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.

'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.

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.

'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.

'Shoes of a Servant' by Diane Benscoter is a compelling memoir that delves into the author's personal journey of being involved in the Moonie cult and her eventual escape. Through vivid storytelling, the book portrays the gradual process of how individuals can be drawn into cults, the manipulation of beliefs, and the struggle to break free from such entrapment. Readers get a glimpse into the author's experiences, the impact on her family, and the challenges she faced in regaining her freedom. The narrative is filled with authenticity, empathy, and a straightforward account of the author's cult experiences.

The book offers a thought-provoking insight into the workings of cults, the power of shared subjective reality, and the impact of cult programming on individuals. It highlights the importance of understanding how vulnerable individuals can be lured into such groups and the resilience required to break free from their influence. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and reflections, 'Shoes of a Servant' presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the psychological complexities of cult involvement and the journey towards self-discovery and liberation.

'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.

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.

'Waco: A Survivor's Story' by David Thibodeau and Leon Whiteson provides a first-hand account of the tragic events that unfolded during the Waco siege. It delves into the actions of the ATF and FBI, portraying them as acting like fascists with poor intelligence and command, resulting in the deaths of innocent people, including children. The narrative offers an interesting testimony of life inside the compound and sheds light on the grossness of the authorities' actions as well as David Koresh's questionable leadership.

Thibodeau's narrative explores the complexities of life within the cult, showcasing both the good and the bad aspects. offers insights into the events leading up to the siege, the siege itself, and the aftermath, highlighting the impact of beliefs on individuals' worldviews and morality. It presents a raw and powerful account of survival, while also acknowledging the importance of consulting other sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Waco tragedy.

In "Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement" by Kathryn Joyce, the author delves into the dangerous and acidic patriarchy known as patriocentricity that has infiltrated Christianity. The book exposes the extreme beliefs and practices of this movement, which go far beyond traditional complementarianism. Joyce reveals the oppressive nature of patriocentricity, where women are forbidden from various aspects of autonomy, including voting, working outside the home, and using birth control. Through detailed interviews and descriptions, the author paints a vivid picture of the disturbing beliefs and behaviors of those involved in this movement.

The book also explores the personal stories of individuals impacted by patriocentricity, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll it takes on women and families. Through real-life accounts and meticulous research, Kathryn Joyce brings to light the harmful effects of this patriarchal ideology on both individuals and society as a whole.

Linda Kay Klein's book delves into the purity movement and the culture of sexual shaming within the evangelical community in the U.S. The book is described as a mix of memoir and expose, where Klein shares her own experiences and interviews evangelical women who have been negatively impacted by the church's teachings on purity. Through anecdotes and statistics, Klein explores the long-lasting effects of the purity culture, including victim blaming, submission of women to men, and the struggles faced by those who have left the evangelical faith.