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A review by plottwistqueen
Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show by Bethany Joy Lenz
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dinner with Vampires is an absolute whirlwind of emotions—I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I felt relief. Bethany Joy Lenz takes you on an incredible journey through her life inside a cult, and the way she finds her voice is nothing short of powerful. It’s one of those books that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go.
As a longtime One Tree Hill fan and someone who has always admired Lenz, I was eagerly anticipating this book—curious about what she had hinted at for so long. And wow, what a ride. She does an amazing job laying out how she was drawn into this group without realizing what was happening, how it shaped every part of her life, and the long-lasting impact it had on her mental health, finances, and overall well-being. It’s shocking to see how people can manipulate others under the guise of faith, family, and trust—but it’s also fascinating, heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring to watch her break free.
On top of that, there are some interesting behind-the-scenes moments from her career, which add another layer of intrigue, but what really stands out is the raw honesty in her storytelling. As someone who has experienced religious conformity and the pressure to suppress my own identity, this book hit deep. It felt like sitting in a room with someone who gets it-who understands the weight of being taught that your worth is tied to a set of rules that were never meant to serve you. The way she articulated those emotions and experiences was both validating and healing.
Lenz’s resilience shines through every page, and I have so much respect for her bravery in sharing this story. It’s an easy, fast read, but one that lingers with you long after. I’d love to see this adapted into a limited series documentary someday. Highly recommend!
Dinner with Vampires is an absolute whirlwind of emotions—I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I felt relief. Bethany Joy Lenz takes you on an incredible journey through her life inside a cult, and the way she finds her voice is nothing short of powerful. It’s one of those books that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go.
As a longtime One Tree Hill fan and someone who has always admired Lenz, I was eagerly anticipating this book—curious about what she had hinted at for so long. And wow, what a ride. She does an amazing job laying out how she was drawn into this group without realizing what was happening, how it shaped every part of her life, and the long-lasting impact it had on her mental health, finances, and overall well-being. It’s shocking to see how people can manipulate others under the guise of faith, family, and trust—but it’s also fascinating, heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring to watch her break free.
On top of that, there are some interesting behind-the-scenes moments from her career, which add another layer of intrigue, but what really stands out is the raw honesty in her storytelling. As someone who has experienced religious conformity and the pressure to suppress my own identity, this book hit deep. It felt like sitting in a room with someone who gets it-who understands the weight of being taught that your worth is tied to a set of rules that were never meant to serve you. The way she articulated those emotions and experiences was both validating and healing.
Lenz’s resilience shines through every page, and I have so much respect for her bravery in sharing this story. It’s an easy, fast read, but one that lingers with you long after. I’d love to see this adapted into a limited series documentary someday. Highly recommend!