Lost Boy

by Brent W. Jeffs

In the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), girls can become valuable property as plural wives, but boys are expendable, even a liability. In this powerful and heartbreaking account, former FLDS member Brent Jeffs reveals both the terror and the love he experienced growing up on his prophet’s compound—and the harsh exile existence that so many boys face once they have been expelled by the sect.Brent Jeffs is the nephew of Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned leader of the FLDS. The son of a prominent family in the church, Brent could have grown up to have multiple wives of his own and significant power in the 10,000-strong community. But he knew that behind the group’s pious public image—women in chaste dresses carrying babies on their hips—lay a much darker reality. So he walked away, and was the first to file a sexual-abuse lawsuit against his uncle. Now Brent shares his courageous story and that of many other young men who have become “lost boys” when they leave the FLDS, either by choice or by expulsion.Brent experienced firsthand the absolute power that church leaders wield—the kind of power that corrupts and perverts those who will do anything to maintain it. Once young men no longer belong to the church, they are cast out into a world for which they are utterly unprepared. More often than not, they succumb to the temptations of alcohol and other drugs.Tragically, Brent lost two of his brothers in this struggle, one to suicide, the other to overdose. In this book he shows that lost boys can triumph and that abuse and trauma can be overcome, and he hopes that readers will be inspired to help former FLDS members find their way in the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Religion, Cults, Biography, True Crime, Polygamy

Paperback

First published May 19, 2009

About the author

Brent W. Jeffs is an author, advocate, and member of the influential Jeffs family in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church).

Jeffs wrote the memoir Lost Boy along with author Maia Szalavitz, which was released on May 19, 2009. The book is a depiction of life within the FLDS Church and his ostracism from the organization at a young age. The title of the book comes from the term "the lost boys", which refers to the many young men expelled from the FLDS Church. Jeffs is grandson to FLDS prophet Rulon Jeffs, nephew to FLDS prophet Warren Jeffs, and his mother is the daughter of another non-FLDS prophet as well.

Reviews

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was in 9th grade a new kid, Brent Jeffs, showed up at my school: Albion Middle. No one knew where he came from, but I heard something about him having multiple moms at home. I recall reading in the newspaper about Rulon Jeffs, the FLDS prophet, and at school, I asked Brent if he was related. “He’s my grandpa,” Brent replied.

I didn't see Brent any more after 9th grade. He didn’t attend my High School, and I wondered whatever happened to him.

In this book, I found out.

Brent recalls his life growing up in an FLDS family in the Utah Suburbs. He recalls it with warmth and clarity, but also with confusion and with trauma. As it turns out, his uncle Warren Jeffs—who was put on the FBI 10 most wanted list in part because of Brent’s testimony—was not only an authoritarian power-drunk control freak taking God’s name in vain, but was also a serial child rapist. And Brent and his brothers (and doubtless countless others) were his victims.

I remember Brent telling us classmates that his family got kicked out of the church because they failed to disavow their wayward older brother. In this book, I learned much more of this brother's tragic story, starting with the abuse at the hands of Warren, and devolving into a life of rebellion, heavy drug use, drug dealer drama, and eventual suicide.

It's an infuriating yet eye-opening story, and I'm really glad Brent rebounded as successfully as one could hope for given the circumstances. Apparently, after 9th grade, he had a falling out with his parents and went to go live with his outcast brothers. Hence his absence throughout high school.

Although horrifying, this is an important story about the resilience of the human spirit, and also a stern warning and cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked religious authoritarianism, fundamentalism, and fanaticism.

[Mazola1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raised in a polygamous FLDS household, one of the dozens of grandchildren of the FLDS prophet, son of a man who didn't always see eye to eye with his powerful father, sexually abused as a child by one of the sons of the prophet, Brent Jeffs came to understand that it wasn't going to be his destiny to be one of the few FLDS men who married multiple wives and wielded great power in the sect. Instead, he became a "lost boy," one of the expendable young males the sect didn't care about, and threw away. Left to fend for themselves, and cut off from their families, many of these lost boys descend into lives of drug addiction, despair and poverty. Some even succumb to suicide.

