Omni

This book seemed so choppy. (Seemed? OK it IS choppy). A few things did catch my eye, though:

7 Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.
8 And it came to pass that I did deliver the plates unto my brother Chemish.
9 Now I, Chemish, write what few things I write, in the same book with my brother; for behold, I saw the last which he wrote, that he wrote it with his own hand; and he wrote it in the day that he delivered them unto me. And after this manner we keep the records, for it is according to the commandments of our fathers. And I make an end.
(Book of Mormon | Omni 1:7 - 9)

This seemed to me, almost as a witness signature, or perhaps a notary--he just wrote this, I saw it & give my stamp of approval--sort of thing.

Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.
(Book of Mormon | Omni 1:6)

So very straightforward. What more can I say?

15 Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon.
16 And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth.
17 And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they had become exceedingly numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and serious contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time; and their language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with them; and they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the people of Mosiah, could understand them.
(Book of Mormon | Omni 1:15 - 17)

I thought of our country's current state when I read this. I wondered, if the great men that had founded our country were to come forward in time & see what we've become, what would they think? After reading some old li though, I'm convinced we haven't changed too much.

27 And now I would speak somewhat concerning a certain number who went up into the wilderness to return to the land of Nephi; for there was a large number who were desirous to possess the land of their inheritance.
28 Wherefore, they went up into the wilderness. And their leader being a strong and mighty man, and a stiffnecked man, wherefore he caused a contention among them; and they were all slain, save fifty, in the wilderness, and they returned again to the land of Zarahemla.
29 And it came to pass that they also took others to a considerable number, and took their journey again into the wilderness.
30 And I, Amaleki, had a brother, who also went with them; and I have not since known concerning them. And I am about to lie down in my grave; and these plates are full. And I make an end of my speaking.
(Book of Mormon | Omni 1:27 - 30)

A sad ending. Kind of like, "I'm dying, but please watch out for my brother, just in case he's alive."