I recently finished The Witness Wore Red, so naturally I had to read this too. I'd read Cole's book too if it was available still. If anyone knows wheI recently finished The Witness Wore Red, so naturally I had to read this too. I'd read Cole's book too if it was available still. If anyone knows where I could find it I'd be very grateful.
Anyway yes, this is basically Rebecca's father "proving his daughter wrong" about her own childhood. But if you ask me, he's only proving her, and Elissa, right. I'm inclined to side with survivors of abuse over those who didn't protect them from said abuse, sorry!!
The book is often repetitive, I'm assuming to fill up page space, and the rebuttals aren't actually anything huge (like the dining table/eating together or the downstairs/upstairs and TV situations, do you think readers really care about that?), except in the case of Rebecca's CSA.
Mr Wall, please consider that there is a possibility you really weren't told about it and that it really did happen. You believe your daughter about Rulon and Warren, why is this any different just because it happened in your home?
Also saying how Rebecca wanted to marry Rulon because she'd have access to all these things, credit cards, private flights etc, how would she know about that until she was in the prophet's family?
I will say I do believe one thing here, and that's the story of how her parents met, and how her mother was assigned to her father's family. I can see it happening that way, and Mr Wall would probably know that better than his daughter, but the rest......more
Don't have much to say about this that I didn't already say in my review for their first book, but at least in this one they dropped the whole "I, JimDon't have much to say about this that I didn't already say in my review for their first book, but at least in this one they dropped the whole "I, Jim Bob" and "I, Michelle" thing, so it was less confusing. They repeated some stories from that other book too, but most of them were new, occasionally interesting.
I laughed when I got to that "romance books are to women what porn is to men" part and how they give girls/women unrealistic expectations...BYEEEEE. So ridiculous. Like not even "proper" historical romances Michelle? Really now?? What a sad world.
Anyway, another Duggar book done, a few more to go. ...more
I knew Rebecca Musser's book would be exceptional and it sure was! She talks about her life pre and post escape in great detail, giving us yet anotherI knew Rebecca Musser's book would be exceptional and it sure was! She talks about her life pre and post escape in great detail, giving us yet another perspective on the FLDS, from the innermost circle. I read her sister Elissa's book back in 2022, and both accounts match. I'd even suggest you read them one after the other if you can.
The book is hard to read/listen to at times, because Musser doesn't shy away from describing horrific abuse, and, because it's narrated in her own voice, the experience was much more personal.
We also get to hear more about the YFZ Ranch raid (rarely covered in other memoirs), and Rebecca's role in bringing Warren Jeffs down. I greatly admire her courage to keep fighting for all the girls and women who were (and still are) trapped in a society that only views them as cattle, despite how her (now ex) husband didn't seem to be a fan of the idea.
Her family suffered because of it, and she thought about giving up several times, but I'm glad she didn't. Warren Jeffs is behind bars where he belongs (second only to hell). I wish he and the other polygamous leaders got more time in prison though, it doesn't seem like enough for what they put their victims through.
I was also pleasantly surprised that Rebecca found God again after leaving. I completely understand when people who've left religious cults don't want anything to do with religion, but it makes me really happy when they do and when they find something that's right for them....more
I've been meaning to read Jinger and Jill's memoirs since they were announced, but me being me, I can't just start there, I gotta go back to the beginI've been meaning to read Jinger and Jill's memoirs since they were announced, but me being me, I can't just start there, I gotta go back to the beginning. Hence, this book.
I don't know how I would've felt about this had I read it more than a decade ago, when the Duggars were just a quirky family with a bit too many kids, but now, knowing what I do...it's creepy.
And not just because it's narrated by Michelle with her baby voice, but also the content inside, like they literally admit to hitting their kids during blanket training. I know back in the day people couldn't really research that, but that's a baby, you're supposed to nurture it, not hurt it???
Also, the audiobook was confusing for the most part, because Michelle and Jim Bob co-wrote this, and would interject constantly like "I (Michelle)" or "I (Jim Bob)" while the other was telling a story. It didn't help at all that she narrated, because my brain would think she was telling us something, and then something Jim Bob-ish would come out of her mouth and I'd realise it was him who took over the reigns mid paragraph.
