I could not step away from this book. Isaac’s story was truly one of the saddest things I’ve ever read in my life in regards to mind control and cult-like behavior. To be an outsider reading this, and seeing what he went through and how hard he tried to do what he thought was what God wanted of him is simply devastating. I did not know very much about the FLDS going into this book, but I’m leaving this book with very mixed feelings. One, I am beyond saddened that generation after generation of families are raised into and then trapped in this lifestyle. But the main feeling I leave with is hope. People can come away from abuse. They can walk with their head held high again. They can change the direction of their lives. And they can find joy again.
Charlene Paul has done a great job of bringing Isaac’s story to us and did so in a way that you couldn’t stop reading. Well done.