Are you fascinated by the stories of individuals who have bravely left the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and started anew? If so, you’ll want to check out these 20 best books about leaving FLDS. These powerful memoirs and biographies offer raw and inspiring accounts of individuals’ journeys to break free from the constraints of the FLDS community. Get ready to be captivated by the resilience and strength of these authors as they share their experiences of leaving FLDS behind.
Contents
- 1 20 Best Books About Leaving Flds
- 2 Educated
- 3 Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs
- 4 The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice
- 5 Escape
- 6 Church of Lies
- 7 The Sound of Gravel
- 8 Banished: Surviving My Years in the Westboro Baptist Church
- 9 The Polygamist’s Daughter
- 10 The Unbreakable Child: A Story About Forgiving the Unforgivable
- 11 The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives
- 12 The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir
- 13 The Witness: Unfolding the Anatomy of a Killer
- 14 Stolen Innocence
- 15 The Witness Wore Red
- 16 Breaking Free
- 17 Lost Boy
- 18 Leaving the Saints
- 19 Banished
- 20 Shattered Dreams
- 21 Answer Them Nothing
- 22 Conclusion
- 23
20 Best Books About Leaving Flds
Educated
by Tara Westover
Educated by Tara Westover is a gripping memoir about the author’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Raised in a strict and isolated household in rural Idaho, Westover was not allowed to attend school and had limited exposure to the outside world. Determined to break free from the constraints of her upbringing, she embarked on a remarkable journey of self-education, eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge University. This powerful book offers a raw and honest account of Westover’s struggle to break free from her past and find her own path in life. It is a compelling and inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Educated is a must-read for anyone interested in stories of overcoming adversity and the pursuit of a better life.
Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs
by Elissa Wall
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 courageous and gripping memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author’s harrowing experiences in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Wall recounts her upbringing in the FLDS community, her forced marriage at the age of 14, and her eventual escape from the control of the sect’s leader, Warren Jeffs. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength it takes to break free from a life of oppression and abuse. This book about leaving flds sheds light on the realities of life within a polygamous sect and offers hope to those seeking to break free from similar situations.
The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice
by Rebecca Musser
The Witness Wore Red by Rebecca Musser is a gripping memoir that tells the story of a courageous woman’s journey from a life of oppression and abuse within the FLDS cult to becoming a key witness in the prosecution of its leaders. Musser’s account provides a harrowing insight into the inner workings of the polygamous cult and the horrors she endured before finding the strength to break free. Her bravery and determination ultimately led to the conviction of cult leaders, shedding light on the dark reality of life within the FLDS community. This compelling book about leaving FLDS is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a must-read for anyone interested in stories of survival and justice.
Escape
by Carolyn Jessop
Escape by Carolyn Jessop is a captivating memoir about her harrowing experience of leaving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). This powerful book chronicles her courageous journey to break free from the oppressive and abusive community she was raised in. Jessop provides a raw and honest account of the control and manipulation she endured within the FLDS, as well as the challenges she faced when she made the decision to escape. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the resilience of the human heart. Escape is a compelling and eye-opening read that offers a rare insight into the world of polygamy and the difficulties of starting a new life outside of the FLDS. This book about leaving FLDS is a must-read for anyone interested in stories of survival and triumph over adversity.
Church of Lies
by Flora Jessop
Church of Lies by Flora Jessop is a gripping memoir that chronicles her harrowing journey of leaving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). In this powerful and eye-opening book, Jessop shares her experiences growing up in the oppressive and controlling FLDS community, and her ultimate escape from its clutches. She exposes the dark secrets and abuse that she witnessed and endured, shedding light on the disturbing realities of life within the FLDS. Church of Lies is a courageous and inspiring account of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of freedom. This book about leaving FLDS offers a rare and intimate insight into the struggles and triumphs of those who break free from the confines of a cult-like society. Jessop’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the indomitable will to seek a better life beyond the confines of oppression.
The Sound of Gravel
by Ruth Wariner
The Sound of Gravel is a captivating memoir about Ruth Wariner’s upbringing in a polygamist Mormon colony in Mexico. The book details her tumultuous childhood, growing up in poverty and facing abuse and neglect within her family. As she navigates the complexities of life in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), Ruth ultimately finds the strength to break free from the oppressive community and forge her own path. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and the human spirit, offering a raw and honest account of her journey towards independence and self-discovery. This poignant narrative sheds light on the challenges faced by those who seek to break away from restrictive religious communities, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the theme of leaving FLDS.
Banished: Surviving My Years in the Westboro Baptist Church
by Lauren Drain
Banished: Surviving My Years in the Westboro Baptist Church by Lauren Drain is a gripping memoir about the author’s experience growing up in and eventually leaving the infamous church known for its extreme beliefs and controversial protests. Drain provides a raw and honest account of her life within the church, detailing the indoctrination, family dynamics, and eventual expulsion that led to her leaving the Westboro Baptist Church. Her journey of self-discovery and resilience is both inspiring and eye-opening, offering a unique perspective on the power of love and acceptance in the face of hatred and intolerance. This book about leaving flds is a compelling and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the complexities of religious extremism and the human capacity for change and redemption.
