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 ...
Religion / Cults
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 ...
Book Review: Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar | Surviving Faith and Finding a Voice
Reading Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar Dillard resurfaced a lot of unresolved religious trauma for me—mainly anger. Not so much for myself anymore, but for my daughters and others. I always struggled to follow the rules, and while I tried to give my kids some exposure to the real world, I still sheltered them from a lot. That came from my own experience of being extremely sheltered, much like Jill was. I still struggle with feeling like I ...