Lost Boy is Brent Jeffs' story of what it means to be an FLDS lost boy. It's both typical and unique. Although much of what Jeffs experienced seems to be somewhat typical of young males forced to leave the sect, in other respects, Jeffs was unusual. He was born into a powerful family in the sect, but his father was something of a rebel, bringing the family into conflict with church leadership. Because of this, Jeffs had unique insight into the personalities and dynamics of that leadership.

Jeffs begins his book with a telling and poignant comment: "Every child believes he's special. But when you are number ten of twenty, with three "sister-mothers" -- two of whom are full-blooded sisters -- and a grandfather whom thousands of people believe speaks directly to God, it can be hard to figure out what "special" really means." Jeffs develops those thoughts throughout Lost Boy -- the specialness of being part of a big family, the stresses of living in a house with a father with plural wives, the emotional hold of strong religious beliefs, the fear, even terror, caused by breaking away, the difficulty of attempting to come to terms with and healing abuse.

Lost Boy is an interesting male counterpoint to the many female FLDS memoirs, and shows that although the sect is very male dominating, it can be just as difficult being a male in the FLDS as being a female. An interesting and sad tale.

[LibraryCin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brent Jeffs was born into the FLDS, the polygamous Mormon sect. His father had three wives and numerous children. Warren Jeffs, who later became the “prophet” after his father (and Brent's grandfather) died, is Brent's uncle. Brent and many of his older brothers left the FLDS, and their parents were also excommunicated. This is Brent's story.

I've read a few autobiographies of former FLDS members, so I suppose there wasn't too much shocking to me in this one. What was different about this one (for me), though, was that it was from a male point of view. Many of the boys who leave or are kicked out of the FLDS for some reason or other end up having a hard time outside their culture and often turn to drugs, etc. So, for me, this was a different viewpoint on a topic I've read a bit about already. Easy to read and still very interesting.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crap. I forgot to write the review when I was finished this. Those who know me well know my memory. All I can say is this is worth reading. It's a good book, tells a lot about the community where Brent W. Jeffs grew up. I'd recommend reading it in addition to some other memoirs, authors like Carolyn Jessop, Elissa Wall, etc.
What Warren Jeffs did to Brent is atrocious and the fact that this man lived through all of it, and what came afterward as a direct effect of Jeffs' actions towards Brent's family is amazing.
It's really, really, really, (throw a few more in if you'd like) hard for me to imagine how people buy this crap. I believe in God while not being "crazy" about it. I don't believe my God is more important than anyone else's, nor do I believe my God is the only God. Who am I to say that? That's not faith. That's a joke.
But to believe that one man is the mouthpiece for God? Come the hell on. Here, give ME all of your money, your houses, your kids, and everything else and I'll tell you one day, all of a sudden, that red is reserved for God and no one else can have anything red too. Come on, gimme da loot! (RIP Biggie)
I mean, seriously, how does one believe this? I've read (and rated highly) the memoirs but I'm not getting it. These people are so needy that they're allowing their children to be shunned, abused, and murdered. Is that faith? If it is I don't want it. You can have it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I have a bit of a morbid fascination about FLDS. I've mostly thought about it from a woman's point of view (see Escape by Carolyn Jessop for some insight). When I saw this book on the Goodreads Giveaway list, I entered the contest right away. I was eager for a opportunity to read about the group from a male perspective.

Most of Lost boy is a fast-paced engaging read. The author Brent Jeffs surely owes a lot to his collaborator, Maia Szalavitz in describing life with his family in a way that seems realistic. The later parts dealing with life as a lost boy and recovered memory are a little choppy but I suspect that part is done in a choppier fashion to convey how that part of his life felt.

This book covers the story of Brent Jeffs growing up smack in the middle of a family of consisting of one husband, 3 wives and 20 children and also the broader issue of FLDS Lost Boys. A church which requires a man to have at least 3 wives in order to enter the best heaven needs to develop a way of maintaining a sex mix which leans heavy on the female side. Not a lot of women convert so there needs to be a way of getting rid of excess males.