I got a bit used to it by the last 2 chapters, but still wish they'd picked someone else to narrate (but I'm assuming they had to cut the costs, as with everything).
Now for the book itself, it's fascinating in a way, how they developed systems to keep the household from collapsing. Like the two washers and three dryers plus the closet near the laundry room thing. It's clear though, that nothing would be done if the kids weren't also forced to participate in keeping the house clean, cooking for everyone, taking care of their younger siblings etc. And I know the oldest girls were doing the majority of that labour.
The way they decided to not borrow money again, and God still provided them with the things they needed was really interesting, but it could get annoying how often they repeated that absolutely no money borrowing was to happen!!
The sections about Jim Bob & Michelle's past at the start felt very surface level to me, as if they didn't have much of a life worth telling about before their kids came along.
The ebook also has pictures, recipes, resources, and, of course, they're praising IBLP at the end. I can't even imagine how many fans of the show bought this book, read it, saw the IBLP advertisement and decided to give it a try.
Speaking of trying things, I can't say I'll try all the recipes, but a few seem in line with my tastes, so we'll see.
It's possible some of the tips they gave here are actually useful, but I'd still take them with a grain of salt, knowing where they came from.
Ok well, that's it for book one of six Duggar books currently out, I'm planning on getting through them this year, maybe even by the end of the summer. I can't really recommend this to anyone, unless if you're curious about the family....more
I feel like reading this right after Escape was both good and not so good, because everything is still fresh in my mind, but Carolyn does rehash partsI feel like reading this right after Escape was both good and not so good, because everything is still fresh in my mind, but Carolyn does rehash parts of book one, so maybe I didn't need to jump into it immediately. Either way, I had a good time.
You don't need to read her first book to read this, and some of the lessons she gives might really be helpful if you want to leave an abusive situation/relationship. There's also updates about Betty and her other kids, Carolyn giving her opinions on things and helping out during the YFZ raid, and some interesting stories I haven't heard or thought about before (like the gym one).
Hopefully we'll get another book in the future when Carolyn has some more stories to tell, and I'm constantly praying that the FLDS doesn't end up like Jonestown, because that really seems to be the direction they're going in.
I'm a bit surprised at how many people complained about the writing in their reviews, other than the repetitiveness, I didn't notice anything in partiI'm a bit surprised at how many people complained about the writing in their reviews, other than the repetitiveness, I didn't notice anything in particular that annoyed me. Maybe it's because I listened to the audiobook that I didn't notice it, who knows.
Anyway, I've been looking forward to reading this memoir for years and finally said "okay, I'm doing it". I prefer to listen to books like this, but I'm definitely going to get a physical copy too at some point.
With every FLDS book I read, their world is put into perspective for me, and I feel like Carolyn really helped me to tie some more threads together, so I must thank her for it.
I didn't mind that the majority of the book, despite being titled Escape, is about her life inside the FLDS, but I do agree that we could've gotten more about her and her children's lives outside of it. Maybe that will be tackled in her other book though, it's my next listen so we'll see.
It was horrible what she went through, she was incredibly brave for finding the strength to leave, and with all her children too. I'm glad she had people who could help her along the way, and that she was able to get an education, because it certainly helped her to see through Warren's lies.
I'm happy I finally made the time for this book, hopefully in the future Betty will be mentioned in someone's story and they'll say she left for good, fingers crossed....more
Oh man, this was not an easy read, but I couldn't stop listening to it. The author describes the abuse she and her family went through, how they kept Oh man, this was not an easy read, but I couldn't stop listening to it. The author describes the abuse she and her family went through, how they kept moving from place to place, constantly switching schools and how despite all of that she still came out on top.
It's an inspiring memoir for sure, because it shows that no matter where you come from, how you grew up and what you went through, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. It just finds some people sooner, others later, like in Carrie Sheffield's case.
She grew up in a mini cult where her father thought he was a prophet of God and would be the next president of the United States, and the rest of the family fed into these delusions for the most part. I'm glad Carrie was able to get out and find her own place in life, and Christ, after so much struggle.
I appreciate how honest Sheffield is in this book, it takes a lot of courage to share all of that, but hey, you did it, good job!!! I hope this book can help someone in a similar situation feel less alone.
