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nightfalltwen's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was really an eye opening account of what it was like to grow up in a poly family. And it was very well put together too.
merrrry's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
3.5
I’ve heard about the Mormon compounds and cults living in isolation away from society, so it was interesting and saddening to see a personal account of life in an extremist group. In general, this book felt like Brent Jeff’s way of processing everything that happened to him as a child in the FLDS then as a lost boy. It was also great to see how receptive to therapy his entire family was. What this book lacked in emotional impact, it made up for in its pacing of events. I picked this up mostly because Maia Szalavitz co-wrote it, so I hoped for some depth about childhood trauma and its effects. While it was definitely a large theme, it wasn’t really dug into. This book was presented more as a story and less of an educational thing, which is fine, just not what I went in looking for. Still a great read tho! I was genuinely cheering whenever Warren Jeffs got taken down a peg. As the main perpetrator of many people’s trauma and suffering, I found him to be the most interesting character; Manipulative, spoiled, power hungry, clever, but surprisingly cowardly. I really wonder what happened in his life to make him what he was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Child abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
theartolater's review against another edition
1.0
So Brent Jeffs was a great nephew of Warren Jeffs and left the FDLS. Thus, he gets a book deal. I honestly thought he was more important to the infrastructure of the FDLS when I picked this up, and the kid can’t really write great, so it was disappointing on a few levels.
jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Many of us know the stories of how women and girls are abused in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Latter-Days Saints) church, a secretive, closed society that practices polygamy. This book takes a look at one boy (and by extension, his family) and the abuse that they suffer. Note the name of the author. He is the nephew of Warren Jeffs, prophet of the FDLS church, who is currently incarcerated for abuse of children. This is a look from the inside of how the combination of concentration of power and isolation from society create fear and damage lives. This brave young man got out and is making it in the outside world, but only with support, therapy and a strong determination not to let his negative experiences ruin his life.
bucket's review against another edition
3.0
Received for free through Goodreads First Reads
I was surprised to learn that Brent is just one year older than me! This was different than most things I read - not literary at all, but very interesting and also extremely painful at points. It is clear that Brent is full of hope and that he's made it through, which allows there to be positive notes throughout. The writing itself is okay, better than I expected actually. I can't judge this piece alongside literature though, as it is really about sharing Brent's story and getting his message out there.
Themes: FLDS, fundamentalism, family, power corrupts, the effects of trauma, polygamy, patriarchy, fear
I was surprised to learn that Brent is just one year older than me! This was different than most things I read - not literary at all, but very interesting and also extremely painful at points. It is clear that Brent is full of hope and that he's made it through, which allows there to be positive notes throughout. The writing itself is okay, better than I expected actually. I can't judge this piece alongside literature though, as it is really about sharing Brent's story and getting his message out there.
Themes: FLDS, fundamentalism, family, power corrupts, the effects of trauma, polygamy, patriarchy, fear
michaelkerr's review against another edition
3.0
This absorbing, sometimes harrowing memoir recounts the life of a boy born into a fundamentalist Mormon sect. His candid observations provide a window into a strange world of polygamy, unquestioned obedience, corruption stemming from absolute power and the nature of fundamentalism itself. Jeffs’ journey out of this restrictive world is a page-turner that illuminates a central theme of the 21st century – conflict based in religious belief.
archifydd's review against another edition
4.0
This book is interesting if only because its a male perspective on polygamy.