A lot of Brent Jeff's personal trials center around abuse by church prophet Warren Jeffs. This is the the center theme of the book. I wish there had been a little more about the stories of other boys who were thrown from their homes as teenagers and what is being done for them now. Clearly Brent and his brothers had very difficult teen years. I wanted to book to go on for another chapter or two to tell more about the charities who are dealing with the continuing lost boys of the FLDS.
Still this book give good insight into this long standing cult-like religion.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many of books focusing on polygamy and the FLDS. Ridiculous situations I can barely fathom interest me, and this is no exception! I thought when I began this book that it was going to be another well written story about the FLDS cult, and it was, but it was so much more! I truly felt that I received a first person account of what it was like to live in the compound under Warren Jeffs and be subjected to, basically, mind control. Brent Jeffs also happens to be the nephew of Warren Jeffs and grandson to the previous prophet, Warren's father, Rulon.

Brent Jeffs grew up in a family of about 20 kids and three moms, two of which were feuding sisters (his mom was one of these). At first, before Warren Jeffs became prophet, things seemed relatively normal on the compound. Kids could be kids and play, adults had more choices. But when Warren took over, he took away pretty much every piece of slight independence anyone had. No toys allowed, no books allowed (unless it was the Bible or Book of Mormon or Warren's own rambling teachings), no TV allowed, nothing red, he even banned SMILING. I am not joking.


When Brent was five, he was raped by Warren Jeffs around ten times, his brothers had already endured similar fates, unbeknownst to Brent. This really shapes his future, not just his abuse, but the abuse of his family and really, entire community. This book shows how deep people can be into these cults - so deep that they literally take whatever they are told at face value, and do it. Give up their wives and children, their homes, their jobs - anything for the corrupt "prophet." It's gross and unfathomable - but that is why I like it.

[Dani N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first review of a nonfiction title. I am attempting to provide you with nothing more than a few thoughts and my experience during my time with this book. Please be warned that this book does include sensitive material such as sexual abuse.

Until recently, it was a very rare occasion that any autobiography or memoir would capture my attention, let alone make an appearance on the blog. But I am a mood reader, and my mood has been changing. I find myself desiring to know more. Often my chosen topics are those that many might not understand. Although I do know that you are out there. It just doesn’t always go over as well to discuss darker subjects during a lunch date or at your kid’s ball practice.

I openly admit to harboring a strong fascination with cults and religious based followings of unhealthy nature. FLDS and polygamy have been a subject of intrigue for many years, largely due in part to my continuing interest in the human psych. The unyielding followers and devotion found within FLDS arguably and easily fall within the classifications and realm of cult behavior. Also as a woman and mother, I find myself personally challenging to the concept of polygamy with many unanswered “why’s” and “how’s”. So after a recent documentary that shared a portion of Brent’s story and a look at the FLDS leader and so-called “Prophet” Warren Jeffs, picking this book up made complete sense. I feel no need to provide a recap, as the synopsis is sufficient and thorough.

I do want to specify at this point that I am not comparing FLDS (The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) to LDS who have since disowned many of the practices that are still found within FLDS, such as polygamy. I understand that there is a difference and do not pretend to be an expert in either, nor is this review an attempt to pass judgement on anyone’s religion. With that said, here are my thoughts on the book itself:

Lost Boy is an autobiography of one young man’s life inside and outside of FLDS. It lifts the veil, revealing insight into a world that is hard to grasp and understand. It is a story of manipulation, fear, abuse, loss and survival. It is not an easy read at the best of times, but it is a worthy read.