Now I feel compelled to watch the videos linked on the author's website talking about the book, because I simply haven't had enough of her story....more
For a longer than average book (almost 500 pages), Between the Birches reads really fast. I feel like I finished it in no time because something was aFor a longer than average book (almost 500 pages), Between the Birches reads really fast. I feel like I finished it in no time because something was always happening, making me turn the pages faster to see what will happen next.
It took me a while to get into the story though, this is mainly due to the writing. It's not bad, but you can tell it's the author's first book. It can only go up from here, so I'm sure the writing will be much better in the sequel.
The plot had a lot of elements I love reading about, from cults, magic, ghosts and spooky forests to a love triangle. And okay, maybe even a dash of soulmates in there too.
I actually liked the story overall, once it really got going. I think the second half was stronger in that regard, especially the ending. Until that point I was on the fence about reading the next book, but the ending really made me exited to give it a try. I feel like the story's just getting started.
The romance was both a hit and a miss, the hit being Grady, the miss Tom. SORRY TOM. He was just...not it. He kept annoying me, and I know everyone would probably be annoying in his shoes but...
My favourite character though, is Fennick. Another huge reason to read the sequel. I don't know what it is about him, but I'm a fan. I'd love it if we got to see more of him in the next books. And you know what else? If I ship anyone with Beth, it's him.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
A short but impactful read, Marinda Moss was so honest in this one that I was almost surprised.
We follow her on her journey of uncovering the abuse sA short but impactful read, Marinda Moss was so honest in this one that I was almost surprised.
We follow her on her journey of uncovering the abuse she went through with the help of therapists, and although she doesn't go too far into detail, it's still hard to read about. There's even drawings of some of it which reminded me of Fiona Barnett, though not as graphic.
Also, if you thought this was about the Jeffs' branch of the FLDS - it's not, but the author's grandpa did steal their teachings and applied it to his own family / mini cult, and they did interact with some FLDS families who lived around them, but no one is named.
I wish Moss all the best in life, and I want to thank her for sharing her story with the world. I also want her to know that there are people all the way across the pond (and then some) who believe her story....more
I always love reading different perspectives on the same events (in this case the LeBaron murders) because it helps me form a clearer picture of how tI always love reading different perspectives on the same events (in this case the LeBaron murders) because it helps me form a clearer picture of how things actually happened.
Mr Hafen does an excellent job of trying to "explain" why Ervil turned out the way he did, and he backs it up with the LeBaron family history & personal experience because he was actually there to see it. That's so fascinating to me, and how many of their writings stayed in his possession as well.
Pretty much from the moment I opened the book (and was greeted by Ervil's picture, gotta love Kindle auto-skips, but don't worry I went back to the beginning), I was learning something new. For example, I'd never heard of Margarito Bautista before chapter 2, then I had to go and look him up, obviously. And now he's on my list of people to research.
I really wish this book was longer, because it seems like the author has some stories to tell. Perhaps he'll write another one? I can only hope.
P. S. I think this is my first time reading from the perspective of a husband who had multiple wives, usually I read the wives' PoVs, so this was an interesting read in more ways than one....more
This was so addicting, it didn't feel like a semi-long book at all, I finished it in no time. You'd think because it's told through transcribed converThis was so addicting, it didn't feel like a semi-long book at all, I finished it in no time. You'd think because it's told through transcribed conversations, emails, texts etc that it would be a bit dry, but it wasn't. There were multiple narrators which helped me to fully immerse myself into the story.
There's only about 8 chapters so the author was committed to that "true crime author is the narrator of the story" bit to the T. Some real life nonfiction books about cults are name dropped and mixed in with fictional books about the case Amanda is researching. I can't tell if it works or not, but I see what the author was trying to do there.
I love how the case kept getting stranger and stranger with each new clue, theory, interview. You as the reader aren't sure if the cult was correct in their beliefs, or if there really was something supernatural going on until the very end.