The Polygamist’s Daughter
by Anna LeBaron
The Polygamist’s Daughter by Anna LeBaron is a powerful memoir that delves into the author’s tumultuous journey of escaping from a polygamist cult. This gripping book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride as Anna recounts her harrowing experiences growing up in the dangerous and oppressive environment of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The narrative is an eye-opening exploration of the struggles and challenges faced by those who break free from the shackles of oppressive religious communities. With raw honesty and compelling storytelling, LeBaron shares her inspiring and triumphant story of resilience and redemption. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating and often heart-wrenching world of leaving polygamist cults.
The Unbreakable Child: A Story About Forgiving the Unforgivable
by Kim Michele Richardson
The Unbreakable Child: A Story About Forgiving the Unforgivable by Kim Michele Richardson is a powerful and moving memoir that tells the story of a woman’s journey towards forgiveness after leaving a restrictive religious community. Richardson shares her experiences growing up in a strict religious sect and the abuse she endured. Through her raw and honest storytelling, she explores the trauma and pain she faced, as well as the healing and forgiveness that eventually followed. This book delves into the complexities of leaving a closed community and finding the strength to overcome the past. The Unbreakable Child is a compelling and inspiring read that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of breaking free from a restrictive environment. If you’re interested in a book about leaving flds, this memoir is a must-read.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives
by Lola Shoneyin
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a captivating and insightful novel by Lola Shoneyin that delves into the complex dynamics of a polygamous family in Nigeria. The story follows Baba Segi, a wealthy and proud man with four wives, each with their own secrets and desires. When a new wife, Bolanle, enters the picture, she disrupts the household and uncovers the hidden truths within the family. Through rich storytelling and vivid characters, Shoneyin explores themes of love, betrayal, and the power dynamics within a polygamous marriage. The novel offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of women in a patriarchal society, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
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The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir
by Anna LeBaron
The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir by Anna LeBaron is a captivating and courageous account of her life growing up in a polygamist cult and her eventual escape from it. This gripping book details Anna’s journey of self-discovery and healing as she breaks free from the oppressive and controlling environment of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Through her powerful storytelling, Anna sheds light on the dark and often misunderstood world of polygamy, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles and triumphs she faced while leaving the compound. The Polygamist’s Daughter is a compelling and inspiring read that delves into the complexities of family, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit. This memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic of leaving FLDS and finding freedom.
The Witness: Unfolding the Anatomy of a Killer
by Wanda Draper
The Witness: Unfolding the Anatomy of a Killer by Wanda Draper is a riveting account of a woman’s journey of liberation from a restrictive religious community. This gripping book on leaving FLDS delves into the author’s personal experiences and harrowing ordeal as she seeks to break free from the confines of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Draper’s narrative skillfully unravels the complexities of her escape and the challenges she faced, offering a raw and compelling insight into the process of breaking away from a cult-like environment. The Witness is an eye-opening and powerful account of one woman’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the topic of leaving FLDS.
Stolen Innocence
by Elissa Wall
Stolen Innocence is a gripping memoir that chronicles Elissa Wall’s harrowing journey of leaving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Wall bravely shares her experiences growing up in the polygamous community, her forced marriage at the age of fourteen, and the abuse she endured. This compelling book on leaving FLDS sheds light on the oppressive nature of the sect and the courage it takes to break free from its control. Wall’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength it takes to reclaim one’s own life. Stolen Innocence is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of leaving a closed religious community and the journey toward personal freedom and empowerment.
The Witness Wore Red
by Rebecca Musser
The Witness Wore Red by Rebecca Musser is a gripping memoir about her journey of leaving the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). As a former member of this secretive and oppressive community, Musser shares her harrowing experiences and the challenges she faced in breaking free from the control of the FLDS leadership. Through her powerful storytelling, readers are given a firsthand account of the strict religious doctrines, forced marriages, and the culture of fear that permeated the FLDS. Musser’s courage and resilience shine through as she recounts her escape and her determination to seek justice for herself and others who have suffered within the FLDS. This book about leaving the FLDS is a compelling and eye-opening read that sheds light on the complexities of religious extremism and the strength it takes to break free from it.
Breaking Free
by Rachel Jeffs
Breaking Free by Rachel Jeffs is a powerful memoir about her journey of liberation from the oppressive regime of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). In this gripping book on leaving FLDS, Rachel shares her harrowing experiences growing up in the FLDS community, including her forced marriage to an older man and the immense pressure to conform to the strict rules and beliefs of the sect. Despite the challenges and obstacles she faced, Rachel found the courage to break free from the confines of the FLDS and reclaim her own autonomy. Her compelling story of resilience, strength, and ultimate freedom is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most daunting circumstances. Breaking Free is a must-read for anyone interested in the inspiring journey of leaving FLDS and finding one’s true self.