I found myself in deep appreciation of how much history and back story is actually contained within this book. It was not what I expected, but a welcomed surprise. We are presented with more than a sad and harrowing tale. We are given the working knowledge to understand why our author’s life was so hard and how it came to be for him and so many others. Instead of simply explaining that there was abuse and mistreatment, he shows the reader how it was all possible. We are provided a glimpse into the life of FLDS members that enables us to piece together the true manipulation that is occurring and how such a following began. We learn how fear and religion have been twisted and used against those who were so devoted. We learn how one man, Warren Jeffs, still manages a tenacious and detrimental hold on so many lives even now from prison.

The are many triggers in this book, as Brent makes a conscious effort to be open and forthright. As I mentioned, this not a gentle read. It is every bit candid as it is personal. A childhood of abuse is brought forth, but not without also honestly mentioning the times that there was still happiness. He acknowledges that amidst the chaos there was love and a sense of belonging. There is a simple and raw honesty that enables the reader to not only see but understand. My heart mourned as he described how difficult it was to separate from something so harmful because he knew nothing else. He was so integrated that the prospect of life outside the Church had become terrifying and isolating. He bravely exposes his own harsh reality and struggles that include drug use and bad decisions. There is no saving face. Simply what was and is. This is a story of real life within the FLDS and the ramifications.

I admire Brent’s decision to not only share his personal experience, but the reality of what it was/is to be raised FLDS. The choice to expose and address the years of brainwashing and abuse could not have come easily nor without cost. Lost Boy challenges us to look beyond our own comfort and see from the other side of the curtain. I recommend this to anyone who desires to learn and gain more knowledge of cults within a religious settings and the effects of them on youth, families and the society that those who manage to escape must reenter.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This novel is an all-consuming experience. Brent Jeffs has such courage and strength for attending therapy to deal with his traumatic past, sharing his story, prosecuting the man of his nightmares, Warren Jeffs and for surviving life in the FLDS and now thriving in the 'outside world'.
A fascinating, fast-paced, disturbing read. I highly reccomend it to everyone. It is particularly interesting to hear the perspective of one of the young men from the FLDS as I find myself well-informed on this topic but knew very little about 'The Lost Boys' like Brent Jeffs.

[Rachel]

I picked up this book because it was mentioned in the last one I read, “The Boy Who Was Raised as A Dog.” I saw that Maia Szalavitz co-authored both books. The writing was well done, and the narrative was clear and flowed well. This story was both sad and upsetting, yet also really interesting. I haven’t read any books yet that share a woman’s perspective on the FLDS experience, but I’ve heard snippets. It was eye-opening to hear from a man’s point of view and learn that abuse affected both genders involved in that religion. I’m glad that in the end, Brent Jeffs was able to obtain both justice and healing after his horrible experiences.

Content Warning: Occasional swearing, drug use, references to sex, child rape, and abuse, nothing overtly explicit.

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This group is a splinter off of the American Christian group the Mormons. While I was vaguely aware of the existence of both groups I didn’t know too much about either and in order to set the story and provide a back-history this book gives a very concise and easy to follow background of both.

This book is the autobiography of a young man who grew up as a boy in the system of the ‘FLDS’ as it is acronymed throughout the book. Unsurprisingly, as he left the group, ultimately he did not have a good time of it, though he does go to great lengths to emphasise that his childhood was in general not an unhappy one at all.

He describes the problems of growing up in a polygamous household along side with the problems of the church leadership that led him and many other young people like him (especially boys, hence the title) to leave the group, which often meant completely leaving behind everything and everyone you had grown up with and knew. He describes how he and other boys like him were dumped into the general society with no knowledge, education or skills that could help them survive there and how badly this can end for them.

He also shares personal details of the evils of this ‘church’ which made his own journey into independent adulthood so hard and which led to the leader and ‘prophet’ of the church being jailed as a sex offender.

This book has the stark literary style of someone who is telling a personal story rather than someone of a strong literary background. I think anyone with any abstract interest in cults or religions and their... intricacies would find it interesting. As would people with an interest in youth justice.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The topic of the book instantly drew me in as I was cataloging it; a boy who had grown up FDLS divulges secrets about life on the compound, polygamy, and the sexual abuse he experienced at the hands of the prophet. The writers/creators of the television show Big Love based some of the traits of Juniper Creek on FDLS and, in general, I find these closed communities to be very interesting. I expected that this book would be right up my alley.

