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riversong222's review
5.0
This book was a lantern in the dark when I was leaving the Saints. Her truth reflected my truth. Her words gave me courage, guidance, and the knowledge that I was going to be okay, regardless of what the TBM thought.
mjatuw's review
4.0
amazing story of self-reflection and strength tied up in the sad story of family, community, and religion
hnelson_2021's review against another edition
3.0
I felt a little annoyed with the author at times, but overall it was a well written book. I found it very interesting, particularly the history of the LDS Church. I've never felt the inclination to join the LDS Church, but have spent time with some wonderful Mormon people. I admire their sense of community, family values and just their general niceness, but as with any group of people of course there will be those who fall short. I definitely don't think Mormons are perfect. What really concerns me is the sketchiness of the Church's founder. Joseph Smith and his shenanigans totally blows my mind, and it baffles me how people can believe it. I suppose faith trumps rationality.
keisenbraun's review
5.0
Holy cow, this was riveting. Martha Beck’s story about leaving the Mormon church is astonishing, horrifying, yet hopeful. I’m a big fan of Beck’s so I knew about her Mormon upbringing, but I didn’t know the extent of the abuse and trauma she suffered, first at the hands of her father and then other family members and church leaders who told her both that nothing happened to her and she couldn’t talk about it.
Martha’s position as the daughter of a highly respected Mormon apologist may have protected her during a period when several of her colleagues at Brigham Young University were excommunicated or disfellowshipped for publishing scholarly work that was considered “intellectual and feminist.” Martha and her husband John both separately decided to leave the church shortly thereafter.
A true spiritual seeker, Martha mined other religious traditions and her own beliefs to arrive at a different interpretation of God, one that is loving and not shrouded in dogma and deception. One that values truth and authenticity over tradition and belonging.
Martha’s position as the daughter of a highly respected Mormon apologist may have protected her during a period when several of her colleagues at Brigham Young University were excommunicated or disfellowshipped for publishing scholarly work that was considered “intellectual and feminist.” Martha and her husband John both separately decided to leave the church shortly thereafter.
A true spiritual seeker, Martha mined other religious traditions and her own beliefs to arrive at a different interpretation of God, one that is loving and not shrouded in dogma and deception. One that values truth and authenticity over tradition and belonging.
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