Katie Parker ,Spring Creek Book Company, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Disappointing ethics from Mormon writer. Internet

This 2005 book, Just the Way You Are by Katie Parker, purports to teach morals and ethics to young adults. She lists herself as an educator at Western Governors University, and holding a leadership position in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Jose, California. She also contributes to several Mormon website, voicing her support of her church's efforts to ban same-sex marriage.

Alas, Parkers own principles are in question. One of the glowing reviews for her book on her promotional website is by fellow Mormon, Dyany Dittmer Munson of Kuna, Idaho. Munsons review titles herself as a writer, thus implying extra credibility. What isnt mentioned is that Munson and Parker, both in their 40s
and originally from Oklahoma, are longtime close friends and were roommates at the University of Oklahoma.

At the time of her review, Munson was a receptionist at a mental health clinic. Coincidentally, Munsons degree was in psychology; somewhat notable considering that she has serious ongoing mental conditions requiring ongoing intensive therapy and multiple medications. To date, Munson has not published nor been paid for writing. She had neither the academic nor professional credentials to call herself a writer at
the time of review.

While Munson perhaps wrote as a hobby at that time, to imply she was a professional writer
and for Parker to use that title for her in this critique, suggests ethical issues on both their parts. Moreover, one of the characters in Parkers book is directly modeled after Munson, despite Parkers claims that her characters are modeled after distant college acquaintances.

Another dubious review also appears on Parkers promotional site: an Alyssa in Salt Lake City leaves a glowing appraisal of the book. No last name, nor basis of authority for said review.  Perhaps dubious reviews were necessary for Parker, as her work leaves much to be desired. Her  writing is staid, predictable and trite. Her book's storyline is thin and uninspired.

One would hope that as an educator, Parker would hesitate to accept such questionable documentation in work from students. Disappointing conduct, indeed.