The writing is fairly poor - choppy and often disorienting as the story jumps around. It almost felt as though I was reading a report composed by a middle school student; this distance really kept me from getting invested in the memoir itself.

So far as learning more about FDLS, I think spending some time with Big Love is probably more effective (and interesting). I didn't really have any big revelations about the community. Maybe Brent Jeffs should have sold the movie rights instead...

Anyhow, I chose three stars because the story itself is horrifying and heartbreaking, just on a more abstract level (as opposed to an interacting with the text level). I'd say read it if you are specifically interested in FDLS, but it's pretty skip-able if you'd rather just read the book jacket instead.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my last airplane trip leaving Utah, I sat next to this author. We began talking about the area in which we both grew up and how we had both recently just hiked up Little Cottonwood canyon. He was very open and shared with me that he grew up in the polygamist compound and I was familiar with the group and have many memories of seeing members of his group at the local Fred Meyers. As a child, it was always a bit of a mystery to me as to who these polygamist people were, but as I've gotten older I've been fascinated with the differences between their beliefs and the mainstream LDS church. Also, having lived in AZ for many years, I was interested and horrified by Warren Jeffs and his followers. I've read my fair share of books about the situation, including Sam Brower's, "Prophet's Prey", which I would also recommend.

I thought this book was a great insight on the male perspective of growing up within these polygamist sect and the path to recovery. I was already aware of much of the surrounding situation with Jeffs, so I was not shocked by the content. But, I felt the personal account and the description of the heartbreak to Brent Jeff's family made the horror of Warren Jeffs even more palpable. Warren Jeffs deserves to rot in prison.

[Lain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sincerely regret the pain and suffering that Brent Jeffs went through as a child in the FLDS polygamist group. I read this book in hopes of understanding more about what it was like to be raised in such an environment. I got a clear picture of the brainwashing that can occur, and how absolute power can and probably will corrupt absolutely.

The story is a harrowing one, and the life he lived is something no child should ever have to endure.

The book itself was not that interesting, I hate to say -- I skimmed most of it as I was looking for the human elements, not the political or religious ones. What struck me most was the sense these kids have that what they are taught is absolutely true, and if they rebel in the slightest, they are threatened with eternal damnation.

I was more interested in his coping mechanisms and in his adjustment to the outside world, but I felt those elements were given short shrift. The book felt incomplete, like only part of the story was told.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book written by a child growing up in the Fundamentalist Mormon church under the rule of the "Jeff's" Family.
Some of the abuse was rather vivid and made me uncomfortable to read so I passed over it. Again, as I did when reading Elissa's story, I felt the author needed to beg the reader to believe his story. Not that it is unbelieveable, considering how many people have come foreward, but because so many of the people who stay in the faith are denying any negative stories.
I felt his pain and how he had no hope or escape until he was not needed anymore. I do find it hard to believe that boys are thrown aside by the thousands so that the young girls are for the older men to marry. How can a faith keep populated when sending all the young men away? I don't think Warren Jeff's father (in his 80's) was having sex regularly with his 100 wives. But then, that is another book and another story.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brent did an excellent job at telling his story. It was beautifully written and tugged at my heart strings. I actually cried more than once and felt my heart shatter for what he and his family had been through. And unfortunately, stories like Brent's are not uncommon. Warren Jeffs has left total carnage in his wake and I cannot stress enough on how much I despise that man. Prison is honestly too good for him. He is an absolute monster and the fact that there are people out there that still support him just absolutely blow me away. Brent's story is real and raw. There are still so many people who need support in this community and it's important that Brent and others like him share their stories to bring much needed awareness.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I admire Brent's courage to write his life story - the good, the bad, and the very ugly. He grew up in the FLDS - an extremist group of LDS. They believe in polygamy and the end of the world. The more you marry and the more children you have, the better your celestial heaven.

