really enjoy. I am now in love with a shape-shifting dragon, a knight, and her mage, and I don't care who knows it.

[@David-sg1yi]

If you want to read his books, I would buy them used or check them out of the library.

[@JamesA-b8p]

Your video here is amazing! The clarity expressed on your changing perspectives raises the bar on understanding authors as well as people in general. Thank you!

[@dark.and.planty]

I also didn’t like the fact that Sanderson is Mormon. I really don’t like that church at all (I know people who were part of it growing up). However, I do agree with you 100%, a person is not their church, and more so, even members of a faith can disagree with certain dogmas and eventually influence change. But that’s not my point, my point is that I was wondering, if ai wanted to give his books a try, where to start getting into the gigantic world that he has created, and I found Warbreaker, which is a standalone novel within this universe, and the cool thing is, you can actually download it for absolutely free from his own website, you can download even the first ever draft he wrote. He shares his notes and progress, I found that to be pretty amazing!

[@danaelamond6888]

Wow. Never thought I’d be tempted to pick up a Sanderson book 👀 (ex Christian here been similarly irked by organised religion since I lost my faith) thanks for being vulnerable and open to changing your mind, really inspiring - love your videos as always!

[@annahapunkt]

I firmly believe that Sanderson is a great writer and a nice guy. I know many members of the church, including very close family members and friends, all very nice. But that does not change the fact that the church itself is very... fishy, that the whole structure is sexist and racist and misogynist and frankly, gross. And as long as you are a member of the church, you give them a lot of money. So I personally decided not to give my money to people who support their bigotted, culty church with money in turn. Not Scientology, not LDS, not any of them if I can help it. I kind of hate that this is always where it goes, money, but that is how it is, I guess. I do not want to support them supporting their church or whacky and harmful ideas: No Tom Cruise, no JKR, no Musk...

[@bronzewool]

Sorry, I couldn’t reach the actual review because I had to pause and digest you calling yourself equally bigoted for assuming the worst out of a man you don’t know beyond his church having racist/sexist/homophobic ideologies and aren’t shy about it, and that somehow makes you just as bad as racism/sexism/homophobia. You can’t judge someone by their faith but when that faith DEMANDS you donate 10% OF your income (before tax) that’s contributing to funding more missionary work that deeply upset you in the first place. I respect the man for not having the same ideals as his church and writing so many diverse characters and respecting different cultural believes and religious faiths that go against his, but I question how successful the “change from within” strategy actually works. But…if anyone is going to draw a line in the sand then that means also drawing that same line every time you pick up a random brand item in your local supermarket. And in this modern age where there is no ethical consumption under capitalism? Yeah, there are worse ethical choices you can make than this. So you might as well.

[@jamiea4791]

I had seen Brandon's books around for years, never pursued his books. A friend of mine convinced me to give one of his books a try after I had seen his Year of Sanderson announcement video, and I found him charmingly funny. Picked up Tress of the Emerald Sea and I had so much fun, it made me remember why I loved the Fantasy genre again. I had no idea about his connection to the LDS church until after I read his book but everything I have seen about him, he seems like such a nice guy and an excited professor that loves his craft. There are certainly a lot of bad actors in organized religion, but among them I do think there are many good people. I'm excited to read more of his books this year.

[@marcoyounger]

He's my fav author. I'm an optimistic nihilist, or absurdist, or atheist- point is, religions ain't my cup of tea. I do think Morminism is a creepy af cult well deserving of condemnation. Still, I VERY much enjoy Brando's classes (his youtube lectures and Writing Excuses podcast) as well as his chatting podcast as well as attending his convention. For me, nothing in this world is straightforward. The fact is, the guy tells heartfelt stories with clear endearing morals that I respect, and I LOVE his work. We're all human and we just got to get through the day. Personally I seek to enjoy more than hate or judge, not because I think I'm better than anyone else but because I'm tired 😅 theres a lot to care about in this chaotic world and for me him being Mormon ain't the hill to die on.

[@marcoyounger]

Forgot to specify, if someone decides they don't want to read him, I'm not mad. I'm not bothered. I'm not going to push him on anyone. I respect people's autonomy. I respect that some can't accept mormonism, from their own experiences or whatever else. People have their reasons and I trust them. But if someone is more wonder-y experiment-y discouver-y leaning, maybe I'd say read the stories first and decide for yourself if he's so bad.

[@rachelpsmith3129]

I'd judge him for Scientology so I'd judge him almost as harshly for his actual Mormonism. But how much does that have to do with his books? That's a separate question. But I absolutely hold people accountable for the philosophies they expouse. Tolkien's Catholicism informs his books but they are not Catholic books. I don't know if Sanderson's booked are like Tolkien's books which i love or like CS Lewis's Narnia books, which i hate. The only important question is, are they good books? I think I'll go find out...

[@Ancient_Path]

I was enjoying his books and the world he had built, stormlight archives was my favorite. And then it slowly started to shill and turned into retroactive intersectionality and pushing of nonsense that just didn't fit within his world he had made. He built an amazing world and then just slowly drags it through the mud by making it something that focuses on modern issues and nonsense representation. All of that is done at the expense of the story itself, not with the story. The dialogue turns into marvel writing and goofy jabs and retroactive, "oh suddenly X character is Y identity...Let's focus on that for a few chapters instead of dealing with the ancient enemy at the door." His religion says one thing, he writes another, and his story becomes inconsistent and unnecessary.

[@maiiau]

I'm glad you seem to be enjoying this new fantasy jump! Unfortunately, Sanderson's writing style is a little too simple for my tastes. Not in a bad way, I mean as opposed to a more multilayered literary style. It leaves his books at about a 3-3.5 out of 5 for me; fun, but it makes it hard to want to plow through all of them when there's so many! I did notice you said Mistborn was his first fantasy novel, though, and actually I believe that was Elantris. I mention this because my understanding is people recommend reading that one early on since, of course, his writing improves as he goes so it can be difficult to go back later. Looks like plenty of people are discussing the whole LDS thing and paradox of tolerance thing. I will say that for me, Sanderson is a library-or-used-books-only author, but there are so many worse people to read. I still remember being burned in middle school by finding out how terrible Orson Scott Card (also a Mormon, actually) is re: his opinions on LGBTQ people.

[@matthewd.2344]

No one gonna talk about how he’s being attacked by the Christian community too, for including gay characters and some woke stuff to wind and truth. Also made sizable donations to the out community of Utah. Maybe everybody’s addicted to being in outrage culture no matter where they are on the political spectrum. You don’t need to agree with everyone’s beliefs nor do they need to agree with yours. I think he’s just trying to write stories bruh.

[@harmonybat]

I've avoided Sanderson since he was at best a useful idiot for some nasty actors at the Hugos some years ago (Sad Puppies, Rabid Puppies, and slating would be good keywords to search for if you're not immediately familiar with the incident). I did get one of his books (Tress of the Emerald Sea) from the library last year, and I'm also not sure his style is for me, though Tress herself was a fine character and I liked her quite a bit.