Books Like...
Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs by Elissa Wall is a compelling memoir that delves into the author's harrowing experiences growing up in a polygamous sect led by Warren Jeffs. The book vividly portrays Wall's journey from being forced into a child marriage at the age of 14 to breaking free from the oppressive FLDS community. Through her raw and honest storytelling, Wall sheds light on the brainwashing, abuse, and control prevalent within the sect, offering readers a glimpse into the dark reality of life under the influence of a manipulative leader.
The narrative in Stolen Innocence is gripping and heart-wrenching, as Wall recounts her struggles, fears, and ultimately her triumph over the oppressive forces that sought to silence her. The writing style is poignant and evocative, immersing readers in Wall's emotional turmoil as she navigates a world where questioning authority is forbidden, and escaping seems like an insurmountable challenge. The book serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength it takes to break free from a cycle of abuse and manipulation.
If you liked Stolen Innocence, here are the top 57 books to read next:
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'Escape' by Carolyn Jessop is a gripping autobiography detailing the author's harrowing journey of growing up and eventually leaving a fundamentalist Mormon upbringing. The narrative sheds light on the abuse of power within the FLDS sect, particularly focusing on the physical and mental abuses endured by Carolyn and her children. Despite the challenges and hardships faced, Jessop's story serves as an inspiring tale of courage and resilience, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from oppressive environments for a chance at a better life. The book offers a fascinating inside look at the world of the FLDS sect, highlighting the struggles faced by women and children within the community.
Jessop's writing style in 'Escape' captivates readers with its emotional portrayal of polygamy and life within a cult-like environment. Through a mix of heart-wrenching accounts and shocking revelations, the author paints a frightening picture of the FLDS cult, showcasing the strength and determination required to escape such a restrictive and abusive setting. Despite some opinions critiquing the writing style as repetitive or lacking in certain aspects, the overall narrative of 'Escape' succeeds in drawing readers into Jessop's world, leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into her courageous story.
Escape. The moment had come. I had been watching and waiting for months. The time was right. I had to act fast and without fear. I could not afford to fail. Nine lives were at stake: those of my eight... - #2
'The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice' by author Rebecca Musser is a captivating autobiography that delves into the life of the author as a member of the extreme Mormon group, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). Rebecca Musser grew up in a polygamist household, facing restrictions and abuse, and was forced into an arranged marriage at age 19 to the FLDS Prophet. She eventually escapes the FLDS community and becomes a key witness in convicting FLDS leaders of heinous crimes, shedding light on the atrocities within the church. portrays Rebecca's journey of perseverance, courage, and determination to seek justice against the oppressive FLDS leaders.
Rebecca Musser's writing style in 'The Witness Wore Red' is emotionally impactful and compelling, providing a detailed account of her experiences within the FLDS community. highlights the author's faith, conviction, and bravery in standing up against the odds, ultimately leading to the exposure and prosecution of the criminal activities within the FLDS church.
It was an unusually temperate day for early spring, and the delicious scent of new beginnings wafted through the open window, filling my body with pure joy. Instead of peering longingly out at the gra... - #3
"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 ... 'Banished: Surviving My Years in the Westboro Baptist Church' by Lisa Pulitzer and Lauren Drain is a gripping account of Lauren's journey from a 'normal' childhood into one of the most hate-filled cults, the Westboro Baptist Church. The narrative delves into the grotesque and fascinating world within the WBC compound, shedding light on the cult's founder, Fred Phelps, and his family's promotion of seclusion and humiliation to maintain loyalty. Lauren's story unfolds as she recounts her family's move to the WBC compound in Topeka, Kansas, her indoctrination into the cult's beliefs, and her eventual banishment after questioning the church's practices.
Lauren Drain courageously shares enlightening details of her experiences with the WBC, offering insights into the mind control and groupthink prevalent in cults. provides a poignant exploration of Lauren's evolution from a fervent participant in the WBC's activities, including picketing events and hate speech, to her eventual departure from the cult and embrace of a new life. Through her candid narrative, readers witness the internal struggles, conflicts, and eventual liberation of a young woman caught in the grips of an extremist organization, ultimately finding hope and redemption outside the confines of the WBC.
