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 ...
Nonfiction
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 ...
Book Review: Unspeakable by Jessica Willis Fisher | Trauma, Faith, and Religious Harm
Unspeakable by Jessica Willis Fisher is a heartbreaking memoir that explores religious trauma, abuse, and survival. At times, it is difficult to digest — but it is absolutely worth the read. Because Jessica narrates the audiobook herself, I highly recommend listening to it in that format if possible. Hearing her gentle voice tell her own story — and sing her lyrics — creates a profound sense of intimacy, camaraderie, and understanding. The ...
Book Review: Satan’s Harvest by Robert David Chase | Victim Blaming in Paranormal Narratives
Satan’s Harvest is book #6 in the Ed and Lorraine Warren series, and the fourth one I’ve read. I’ve had some trouble tracking down a couple of the earlier titles (yes, I am glaring directly at my library for this), but honestly—that frustration pales in comparison to the reaction this book inspired. I’m just going to say it outright: writing this review may very well be the literary equivalent of setting fire to any chance of being accepted as ...
Book Review: Werewolf by Robert David Chase | Jacob Black Not Included
Werewolf by Robert David Chase is the fifth installment in the Ed and Lorraine Warren series. It’s the third book I’ve read so far, and honestly? At this point, every story involving them somehow circles back to extremely mentally ill people being turned into paranormal spectacles. Werewolf is no different. While it’s credited to the Warrens, the Ramseys, and coauthor Robert David Chase, no matter how many people were involved, the narrative ...
