Where Was God?

by Jennifer Dawn Turpin

As far as Jennifer can remember, her father was abusive but her mother wasn’t always. She remembers a time when she felt loved by her mother. All that changed when Jennifer was 11. Her mother snapped and became a monster like her father was. Then they turned on her. Jennifer fought to become who she wanted to be, and not who her parents were trying to make her be. She refused to allow the torture change her, like it changed her mother. This is the story of Jennifer’s past, how she got through it, and how she survived it all.

Genres: True Crime, Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction, Abuse, Christian

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

Reviews

[Edi Marten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your story, Jennifer. It feels morbid to say that I enjoyed your book, given that you're literally talking about your Hell. But I felt like I was listening to an old friend. No fancy ghost writing, no details for shock value, not an attempt to monetize your trauma, but simple raw emotions. Thank you for sharing your truth with the world, and I hope more people will read your book and get empowered by your story and your message. You should be so proud of yourself. Abuse turns many into distrustful angry people; Instead you transformed yourself into a healer.

[Ashlee Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

ᥕһᥱrᥱ ᥕᥲs g᥆ძ? ᑲᥡ ȷᥱᥒᥒ᰻𝖿ᥱr ძᥲᥕᥒ 𝗍ᥙr⍴᰻ᥒ
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is HARD to rate in comparison to my other reads. And it’s not one I feel comfortable rating simply because of the nature of the story. My rating is based on the strength, maturity, and amount of therapy needed to write this story…that pill alone is difficult to swallow.

This book follows Jennifer Dawn Turpin - the oldest child that endured abuse at the hands of her “parents” - these children were more famously known for living through their own personal “house of horrors.”

I don’t feel it’s fair to take words from Jennifer’s mouth - and I think anyone interested in this story should read this book. This is VERY religion-centered; Jennifer found a lot of solace in God during and after her imprisonment, but as a relatively non-religious individual it didn’t deter me.

This isn’t the most eloquent writing. Jennifer hardly had an education growing up and she mentions that several times - but I think the level of toughness needed to write this story supersedes any grammatical mistakes. I hope Jennifer and her siblings live the happiest and most peace-filled lives in years to come. 🩷

[Carlotta]

Jennifer tells her story quite plainly. She is brave and resourceful and I commend her for living a full and happy life now. This book details very serious abuse, but it does not speak to anyone’s motivations. Jennifer also respects the privacy of her siblings and does not speak for them. She does discuss previous escape attempts and the failure of adults to intercede for her. I strongly recommend reading The Family Next Door by John Glatt in addition to this book. It will help with chronology and filling in some gaps. The Turpin parents’ abuse is absolutely baffling, their behavior disorganized and chaotic. From this telling, they appear to have been two sadists deep in some type of shared psychosis, but we will never know their motives short of a tell-all from their psychologists.

[Julie Young Buckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Were The Authorities?

How did this story ever come to pass? How did all of this happen to such a large family, and nobody seems to have noticed? Another reason why a child being publicly shamed and humiliated deserves the attention of nearby, responsible adults to speak up. Parents take things too far and it should be called out in a healthy spirit.

Still, how did this happen for over 30 years?

Thankfully, it's over and Jennifer has moved on. She pushed to learn, and this book is her way of teaching.

So much to say about this book and its author. Jennifer Turpin is a very strong willed and courageous being. She's free now to work and mingle as her creative mind chooses. And the world is better to have transcended love from such a hateful situation.

[Joänna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with many memoirs, it feels disrespectful to give less than 5 stars. Jennifer lived through hell and had the bravery to share her story. I thought her intentional decision to avoid an editor was clever, and she was right, that choice helped me understand where her education ended. It is written between a 4th-6th grade level structurally, but with fewer typos and good punctuation. Although it wasn't as smooth as a polished book, it was absolutely readable. She has an impressive grasp on editing her own work!

I thought it was truly loving to only tell her own story and never name siblings' involvement.

There were many places in this book I wanted more information or details to be expounded. There was no family history, no background on the parents, and the timeline was tricky to follow. I wonder if Jennifer would ever consider a second edition written alongside a co-writer. I think this was a beautiful testimony of her journey, but I also see so many possibilities to expand and guide the narrative wider.

[Jordyn h · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey Jennifer,

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story with us. Your strength and vulnerability resonated with me. I followed your advice and read a little bit at a time. It was tough at times, but also filled with hope and inspiration. You're an amazing woman! 🫶🏼🙏🏻🐈‍⬛😻💪🏼

[Erica Hodgson]

Given the nature of the story I don’t feel comfortable giving this book a rating. I strongly commend Jennifer Dawn Turpin for her strength and maturity. It makes me so happy to see her live a free and fulfilling life after her and her siblings were rescued from living in squalor and the abuse from their “parents.” This was definitely a heavy read and I found myself needing breaks. While I am not personally religious, and Jennifer often shares how she found solace in religion throughout the story, this did not personally deter me from reading.