I was five years old when I was uprooted for the first time. I was just beginning school, but having skipped kindergarten, I was already in first grade. My parents had taught me how to read and write ...- #5
"The Polygamist's Daughter" by Anna LeBaron is a gripping memoir that delves into the life of Anna LeBaron, who grew up in a polygamist cult of the Mormon church. The book details her harrowing experiences, including abuse, murders, and brainwashing, while also highlighting themes of hope, redemption, and ultimate freedom. The writing style is described as compelling, heart-wrenching, and page-turning, making it hard to put down once started.
I stood in the driveway of our Dallas home, clinging to my mother as the sun rose higher in the sky, and begged her through my tears not to go. I couldn’t imagine life without my mother. So great was ... - #6
Brent Jeffs gives a harrowing account of his experience growing up in and later leaving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). His recollection of events that took place in his polygamous family provided insight into the struggles a household with more than one wife might face. Brent also explains why boys, even those from privileged FLDS families, are not guaranteed a spot in church leadership and that many are kicked out of the church and abandoned by their families, only to become lost boys. Brent tells his story with the assistance of Maia Szalavitz, and her style makes the book compelling to read and easy to follow. The book details Brent's upbringing in the FLDS, the sexual abuse he suffered as a child, and his struggles with addiction and leaving the church.
E very child believes he’s special. But when you are number ten of twenty, with three “sister-mothers”—two of whom are full-blooded sisters—and a grandfather whom thousands of people believe speaks di... 'Unfollow: A Journey from Hatred to Hope' by Megan Phelps-Roper is a memoir that delves into the author's upbringing in the Westboro Baptist Church, known for its extreme beliefs and controversial picketing activities. The book follows Megan's transformation from a devoted church member to questioning her beliefs and eventually breaking away from the church. Through her personal experiences and struggles, Megan portrays the complexities of family ties, indoctrination, and the journey towards self-discovery and redemption. The writing style captures the emotional turmoil, the internal conflicts, and the eventual liberation of a woman who dares to challenge the beliefs she was raised with.
If a mother thinks something is important enough to take a public position about, shouldn’t she teach her children that value? Where else should children be at the time of public debate? At the local ...- #8
'Prophet's Prey' by Sam Brower is a well-researched and excellently written book that delves into the criminal practices of the FLDS cult, particularly focusing on the abuse and atrocities committed by its leader Warren Jeffs and his followers. The author, a private investigator, provides a unique outsider's perspective on the cult, shedding light on the extreme atrocities and illegal practices occurring within the organization. Brower's writing style is factual and informative, reflecting his investigative background, and he leaves no stone unturned in detailing the abuses and crimes committed under the guise of religious freedom.
The book is a gripping and addictive read that exposes the horrors of the FLDS cult, particularly the abuse inflicted on women, children, and young boys. Brower's dedication to investigating and combating the abuse within the cult is commendable, and his detailed accounts of the investigations and the pursuit of justice against the abusers make for a compelling narrative. Through his writing, Brower not only highlights the dark realities of the FLDS but also emphasizes the importance of standing up against mass abuse in the name of faith, making a strong case for the need to address cults and ensure the safety of their members.
The prisoner’s hands were cuffed to a belly chain that was cinched tight around his scrawny waist and secured by a padlock. The shackles on his ankles hobbled his stride to a shuffle as two large men,... - #9
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 ... 'The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality' by Amanda Montell is a thought-provoking exploration of cognitive biases and logical fallacies in modern life. Montell uses relevant examples from social media, pop culture, and her own experiences to explain these concepts in an accessible manner. Readers found the book to be a mix of personal narrative and pop psychology, delving into how biases impact our thinking and decision-making processes. Montell's writing style is described as engaging, humorous, and relatable, making complex concepts easy to understand.