The ending surprised me, it's a tragic one so be warned!!! It makes sense with everything that happened before, but I still wasn't ready and didn't see it coming....more
When I tell you I nearly burst into tears when Rima appeared like a savior in the dark...that's my girl. I really missed these characters, and now I cWhen I tell you I nearly burst into tears when Rima appeared like a savior in the dark...that's my girl. I really missed these characters, and now I can't believe I have to part with them again until book three.
We still follow Kat and Damant, but we also follow...Tanith!!! I was SO annoyed with her, I don't think I even mentioned her in my review of book one? But yeah we started off with her and I was like "oh no". It took me a while to warm up to her, I won't lie, but her PoV was interesting and added a lot to the story.
The rest of the gang is back too, and more developed than ever. I think that's where this book thrives actually, if you had any complaints about Kat, or the others, you won't after this. So many new layers were added to each character (and the world!), it's a delight to read.
Now what may be a stumbling block for some, is that this series is generally slower paced. I wish I could say it got faster, but not really? In certain parts here and there sure, but it's very similar to book one in terms of pacing. I do think it's worth it though.
The vibes felt a bit different this time around, it could just be the world expansion rocking my sky ship (we couldn't have gotten through this review without a little sailing joke, no sir), or maybe I'm right and something is different, we'll see.
What I really appreciate, is how consistently good the writing is, how engaging and creative the story is, and how Mr Ward keeps throwing surprises my way even when I think he's all out of them.
I was once again left on the edge of my seat as I read the final page, only to be greeted with the glossary instead of more pages. Cue crowd boos!!! It was an amazing place to end the story to keep us wanting more, but that doesn't mean I didn't contemplate throwing my phone at the wall for a second there.
The glossary is also very useful, please never stop doing them! I'd even suggest a bit of a recap for the final book, because I feel like so much happened, I'm bound to forget a few things by next year.
As it is Pride Month, I have to mention that the lesbian rep is still good. And generally I also like the way Matthew Ward writes female characters. It reminds me of Richard Swan.
Ok, so, I have a year to think of a ship/sailing pun for book three, and you, yes, YOU reading this, have a year to catch up on books one and two, better make that time count!!!! But seriously, give this series a try, it needs more recognition, I promise it's so good, just listen to me.
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*...more
Imagine finding out one day you've been a missing person for over 40 years. How would you feel? Well, Holly shows us exactly what went through her minImagine finding out one day you've been a missing person for over 40 years. How would you feel? Well, Holly shows us exactly what went through her mind when she found out her parents were murdered and that she had family members who never gave up looking for her.
I'm continuously amazed at what generic genealogy can do, how many crimes it has helped solve already...I can't wait to see how it'll evolve in the years to come, and I sincerely hope that Holly's family will get justice.
I can recommend the audiobook, the narrator did a great job and it's a really fast listen.
Also, there are many references to God, prayer, faith etc which only made the book better for me, but I know some people don't like reading about that, which is why I felt like noting it....more
I'm really glad that Linda A. Curtis left the JWs and found her own way, especially later in life when she was already married, all of her family was I'm really glad that Linda A. Curtis left the JWs and found her own way, especially later in life when she was already married, all of her family was in it etc. It was very brave of her and I commend her for it.
But as a book, there were parts of this that weren't all that interesting. I really, really didn't care about her job which she talked so much about. I also didn't particularly care to know the details about all the men she dated.
I wanted to know more about the Witnesses, and a bit more about how she dealt with the shunning.
Another review said how her leaving the Witnesses was the "periphery" to her story, and I agree. It felt like it was simply a stepping stone, and I expected it to play a much better role than it did. That's all really.
The Last Girls Standing did not start off very promising. It was slow, not much was happening and the main event was over before the book even began. The Last Girls Standing did not start off very promising. It was slow, not much was happening and the main event was over before the book even began. So I was starting to think I wouldn't like it, but then the cult storyline got introduced.
If you know me, then you know I love reading about cults and the one here was definitely interesting. That actually helped me to stay focused on the book and make it to the end.
What also helped was the excellent narration, the emotional moments were narrated perfectly.
Something I mind though, is that we didn't get all the answers, or barely any. I'm not a huge fan of books with an open ending, and this did have a partial conclusion, but could've used an epilogue.
