Books Like...
'Not Without My Sister' is a harrowing memoir that delves into the lives of three sisters, Kristina, Celeste, and Juliana, who were born and raised in the Children of God cult. The book recounts the unimaginable physical, sexual, and emotional abuse they endured within the cult, shedding light on the disturbing practices and ideologies that shaped their upbringing. The narrative follows the sisters as they navigate through a childhood marked by violence, manipulation, and trauma, ultimately culminating in their courageous journey towards liberation and freedom. The writing style is raw and poignant, offering a candid portrayal of the sisters' experiences within the cult and their resilience in breaking free from its grip.
The book is praised for its unflinching honesty and compelling storytelling, providing readers with a powerful insight into the dark realities of life within a cult. Despite the difficult subject matter, the authors' narratives are both heartbreaking and inspiring, showcasing their strength and determination to overcome their past and create a new life for themselves outside the confines of the cult.
If you liked Not Without My Sister, here are the top 34 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs" by Rachel Jeffs is a shocking and disturbing true story that delves into the author's experiences growing up in the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) cult led by her father, Warren Jeffs. Through a first-hand account, Rachel recounts the emotional trauma, abuse, and manipulation she endured within the cult, shedding light on the inner workings of the FLDS community and the oppressive control exerted by her father. The writing style is compelling and straightforward, offering an honest expose of extremism and abuse while also showcasing Rachel's personal belief, strength, perseverance, and faith in her journey to break free from the cult.
Father was standing next to the Prophet’s casket at the front of the meeting house. The Prophet was Leroy Johnson, the leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and the only man ... - #2
Save:Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill is a memoir about the author's experience growing up in the Church of Scientology, specifically within the Sea Org, and her eventual escape from the cult. The book provides a firsthand account of the author's childhood within Scientology, detailing the strict lifestyle, grueling work schedules, and harsh punishments for mistakes. Through Jenna's narrative, readers get an in-depth look at the structure of the Church of Scientology and the personal struggles faced by its members.
Jenna Miscavige Hill's writing style is described as engaging, descriptive, and informative. She provides insight into Scientology using clear language and explanations, making the complex terminology and inner workings of the religion accessible to readers. The book is praised for its intelligent and witty writing, as well as for Jenna's ability to convey personal reflections on her experiences within the cult, creating a captivating and eye-opening narrative.
ONE OF MY EARLIEST MEMORIES OF SCIENTOLOGY WAS A CONVERSATION that happened when I was about four years old. At the time, my family was living in Los Angeles in an apartment that had been provided to ... - #3
Save:Blown for Good by Marc Headley is a memoir detailing life inside a Scientology compound and the author's eventual escape. The book exposes the dark truth behind Scientology, portraying it as a cult-like organization where followers face abuse, manipulation, and inhumane treatment. Headley's informal writing style draws readers in, providing personal insights and interpretations of the religion as he navigates through the ranks, making the narrative engaging and believable. The author's journey to freedom and reality, breaking through the control and conditioning of the cult, is portrayed as a testament to his strength of character.
They are driving right alongside me in the black Nissan Pathfinder. The roads are slick from the rain and I am in no position to do any sort of maneuvering with my bags on the motorbike. I round the t... - #4
Save:"Leaving Isn't the Hardest Things" by Lauren Hough is a collection of essays that form a memoir detailing the author's experiences growing up in a cult, surviving trauma in the military, homelessness, abusive relationships, and incarceration. The essays are described as brutally honest, immensely powerful, and written with stark honesty, self-awareness, and dry wit. The author's writing style combines brutal honesty, dark humor, and unapologetic attitude, making the stories relatable and engaging for the readers.
If you ask me where I’m from, I’ll lie to you. I’ll tell you my parents were missionaries. I’ll tell you I’m from Boston. I’ll tell you I’m from Texas. Those lies, people believe. I’m better at lying ... - In some ways, Westminster spoiled Oxford for me. By the time I went up, in the autumn of 1988, I had already done medieval cloisters and archaic slang like ‘subfusc’, which meant formal clothing, and ...
A funny, insightful memoir by much-loved documentary maker Louis Theroux, taking us on a weird and wonderful journey through two decades of groundbreaking television.
... - #6
Save:'3,096 Days' by Natascha Kampusch is a harrowing memoir detailing the author's abduction at the age of 10 by a 35-year-old man. Held in captivity for over eight years in harsh conditions, Natascha's story is one of resilience, survival, and the unseen force of a young girl fighting against evil. The narrative provides insight into the psychological aspects of her experience, her journey towards freedom, and her complex relationship with her captor, all told with a remarkably unemotional style that showcases her strength and maturity.
My father and I had spent the last weekend of February 1998 in Hungary, where he had purchased a holiday house in a small village not far from the border. It was a complete dump, with damp walls where... - #7
Save:'The Unbreakable Miss Lovely' by Tony Ortega is a gripping account of the relentless harassment suffered by Paulette Cooper at the hands of the Church of Scientology. Through detailed storytelling and investigative journalism, Ortega sheds light on the covert operations orchestrated by Scientology against Cooper, revealing the cult's sinister tactics to silence and destroy critics. not only delves into Cooper's resilience and courage in facing the cult's attacks but also uncovers the dark history and manipulative practices of Scientology under the leadership of L. Ron Hubbard.
Ruchla Minkowski Bucholc couldn’t wait any longer. Several days had passed since her cousin last came with new supplies, and Ruchla had no way of knowing if the girl would ever come again. She might h... "Bare-Faced Messiah: The True Story Of L. Ron Hubbard" by Russell Miller delves into the life of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, focusing on his early years and family history. The book is meticulously researched, providing a comprehensive biography that examines Hubbard's life, including his numerous claims and the dubious nature of his character. Miller's narrative style is fluid, with competent transitions that capture the essence of Hubbard's personality, portraying him as a charismatic yet deeply flawed individual. The writing balances thorough investigation with an engaging storytelling approach, making it accessible to readers interested in understanding the man behind the controversial religion.
Miller's work stands out for its depth, as it not only recounts Hubbard's biography but also critiques his actions and the impact of his beliefs on American culture. While the book occasionally slows down due to the repetitive nature of Hubbard's later years, it remains compelling and thought-provoking. By presenting a well-rounded view of Hubbard's life and the origins of Scientology, Miller invites readers to consider the broader implications of Hubbard's legacy, both as an individual and as the architect of a controversial movement.
'Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought' by L. Ron Hubbard seems to delve into the controversial world of Scientology, exploring the origins of the religion and the life of its founder. Readers mention that the book covers Hubbard's background in the occult and hypnotism, as well as how he convinced people to join Scientology, portraying him as one of the most successful cult leaders of all time. Some readers also comment on the book being a biography of L. Ron Hubbard, providing insights into his life as a science fiction writer and the beginnings of Scientology.
- #10
Save:Steven Hassan's book "Combatting Cult Mind Control" delves into the mechanics and techniques of destructive mind control used by cults. Drawing from his personal experience and research, Hassan provides insights on how cults manipulate individuals, isolate them from their loved ones, and instill fear to maintain control. The book not only exposes the tactics employed by cults but also offers strategies for healing and empowering individuals to break free from the influence of cults. Through a blend of psychological, sociological, and historical perspectives, Hassan guides readers on a journey towards self-discovery and liberation from mind control.
Since February 1974, I have been involved with the problems caused by destructive cults. That was when I was recruited into the “One World Crusade,” one of hundreds of front groups of the Unification ...
