SunnyBrook

Well written, candid, insightful

Revisado: 01-11-25

I have never been Evangelical or Orthodox. Still, I was raised in a high-demand religion in which I nvested most of my life, perceiving myself as belonging to the one true church. In this way, many of my experiences have mirrored those of the author with unexpected similarities, especially the emotional ones - spiritual highs and the trauma of losing friends and respect when I could no longer embrace what I was told I must. No matter which religion we embrace, we have to admit that the great majority of the world will disagree with our heartfelt and deep convictions. I'm finding that even atheists want to save me from erroneous beliefs. Everyone is certain they are right. I was drawn to his book because of its title. It did not express certainty. I crave openness and learning about the experiences of others. Yes, looking outside our prescribed box can destroy one's faith, but when we discover too many false narratives and when we can take off the blinders and see the harm that is done by the manipulations of those in power, I would say that rejecting this kind of faith becomes a matter of integrity.

I'm about halfway through the book, but so far each chapter has offered something supportive, logical, helpful, or insightful to help me on this journey of transition. The occasional humor is natural and flows with the narrative. I dislike forced or silly humor, and being as this book was free, I worried about that. I'm glad I didn't avoid it thinking it would not be very good because I'd have missed out on a very worthwhile book.

The virtual voice is pretty darn good. There are flaws, but forgivable. One time it says "read" present tense when it should have been "read" past tense. English can be so ridiculous. Another time he accents the wrong word and changes the meaning from "Worship Music" to "worship MUSIC, as in verb and object. Overall though, it sounds very natural and real.

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Well written - twisty plot

Revisado: 09-21-23

Not my usual genre but I really enjoyed this book. I often get turned off by writing that lacks skill and luster as if a young teen was writing, which I find common in books created just for entertainment. I was pleasantly surprised by some good creative sections and no juvenile clichés. Full of twists, some of which I totally didn't see coming. Skilled narrator! Switched voices and accents without overdoing, giving an uninterrupted flow to the narrative. Some reviewers were bothered by the chapters that described the characters' use of a list of hashtags. I saw a purpose in it as it related to the character's obsessions, and found it clever. There were F-bombs here and there which limits listening on speaker mode when kids are around, but that's the only negative for me.

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Excellent study on our cult driven society

Revisado: 07-22-23

The good and the bad of cult mind control. This book is an education in awareness.

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I kept saying, "YES!" throughout this helpful book

Revisado: 07-05-21

I took on a huge study back in the 80's that changed my LDS faith forever. I tried to recover my TBM beliefs for decades as I continued to be obedient and raise my children in the faith. Through it all, obedience has caused me so much grief, yet I have not been able to let go. At the turn of the century, when the Internet finally opened my eyes to the fact that I was not alone, this was a huge opportunity to see how others handled what I had experienced. Many have left the church because their integrity demanded it. By contrast, I feel weak and confused because I haven't found that kind of courage.

Then I recently read Steven Hassan's book and became familiar with the BITE model. This enlightened me as to why I am unable to break away even though I believe I see quite clearly that I can never believe what I'm "supposed to" as a member. That lifelong controlling voice whispers, "What if it's true??" My reasonable mind laughs at that idea, but I still can't stifle the voice.

So this book was another giant step toward a healthier place for me. The studies and information gathered and presented so well are exactly what I would have hoped to find if I had the time and energy to do the research. I feel that it presented it all in a way that will allow me to share it with those I love who are "worried" about me. It may be a hard read for many, but the presentation is respectful enough toward those who believe and wish to continue to believe as round pegs in round holes. For me, the ideas and psychology explained cause me to exclaim, Yes! That is how it feels! " Or "Yes! THAT makes sense!" I want to give me loved ones a fair chance to to understand where I am, and I hope this will help them do so.

The only negative is that the narrator is a man telling a woman's story. It's disconcerting to hear a male voice talking about getting pregnant and other female experiences. The wrong narrator, for sure, but I opted not to take away a star because I find the book too extraordinarily helpful to give it less than 5 stars.

