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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.

If you liked Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free, here are the top 24 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    Shameless: A Sexual Reformation by Nadia Bolz-Weber
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    Shameless: A Sexual Reformation by Nadia Bolz-Weber is a provocative and candid exploration of sexuality within the context of Christianity. The book challenges traditional church teachings on sex and sexuality, encouraging readers to embrace their true selves and reject harmful notions of shame and guilt. Through personal stories and reflections, Bolz-Weber addresses topics such as premarital abstinence, homosexuality, birth control, and abortion, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to these controversial issues. Her writing style is described as raw, honest, and empowering, offering a fresh perspective on integrating sexuality with faith.

    The text message, with a teary-faced emoji, flashed across my phone as I got in my car and drove to the place where I was scheduled to preach in an hour. I called my parishioner Cecilia back, knowing ...

  2. The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire, Joanna Sawatsky, and Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach is a groundbreaking book that challenges the harmful messages about sex and marriage perpetuated by popular Christian marriage books. Through data collected from over 20,000 women, the authors uncover the damaging impact of these messages on women and marriages, offering a healthier, biblical understanding of sex. The book exposes the lies and stereotypes promoted in Christian marriage literature and advocates for a more respectful, mutual, and loving approach to sex within marriage.


  3. 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.

    “I’ve watched my wife counsel a lot of young ladies who are considering marriage, and she always asks them the question, ‘Are you willing to call your husband “Lord”?’ There will be dead silence in th...

  4. The Purity Myth by Jessica Valenti delves into the harmful effects of America's obsession with virginity, particularly on young women. Valenti's writing style combines wit and informative storytelling, challenging preconceived notions of female sexuality. The book discusses topics such as the virginity movement, sex education, race, and the objectification of women's bodies, weaving together facts and personal stories to shed light on the damaging impact of societal expectations surrounding virginity.

    IN THE MOMENTS AFTER I FIRST HAD SEX, my then-boyfriend—lying down next to me over his lint-covered blanket—grabbed a pen from his nightstand and drew a heart on the wall molding above his bed with ou...

  5. 'You Are Your Own: A Reckoning with the Religious Trauma of Evangelical Christianity' by Jamie Lee Finch is a powerful exploration of religious trauma and deconstruction from Evangelicalism. Through personal experiences and insightful research, Finch guides readers on a journey towards healing and self-discovery. The book delves deep into the impact of toxic Christianity on individuals' lives, offering validation, understanding, and hope for those who have experienced religious trauma.


  6. A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy is a powerful memoir by Tia Levings, recounting her journey through the painful realities of living within a patriarchal Christian framework. Starting from her teenage years in a Baptist megachurch, Tia reveals how the restrictive teachings about gender roles shaped her life and led her into an abusive marriage. Throughout the book, Tia shares her experiences with psychological and physical abuse, illustrating the chilling effects of extreme religious doctrines on her marriage and motherhood.

    The writing style is reflective and engaging, making it hard to put the book down. Tia crafts her story with warmth and hope, despite the heavy subject matter. Readers find it relatable, even if their backgrounds differ, as she shares the painful realities of resurfacing from psychological trauma. The memoir shines a light on the destructive elements of fundamentalist teachings and the resilience required to escape them, making it both a gripping and educational read.


  7. "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 ...

  8. #8

    Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs by Elissa Wall
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    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.

    I can still smell the Dutch-oven roast on the table the night Dad announced we were getting a new mother. Even though there were already two mothers in our house, receiving a third was cause for celeb...

  9. "Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good" by Adrienne Maree Brown is a revolutionary piece of non-fiction that challenges readers to embrace pleasure as a form of activism. Through a collection of essays, the author explores topics such as self-love, activism, feminism, diversity, and queer identities. Readers find themselves immersed in a world where joy, desire, and pleasure are not only celebrated but also seen as powerful tools for social change. Brown's writing style is described as insightful, inspiring, and educational, offering readers a new perspective on pleasure and its role in personal and collective liberation.

    There are many kinds of power, used and unused, acknowledged or otherwise.22 The erotic is a resource within each of us that lies in a deeply female and spiritual plane, firmly rooted in the power of ...

  10. #10

    Prophet's Prey by Sam Brower
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    '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,...

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