Lost Boy
by Brent W. Jeffs
Lost Boy by Brent W. Jeffs is a captivating memoir that offers a raw and honest account of his journey of leaving the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). As the nephew of the FLDS leader Warren Jeffs, Brent provides a unique and deeply personal insight into the oppressive and controlling environment within the FLDS community. His story sheds light on the struggles and conflicts he faced as he broke free from the confines of the FLDS and embarked on a path to self-discovery and freedom. Through his compelling narrative, Brent Jeffs shares his experiences with courage and resilience, offering a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and transformation. Lost Boy is a remarkable book about leaving the FLDS that will resonate with readers seeking stories of courage, hope, and the pursuit of personal liberation.
Leaving the Saints
by Martha Beck
Leaving the Saints by Martha Beck is a compelling memoir that delves into the author’s experience of leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as the Mormon Church. In this poignant and thought-provoking book, Beck shares her journey of questioning her faith, grappling with the teachings of the LDS, and ultimately finding the courage to break free from the constraints of the religion. With raw emotion and unflinching honesty, she explores the complexities of her upbringing in a devout Mormon family and the profound impact it had on her life. Leaving the Saints is a powerful and enlightening read that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of breaking away from a deeply ingrained belief system, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the personal journey of leaving a religious organization.
Banished
by Lauren Drain
Banished by Lauren Drain is a powerful memoir that provides a firsthand account of the author’s experience of being exiled from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). This gripping book details Drain’s journey of leaving the insular and oppressive world of the FLDS, and the challenges she faced as she embarked on a new life outside of the community. Through her candid and compelling narrative, Drain offers a rare insight into the complexities of leaving a cult-like environment and rebuilding a new identity. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and ultimately, liberation. Banished is a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamics of religious communities and the human spirit’s capacity for transformation and growth.
Shattered Dreams
by Irene Spencer
Shattered Dreams is a compelling memoir by Irene Spencer, chronicling her tumultuous journey of breaking free from the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) community. This poignant book on leaving the FLDS offers a raw and honest account of Irene’s struggles, heartaches, and triumphs as she dares to defy the constraints of her oppressive upbringing. Through her captivating storytelling, readers are given a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the FLDS and the harrowing experiences endured by those who seek to escape its clutches. Shattered Dreams is a gripping and inspiring book about leaving the FLDS, and it serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Answer Them Nothing
by Debra Weyermann
Answer Them Nothing by Debra Weyermann is a gripping account of her experience leaving the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) community. This powerful memoir provides a firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs of breaking free from a restrictive and controlling environment. Weyermann’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the search for personal freedom in the face of overwhelming odds. Through her candid and compelling narrative, readers gain insight into the complexities of leaving a closed religious community and the emotional turmoil that accompanies such a journey. Answer Them Nothing is a must-read for anyone interested in the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and the power of self-discovery. This book about leaving FLDS is an inspiring and enlightening exploration of the human experience.
Conclusion
Leaving the FLDS community can be a challenging and courageous journey, and these 20 best books about Leaving Flds offer powerful and inspiring accounts of individuals who have embarked on this path. From memoirs to investigative exposes, these books shed light on the complexities and struggles associated with breaking free from the FLDS. Whether you are seeking personal insight or a deeper understanding of this unique experience, these books are essential reads that will captivate and enlighten you.
Which Leaving Flds book is best?
The best book on Leaving Flds can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
- Educated by Tara Westover,
- Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs by Elissa Wall,
- The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice by Rebecca Musser.
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Leaving Flds?
For those looking to learn about Leaving Flds, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
- Educated by Tara Westover,
- Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs by Elissa Wall,
- The Witness Wore Red: The 19th Wife Who Brought Polygamous Cult Leaders to Justice by Rebecca Musser,
- Escape by Carolyn Jessop,
- Church of Lies by Flora Jessop,
- The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner,
- Banished: Surviving My Years in the Westboro Baptist Church by Lauren Drain,
- The Polygamist’s Daughter by Anna LeBaron,
- The Unbreakable Child: A Story About Forgiving the Unforgivable by Kim Michele Richardson,
- The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin
These books offer a range of perspectives on Leaving Flds, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.
What are the best books on Leaving Flds?
The best books on Leaving Flds include:
- Educated by Tara Westover,
- Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs by Elissa Wall,
- The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir by Anna LeBaron,
- The Witness: Unfolding the Anatomy of a Killer by Wanda Draper,
- The Polygamist’s Daughter by Anna LeBaron,
- The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner.
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Leaving Flds are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Leaving Flds books of all time?
Choosing the best Leaving Flds books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
- Educated by Tara Westover,
- Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing Up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride, and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs by Elissa Wall,
- Church of Lies by Flora Jessop,
- The Polygamist’s Daughter by Anna LeBaron,
- The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin,
- The Witness: Unfolding the Anatomy of a Killer by Wanda Draper,
- and The Polygamist’s Daughter: A Memoir by Anna LeBaron.
Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Leaving Flds and continues to be influential today.