(view spoiler)[I just want to know if the cult was right or not. Probably not, but THEY COULD BE. (hide spoiler)]
I still liked the ending, I felt like that was exactly what the whole book was building up towards and it made perfect sense to me. I also guessed that would happen so yay a point for me!! There were twists I didn't guess, and overall this book pulled through.
I would've originally given this 2 stars for the start (I even wanted to dnf), but ended up enjoying it to about a 4 on the scale, so I'll settle on a 3 star rating....more
Based on the cover and blurb I was expecting something different. At times this seemed like more of a travel memoir than cult memoir, which isn't neceBased on the cover and blurb I was expecting something different. At times this seemed like more of a travel memoir than cult memoir, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. And luckily the cult wasn't too bad and Lesley's family could even come to visit her.
I get the impression though that if what happened near the end didn't happen, she'd still be in it. So I'm glad that it did happen so she could get out.
While this wasn't the most entertaining read in book format, that doesn't mean that the story doesn't deserve to be told. But when you pick it up just be ready that most of what you're going to see is slices of life, how Lesley and her family (& co) were scraping by over the years inside the Brethren, etc.
There were moments that made me tear up over what Lesley had to endure, so much loss, some of which I could relate to because I also experienced it.
I have some favourite parts, those in which God seemed to answer their prayers and provide for them in ways only He knows how. I love reading about that in books, and I agree that prayer is a powerful thing.
I'm also glad to hear that the cult survivors seem to be doing well, especially Lesley's children.
One last thing, Tikva's name. I know that it has a meaning, but in my language it means squash so the whole time I could not take her name seriously. Every time she'd show up on page I'd imagine a human sized butternut squash, I couldn't help it....more
This was a very heavy read, the audiobook definitely helped to process it, but even like that it still felt textbook-y. Which is fine, but because of This was a very heavy read, the audiobook definitely helped to process it, but even like that it still felt textbook-y. Which is fine, but because of that I think I'll need to reread this when I'm in a more academic mood.
Nah, I'm kidding, I do love frogs though. And for this frog there's a really good explanation as to why it's on tI see a frog on the cover, I read it.
Nah, I'm kidding, I do love frogs though. And for this frog there's a really good explanation as to why it's on the cover, but you'll have to read the book to see why.
I enjoyed listening to this, Alexandra narrated the book herself and I really loved the way she pronounces certain words. Because it's kind of rare to have a Canadian narrator for audiobooks? Please tell me I'm not the only one who noticed that. Most are either American or British (or American doing British and vice versa).
The only thing is, I feel like I don't know what this cult actually *did*. So I think we could've used more descriptions there, so we could have a better understanding of what went on.
I'm considering also reading "Michael's" book, it could be interesting. ...more
This book is kind of hard to describe, because you won't get it until you read it yourself. I read it, and my head is still whirliOh wow, what a read!
This book is kind of hard to describe, because you won't get it until you read it yourself. I read it, and my head is still whirling from everything Peter Young and his family went through.
Peter describes his experiences in a mini-cult with vivid detail, I felt like I was seeing everything through his eyes.
What makes this book even better, is that we rarely get to see exactly how someone got sucked into something like this, and with Peter it happened slowly and then all at once. I'm glad that he didn't have as much contact with Uncle Robert as Paige did for most of their marriage, I do believe that the Lord was protecting him as much as possible.
And it's wonderful to see he hasn't lost his faith along the way. I'll be praying for Paige to see the light, it's never too late.
One thing that was never really explained though, was that Uncle Robert was from Syria, but neither his first nor last name are something that would be common there.
So that made me curious if his name was changed for the book, or if he actually changed it himself, and if so, why he picked what he did. Especially the last name...If I was changing my name there is no way I'd pick something like that, not in a million years. Then again, I'm not Uncle Robert or a cult leader so...maybe I just don't get it....more
Whenever I give memoirs lower ratings I feel like I have to mention that I'm rating the book, not the author's lived experience.
So this book, it had vWhenever I give memoirs lower ratings I feel like I have to mention that I'm rating the book, not the author's lived experience.
So this book, it had very little to do with Scientology. Sometimes I don't mind this, if the rest is interesting, but sadly it wasn't (to me, it might be to someone else). The Scientology parts were okay though.
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