Books matching: life outside the cult
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- #1
Save:In "The Line Between" by Tosca Lee, the story follows Wynter Roth, who escapes from a doomsday cult called New Earth only to realize that the world is facing a real apocalypse due to a mysterious disease. Racing against time, Wynter must deliver crucial medical samples to potentially halt the spreading chaos, aided by a former military companion, Chase Miller. The plot is described as a fast-paced, apocalyptic tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The writing style is noted for its engaging storytelling, vivid descriptions, and the ability to capture the reader's attention without being exhausting.
Conventional wisdom dictates that there’s an insurmountable divide—an entire dimension of eternity and space—between Heaven and Hell. Lucifer managed to make the trip in nine days, at least according ... - #2
Save:'Goodbye Paradise' by Sarina Bowen is a heartwarming story about two boys, Caleb and Josh, who escape a religious polygamist cult known as 'Paradise.' The book explores their journey as they navigate the outside world, meeting new friends like Washington and forming a found family. The plot delves into themes of coming of age, faith versus doubt, family, survival, and sacrificial love. The writing style, with a dual first-person point of view from Caleb and Josh, captures the innocence and wonder of the main characters, providing a refreshing perspective for readers.
The story starts with Josh and Caleb leaving the compound to embark on an adventure, facing challenges and self-discovery along the way. As they navigate the complexities of their past and the outside world, they find acceptance, love, and a sense of belonging with their newfound family. The book also touches on the harsh realities of life within the cult, the struggles of self-acceptance, and the growth of the characters as they come to terms with their identities and desires.
- #3
Save:'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.
I was playing alone in the front garden of a white house near the small fishing village of Rafina, in Greece. Our garden had three olive trees, as well as an apricot, fig, and peach, all ripe with fru... - #4
Save:"Devoted" by Jennifer Mathieu is a thought-provoking coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Rachel, a 17-year-old girl raised in a strict Calvary Christian community. The book explores Rachel's journey as she questions her faith and the restrictive beliefs imposed by her family and cult. The plot delves into themes of control, religious extremism, and the struggle for personal autonomy, all portrayed through Rachel's emotional and eye-opening narrative. The writing style is described as sensitive and subtle, depicting the sect and its members with depth and complexity, highlighting the internal conflicts faced by Rachel as she navigates her own path outside the confines of her upbringing.
All of us—the older kids my age and the mothers and the fathers and even the little toddlers whose feet don’t touch the floor yet—all of us congregants of Calvary Christian Church of Clayton watch wid... - #5
Save:Kiwi Sin by Rosalind James is a captivating story that follows Oriana and Gabriel as they navigate life outside the closed religious sect of Mount Zion. The book delves into themes of love, courage, self-discovery, and standing up against societal norms. Oriana and Gabriel's journey of finding their place in the world while challenging their upbringing is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on character development and tackling tough, realistic issues sensitively and believably. Readers are taken on a slow but impactful journey as Oriana and Gabriel grow and learn to be true to themselves in a world that expects them to conform.
(Also, see 40 recommendations for the series New Zealand Ever After ) - #6
Save:The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes is a gripping and haunting young adult novel that delves into the life of Minnow, a 17-year-old girl raised in a religious cult called the Kevinian Community. The story unfolds as Minnow navigates life in juvenile detention after committing a violent act, revealing her traumatic past within the cult where she endured abuse and had her hands cut off. Through a series of flashbacks, the book explores themes of faith, survival, justice, and the consequences of blind obedience, offering a dark and emotional narrative that captivates readers with its raw and powerful storytelling.
The plot is delivered through a mix of mystery, intrigue, and emotional depth, focusing on Minnow's resilience and courage as she grapples with her past and strives to find her own identity outside the confines of the cult. The writing style is described as captivating, beautifully written, and realistic, with a blunt and to-the-point approach that mirrors the protagonist's personality. The book presents a compelling exploration of cult life, trauma, and the journey towards self-discovery, making readers question the complexities of faith, freedom, and individuality in the face of harrowing experiences.
When the police arrive they are blurry white shapes, like ghosts, stuffed inside tight blue uniforms. My eyes can’t follow their features. One moment, I grasp an eye, a nose, but it slips away just as... - #7
Save:Kiwi Strong by Rosalind James is a powerful and engaging story that follows the journey of Daisy, an emergency room nurse, as she embarks on a mission to rescue her sisters from a cult they were born into. After a chance accident involving Gray, a retired rugby player, Daisy finds herself leaning on him for support as they navigate through challenges of trust, intimacy, and past traumas. The book intricately weaves together themes of love, risk, forgiveness, and the complexities of family bonds against the backdrop of the beautiful New Zealand landscape.
The plot of Kiwi Strong is filled with drama, excitement, emotion, and a touch of humor, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Through the well-developed characters of Daisy and Gray, the author explores themes of resilience, strength, and the healing power of love, making this a love story that goes beyond the conventional boy-meets-girl trope and delves into deeper, more uncomfortable issues with sensitivity and authenticity.
I drove through the fog and thought about nothing but the road ahead. I didn’t need to think about the meeting. I already knew what I would say to the former teammates who were now my chief investors.... - #8
Save:Salvation on Sand Mountain by Dennis Covington is a nonfiction book that delves into the world of snake handling churches in Southern Appalachia. The author, a journalist, initially went to cover a criminal trial in the area but ended up immersing himself in the culture of these churches, where believers handle snakes as a test of faith. Through his observations and participation, Covington explores the complexities of this religious practice and the cultural backdrop that sustains it. The book provides an honest and intriguing account of Covington's journey of self-discovery within a world that is both familiar and foreign to him.
Covington's writing style in Salvation on Sand Mountain has been described as masterly and artistic, offering a vivid and engaging narrative that draws readers into the mysterious and human aspects of the snake handling churches. The book not only sheds light on the religious fervor and eccentricities of the practitioners but also delves into the author's personal reflections on his own background, spirituality, and the cultural connections he discovers throughout his exploration of this unique community.
This descent into himself will, at the same time, be a descent into his region. It will be a descent through the darkness of the familiar into a world where, like the blind man cured in the gospels, h...