As I abandon all the unkind, unloving, un-Christlike thinking and behavior that I was compelled to embrace as an obedient member, I"m beginning to feel more confident in my ability to use agency and to understand what I'm experiencing. One of my "YES!" moments was the part that stated that if anyone can get you to believe or embrace the absurd, they can get you to engage in atrocities. I hope my actions have always fallen short of being atrocities, but my LGBTQ friends and family might not see it that way. Thank goodness, they are far more understanding and forgiving than fellow church members have been when they learn I support ideas and philosophies that go against present LDS doctrine. I usually stay pretty quiet. But yesterday, my 8-year-old granddaughter blurted out, "I hate lesbians." She's learned this from somewhere, but certainly not at home. So I will at least speak up when my integrity demands it as I did to her to help her understand how Christ treated others and how the church can take a long time to let go of ignorance that hurts others. I don't want to be burned at the stake (house), so I try to stay respectful, just as this book advises. I have a long road ahead, but thank you, Luna Lindsey, for helping me edge toward a more peaceful existence.

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One if a kind

Revisado: 11-02-19

Being in Eleanor’s head was an experience. The cliche that applies best is, “I will never be the same.” Loneliness has never felt so poignant. Common values have never seemed so funny. And simple kindness and friendship has never seemed so noble and beautiful. I loved this experience. It is a beautifully written, gut-wrenching story that has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along this path of self-discovery and healing.

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History in Full Color

Revisado: 01-15-19

History by nature is both inspiring and tragic. This book does not spare you the cruel realities that were very much part of this era. I try to steer away from depressing things, including the daily news, because I'm overly sensitve. Yet I found this book worthwhile, even knowing parts of the story will haunt me till I die. We must realize of course that any book that spans generations is going to deal with loss and death. If you like the way it starts and expect it to finish there, you will be disappointed. It begins in 18th Century England with a Cinderalla story. A young peasant girl becomes a lady of wealth and influence. Quickly the story centers around her daughter whom we follow from the days of being a spoiled brat through her youth and into the years of her sheltered existence. But the "rags to riches" story will become "riches to rags." Eventually, we follow young Sophie to America. The character development by this author is outstanding. We are given a vivid consciousness of the perspectives of slaves, "Indians," and colonists. We see crime, greed, courage, wisdom, determination, cruelty, betrayal, and triumph. History comes alive in this saga. I am starting Book 2 now.

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Powerful, life changing account

Revisado: 09-27-18

I am not going to pretend I had no inclination to assume this account was limited to one side of a very complex issue. But Anthony Ray Hinton’s conviction does appear to have been a conspiracy and a lynching if the facts have been reported anywhere near accurately. I read the book after watching videos of “Ray.” His interviews are impressive. He is uncommonly wise, and all the more impressive because he isn’t slick and polished. The book is written and the reader presents with polish, but it was well done and not distracting. I still felt the warmth of this amazing man and his beautiful mother. It’s been a long time since I have felt so inspired. I laughed and I sobbed. This story is tragic and yet it is one of the greatest triumphs I’ve yet encountered.

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Narration too annoying to continue

Revisado: 09-24-18

At first, I didn't realize why I found the narration so hard to listen to, and then I found myself repeating in my head the sing-song cadence that ran parallel in every sentence. The narrator does have talent, using convincing accents to define the different characters, but I had to give up, in spite of what seemed to be otherwise a very well-written story. I wish I could have just not let it bother me, but I couldn't get there.

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The usual Picoult insights that are so worthwhile

Revisado: 08-27-18

Admittedly this story didnt engage me with the same force as some of her other books, but I'm never sorry I spent the money on any Jodie Picoult novel. This novel focuses on Aspergers syndrome. It also weaves in some interesting facts regarding science math, and forensics. Through her character development, she masterfully introduces the reader to various perspectives of a dilemma or life challenge. For me, the reading of her books are always a profound experience of intellect and emotion.

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Four and a half stars for a very well-written book

Revisado: 02-04-18

I reserve 5 stars for the best classics, but it has been a long while since I have enjoyed lighter reading as much as I did this book. The theme revolves around common dilemmas of being human, including character weakness, strength, loss, honor, consequence, forgivenss, and redemption.. The characters are well developed and the author skillfully tells two stories that unfold chapter by chapter. From the start, I was engaged, but ithe simple and obvious reason for the two stories turned out to be much less the point than I had guessed. I usually predict the twists of these types of stories. I didn't this time. For those like me who like the Audible version, it is well acted, and the F words are very few. But if you are uncomfortable with having children hear you listening to literature that is below a standard you may require of them, be aware these occasional words sneak up on you. I wish Audible would give info about language so you would know what to expect before buying.

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