Brent grew up in a cycle of violence, of restriction, and unfortunately rape. And while Brent got out, emotionally he was very damaged. I enjoyed this book immensely. Again, it was very hard to read and I feel very sad for him and all the other people who suffered and are probably still suffering.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am becoming fascinated with this topic so I enjoyed reading this book. However, the way it was written was just a little too factual for me and not a kind of "kept me on the seat of pants" type read.

I do recommend it though if you are interested in learning more about the lives of the people affected by the the FLDS. Such a sad cycle of abuse and lack of freedom that these people have. It is so very sad to me that they simply don't know any different or realize that they do have the choice in this country to make their own decisions.

[Simi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I started reading this as I went down a cult documentary rabbit hole on Netflix. If you’re like me, this is a good description of what it was like to live in the FLDS - much more expansive than what was in the docs

[Carmen Liffengren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

While not quite as elegantly written as other FLDS memoirs that I have read, Lost Boy offers a unique perspective as Brent Jeffs recounts his experiences of growing up under the claustrophobic rule of the self-proclaimed prophet, Warren Jeffs. Brent Jeffs grew up in a chaotic household living with countless siblings while his exhausted father juggled un-diagnosed PTSD and three constantly bickering sister wives. Even at a young age, Brent began to question his religion, but he didn't know anything else or how to even think of anything else. He recounts how Warren Jeffs would drone on repetitively about "keeping sweet" and being perfectly obedient. Obedient to what? To whom? He believes that the constant repetition was the key to the brainwashing of an entire community. When his uncle, Warren Jeffs became the prophet, the community rules tightened. At one point, Warren Jeffs outlawed the color red making the outrageous claim that it was a color only reserved for Jesus. (An interesting side note: When the FBI finally captured Warren Jeffs, he was in red car.)

Once Brent left the FLDS, it's another situation in which leaving the cult was the easy part. Taking the cult out of the boy proved to be more challenging, but he was willing to do the hard work to detox the FLDS. Brent found it difficult to adjust to life among "gentiles" and felt there was no place for him on the outside either. Within the FLDS, the younger boys are edged out as the older men take the younger women and girls as their wives. Warren Jeffs did some unspeakable things to young boys including Brent and it was completely engrossing to see how he was able to help bring Warren Jeffs to justice.

I am continually fascinated by these brave people who find the courage to leave the only world they've ever known and triumph. They triumph over abuse, neglect, PTSD, depression, and poverty. They learn that living "The Principle" of plural marriage is not only unhealthy, it's destructive. Once on the outside, they finally see clearly the hopelessness of a religion that hinges its entire doctrine on plural marriage.

[Paul C. Stalder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heartbreaking memoir with a happy ending. The inside view of the FLDS provided by Jeffs is almost nauseating. To imagine what he experienced was considered normal, even divinely mandated, is utterly shocking. It is a testament to the strength of this man, and indeed to all children who survive such harrowing upbringings.
While the story is captivating, the writing is plodding at best. I did enjoy how Jeffs brought in exposition on the theological and political structures of the FLDS organization, but it go tedious at points. It almost felt added on; as if it was meant to be another book that got wedged between these pages. The parts that really shine in this memoir are the human, emotional, and interpersonal elements. Watching Jeffs grow is illuminating. Not only for those with a morbid fascination with the FLDS, but for anyone interested in absolute power, courage, and struggles for redemption.

[Kim Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting and captured my attention so quickly, I had a hard time putting it down! I found myself doing further research about the FLDS, Warren Jeffs, and their ideologies regarding polygamy. I think it's important to learn about the lives of those who live so differently than the vast majority, especially when it's an extreme reality that some people are currently facing in modern day America.

[Kimberly Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re intrigued by the FLDS and why they stay in their religion like me, you’ll probably fine this read interesting. It’s horrifying and sad. It gives perspective on why people stay. Usually, I see the female perspective on polygamy. The male perspective was an interesting change. It does read like someone who may not have a ton of writing experience, but I didn’t think anything of it. It read like a story from a boy that was trying to process his life and it bounced around a bit. It didn’t bother me at all.

