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My conclusions:
- I belong to a religion that asks people to trust in it even when they struggle with elements of it or when they don't understand it. I'm ok with that. But now I realize how glad I am that it allows dialogue, questioning. The possibility of admitting you're struggling honestly with something. Because when something like religion is run by people who care so little about truth and so much about power, the consequences are horrendous.
- Her continued faith in God and love for her family and friends still caught in the FLDS is beautiful.
- I belong to a religion that asks people to trust in it even when they struggle with elements of it or when they don't understand it. I'm ok with that. But now I realize how glad I am that it allows dialogue, questioning. The possibility of admitting you're struggling honestly with something. Because when something like religion is run by people who care so little about truth and so much about power, the consequences are horrendous.
- Her continued faith in God and love for her family and friends still caught in the FLDS is beautiful.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
challenging
sad
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Incest, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
I've enjoyed documentaries on the FLDS and don't mind reading memoirs that are particularly long and detailed, so I enjoyed this read. Elissa has a very authentic voice, and her love for her family and the strength of her faith shine through every page, which may not be the most refined author's voice for everyone but I didn't mind it. Obviously this book is older now and the story of Jeffs has since progressed, and I'm not sure how up-to-date Elissa's personal website is, but I hope her and her family are well. Heed content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, Death of parent
Minor: Racism
challenging
informative
tense
slow-paced
I liked it. I forgot to write my review before reading another form FLDS member memoir immediately after so slightly confusing the story lines. but it was good and I feel for the girls and women stuck there and who escaped and I hate every man (and woman) who allowed this to happen. I’m glad Elissa was able to gain control of her life. She was incredibly brave and strong.
I can’t remember much about the writing style and organization, so it wasn’t awful at least?
I searched her online and saw her husband had just passed just before I started this, which was heartbreaking.
I can’t remember much about the writing style and organization, so it wasn’t awful at least?
I searched her online and saw her husband had just passed just before I started this, which was heartbreaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Incest, Miscarriage, Rape
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
It's hard to be too critical of a memoir with this subject matter. The story is incredibly interesting, but it's really hard to identify with (obviously). The author comes from brave stock, and it's a shame that not everyone can be so brave.