Cult Leaders by Al Cimino is a fairly quick read that gives a brief overview of a dozen or more cults. When I picked up this book, I was hoping for more insight into the psychology behind cult leaders and what was going on in their minds, rather than just a brief overview of each group. The book is organized by types of cults rather than chronologically, which sometimes made me feel like I was bouncing back and forth, especially when certain ...
Nonfiction
Book Review: The Warren Legacy by Chris McKinnell | When the Afterlife Needs an Editor
Let’s talk about The Warren Legacy: What the Paranormal Reveals about Consciousness and Reality by Chris McKinnell. Reading it honestly reminded me of that meme with the little kid desperately trying to explain a dream. You know the one: “Have you ever had a dream that you, um, you had, your, you- you could, you’ll do, you- you wants…” And it just keeps going until you’re sitting there thinking, Buddy, I have absolutely no idea where ...
Book Review: Prophet’s Prey by Sam Brower | Justice, Ego, and the Victims Left Behind
I will not start this review with, "I don't know where to start." I repeat, I will not start this review with, "I don't know where to start." So let's start with Prophet's Prey by Sam Brower. For those unfamiliar with the story, it chronicles the pursuit of Warren Jeffs, leader of the FLDS church, and the years-long effort to bring him to justice. On paper, this should have been exactly the kind of book I would devour. High-control religion? ...
Book Review: Give Me Back My Children by Sarah C. Allred | Surviving the FLDS and Reclaiming Her Family
Give Me Back My Children by Sarah C. Allred offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of an FLDS woman under Warren Jeffs' control. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because the author displays real spunk, and I immediately appreciated her willingness to add a dose of irreverence—even using a curse word or two—during the early days of her marriage to Richard Allred. I also appreciated seeing Richard Allred—known as Rich to his ...
Book Review: Breaking Free by Rachel Jeffs | Surviving the FLDS and Finding Strength Beyond Abuse
Rachel Jeffs’ memoir, Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs, is a raw and deeply disturbing account of her lived experiences inside the FLDS and the horrific abuse she endured at the hands of her now-infamous father, Warren Jeffs. From the very first chapters, Rachel pulls no punches in exposing the realities of life under Warren Jeffs’ control. I’ve mentioned in other memoir reviews that I prefer ...