[Pernilla Lindholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read many books about life in the FLDS, and I appreciated that this gave a new perspective since it focuses on boys and not on girls. Many are the lost boys forced out of the church to make room for older members to have more wives. Brent’s story is sad, but important since it shows how deep brainwashing can go.

[Angel kay laverack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you

[Shannon Ciampa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart broke for the author as I read about the trauma he experienced as such a young child.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this culty crap

[Hannah Dignan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down.

[Samantha Dever Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really interesting to have a male perspective of what happened in the FLDS. The history was also enlightening on why do many have stayed. Love that the author has overcome incredibly difficult circumstances.

[Anne Hawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the forth book on this subject which I have read recently. It covers a different perspective than the others. It concerns the boys who were raised in the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints (FLDS)and were either forced out by the prophet, Warren Jeffs, or who ran away. Boys were undervalued in this society because the church leaders often had 40, 60 or more wives and they married girls as young as 12. There was always a need for more young girls, but that left scores of boys for whom marriage was impossible. This was doubly difficult since a man was unable to enter the "Celestial Heaven" unless he had at least three wives.

These boys were forced out of a closed society which totally controlled their lives. When they left, they were penniless, abandoned, ill educated, and totally alone. They not only lost their homes, families, and friends, but their whole culture. These boys were raised to not only distrust the "gentiles," (non FLDS) but to hate them. The schools they went to while in the FLDS emphasized church history and were devoid of subjects like science and US or World history. They were hopelessly under educated and unprepared for life outside the FLDS. Most of them drifted into drugs and alcohol and many died of overdoses or suicide.

The author of the book, Brent Jeffs, also had to cope with horrible nightmares and an all pervasive fear. His drug use was a double edged sword; it blunted his dreams and memories, but it also left him less able to repress the horror of his childhood. After the suicide of his beloved brother, Clayne, who had recently confessed to his family that his uncle Warren Jeffs had repeatedly raped him as a young boy, Brent's nightmares and panic attacks reached a level which left him unable to cope. He was beginning to remember his own attacks by Jeffs beginning when he was 5.

Eventually, Brent’s story and those of other lost boys led to criminal and civil charges of Warren Jeffs and ultimately his downfall. The book is well written and documented and provides a much fuller understanding of the FLDS and it’s prophet, Warren Jeffs.

[Tina]

This was a fascinating book that I felt I learned a lot from. The abuse of the children in the FLDS is difficult to read but I found the culture of this polygamous sect fascinating. After reading this book, I had to immediately jump into another book by another former FLDS member, Elissa Walks (Stolen Innocence). Another fascinating read, but from a girl's perspective.

One troubling thing, however...and I Googled to find any mention of this and so far have found none. So I wonder if I'm the only one who noticed this discrepancy...I ended up searching for videos of Brent Jeffs on YouTube and found a National Geographic documentary he was in called "I Escaped a Cult", here's the link: http://youtu.be/Kc7_032DRWc
In it, he says that he shared with his brother Clayne that he too had been raped by Warren Jeffs as a little boy, and how glad he was able to have that connection with his brother before he committed suicide. BUT, when I watched that, I had already read his book and in it, he very clearly states that this was his one biggest regret in life that he never shared this with Clayne, because at the time he heard of the abuse from Clayne, Brent didn't yet remember his own abuse.

This glaring inconsistency in his story has sadly made me question the whole rape story. I really hate to say that but obviously one of those stories is a lie...they can't both be true. Which makes me wonder how much of what he said was true and how much was fabricated. I can say, since I'm nearly done with the book "Stolen Innocence", that the culture of the FLDS is nearly identical in her story, so obviously the those parts are true...but it's the rape story that I wonder about from Brent's conflicting stories. Doesn't entirely matter, since Warren Jeffs is already in jail and he obviously deserves it. But it was just surprising Brent would publish 2 totally different stories to the public.