[Olga Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Where was God?” is only 100 pages long, and simultaneously the heaviest thing I’ve read in a long time. This is Jennifer Turpin’s self-published memoir of the first 29 years of her life, during which she and her 12 siblings were kept captive and tortured by their parents (they were rescued in 2018).

She doesn’t go into very graphic detail, but the reader does learn a lot of what went on in her mind during that time. It reads sort of like a grammatically incorrect journal, because the author only completed the 3rd grade. There is another book published about the Turpin family, but the author did not get his information from the family and they don’t earn royalties.

A quote that stuck with me, referring to the time Jennifer ran away at age 20, was “I couldn’t get an apartment without a job, and I couldn’t get a job without somewhere to live” (p.47). Friends who are in social work have told me of this conundrum, but reading about Jennifer’s experience highlighted this issue.

[Alison FP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars in context. At the beginning of the book, the author acknowledges that she only has a third grade education. She refused to use a co-author or ghost writer for the book. In that context, the short read truly deserves five stars. The bravery in telling one’s own story, and only one’s own story (not the stories of her siblings, or anyone else) in her own words is truly worthy of praise.

It is very hard to read in parts, and there is more that Jennifer experienced that she does not and will not share. But ultimately this story is one of hope and profound resilience. Gosh I want this true life heroine to shine and reach her best life.

[Brenda Barzangy · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing and real

I used to play those fashion games and she used to put bible verses on my wall, crazy to know now that was her !!
I enjoyed reading this book, it only took me a couple of hours and I am not one to finish a book in a day.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really do need to hear about this kind of stories... Even the religion-centered chapters didn't bother me at all as an atheist. Horrifying, but important❤️

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can only give 5 stars to anyone who recounts their own life. Especially of this nature of the horrors that Jennifer and the other Turpin siblings went through.

Jennifer mentioned at the start, that we should expect a lot of grammar mistakes throughout, due to her level of education. Although this can be hard to read through at times, it only increased my respect for Jennifer and this book as it was a constant reminder of what she went through.

I wish nothing but positive vibes for Jennifer and her siblings ✨️

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

God bless you, Jennifer!

Wow! I found this book to be so inspiring. I was in California when these arrests were on the television. It was heartbreaking! Nobody should have to go through what these children did. I felt like the things Jennifer spoke about in the book were barely scraping the surface of what really happened. I am so inspired by Jennifer's faith though and the fact that through everything, she never gave up. She is a strong woman and I pray that her siblings have similar stories of perseverance,courage, and hope!

[Rare Bones · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.75 stars) You are so strong Jennifer. I have followed you since the interview you did with your sister and after reading your book, I can’t tell you how happy it makes me seeing all that you have accomplished and continue to do despite the hell you went through the first 29 years of your life. Your book is very well written for what you say your grade level writing is. The chapters are cohesive but the stories jump around just a bit and that is my biggest critic. It hurt my heart so much knowing someone with such a kind heart had to endure so much pain for so long. You deserve all the happiness in the world and I will continue to support you in everything you do! I wear one of your bracelets everyday 🥰 I’m not a religious person but keep doing what you’re doing because it’s working for you and I’m so proud of you

[Gail Boomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing blessing.......

For Jennifer. Where was God? He was right beside you. With your lack of early education, girl you are wiser, smarter and more intelligent than most people. Your selflessness during such abuse is most admirable. You're an inspiration to others and you will be greatly rewarded in heaven. Thank you for your transparency and honesty. You are a true hero. Gail Boomer

[Abigail Byler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable story of survival and faith.

[Kellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tough read. The author writes about her experiences living in an abusive home. I’m hopeful to read more of her story in subsequent books, as I know she has come so far from her difficult past.

[Summer Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer,

I have to say I didn’t heed your warning and absolutely inhaled this book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. The raw, unedited retelling of your story added so many layers to the intense emotion and sense of connection felt by the reader. You can see how much of your heart and soul you put into your writing, and I heavily commend you for the bravery it took to bare down and relive the horrors of your past to get everything on paper.

I feel very personally connected to your story, as I am a survivor of horrific long term abuse myself, and I hope you know how much of a true inspiration you are to others who have clawed their way out of their own personal hell holes.

I first heard of your story in passing on the news, but I had an almost spiritual experience at the library that literally drew me to John Glatt’s book ‘The Family Next Door,’ and when I read it I was startled to find that I recognized several names and places mentioned. After my own digging, I learned that my sister is actually a second or third cousin of your father. Her father was my/our childhood abuser, and I can say with certainty that you have broken a generational curse by fighting to reclaim your life and not become like them. There were many eerie parallels and similarities from the verbal, emotional and physical abuse that you described in your story that we all experienced in our own childhoods.

It is such a beautiful thing to see you living a reclaimed life that you love so fiercely, you made it girl, and I know it means nothing from a stranger but I am so unbelievably proud of you and every single one of your siblings for holding onto hope and making it out alive.

I sent an Instagram DM if you’d be open to chat, I’d love to mail you a crocheted blanket for you and Smokey Jr. to cuddle with!

Much Love!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an astounding journey Miss Jennifer Turpin, my lovely friend has taken me on. This was a difficult book to read up until the last couple of chapters. Jen was kind enough in her introduction to suggest that if it gets too tough, I could read it in bite sized chunks, which I did. Her story of resiliency and triumph is what got me through the horrible parts. Her childlike devotion to God steadied my angry heart. After everything she’s been through in life, she has broad shoulders and is determined to help others who have struggled like her, to inspire hope in the hopeless, faith in the faithless. While Jen was dealing with hell at home, she was hoping to help others by using her apps to reach out to the world and touch one person at a time. She is still doing that with her frank portrayal of an innocent girl turned into a mature, centered woman. By publishing this book, I hope her diary-like style of a story moves the world as she moves my heart. ❤️ I don’t think I’d have the faith I have today if it weren’t for Jennifer Turpin and her values and virtues. Thank you, hon, for writing something that appeals to the heart, the mind, and the soul. 💖💖💖

[Schlekdog · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book ever

[beebee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure what to rate this one, as it is an unedited, self published memoir from the eldest Turpin child, and it feels quite wrong to be rating someone’s lived experience that way. Jennifer is so brave for sharing her story and I am so relieved for her that life was able to change so much due to her and her sister’s bravery. I cried at the end when I read about her little Smokey Jr kitty helping heal her soul, after everything she’s had to endure.

There are a million other things I could talk about from this memoir, but I would really like to commend her for a paragraph at the end of this book about the lack of oversight in homeschooling. I was also extremely isolated while being “homeschooled” out in the rural country and no one ever checked in on me or my siblings which allowed for horrible things to happen. It’s not the school systems fault that a lot of homeschooling parents are abusive, but I do think there’s some level of responsibility, because why don’t homeschooled kids get the same level of attention that other kids do? I have rarely seen anyone but formerly homeschooled children speak out on this, and so while expected, it was great to see it vocalized in this book. It was and is a huge part of the problem with parents like this, and more people outside of survivors need to start talking about it and advocating for better laws.

I wish nothing but the best life and all the healing in the world for Jennifer and her siblings.

[Waren Jean Go · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following the Turpin siblings’ story since it first came out in 2018, and to say I was shocked is an understatement. I couldn’t believe something like this could happen in America! A country I always thought had strong systems to protect children, where even spanking as discipline is discouraged.

Jennifer Turpin’s book is both painful and powerful. She warns readers not to read it in one sitting, and she’s absolutely right, it’s emotionally heavy. I even had to skip Chapter 12, where she describes her parents’ cruelty to animals. The accounts of abuse toward the children themselves were already incredibly difficult to take in. It’s hard to comprehend how any parent could inflict that kind of suffering on their own children.

What shines through, however, is the remarkable resilience of the Turpin siblings. Their strength, courage, and will to survive are inspiring, and I truly wish them continued healing. Thank you, Jennifer, for bravely sharing your story, no matter how painful it must have been to relive.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've always tried to find light anywhere I could."~pg. 30

I saw Jennifer and Jordan Turpin share their story with Diane Sawyer and I was just stunned. The torture that they endured and survived is just horrifying. After watching the interview I started following both of them on social media. I wanted to support them as they healed and embraced life.

I saw on Jennifer's Instagram that she had written a book and I couldn't wait to buy it. I also tried to get my library to buy a copy but they refused.

Jennifer's bravery in sharing her story is awe-inspiring. I admire her willingness to tell her story in her own way by self-publishing. I was inspired by how she chose to be kind and caring towards her siblings and refused to become abusive like her parents. A story of hope and resilience!

[Debbie Gill-ty Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Turbin writes this biography of her trapped life…abused and tortured by the hand of her parents. The abuse and mistreatment started when she was eleven for her and her younger siblings and continued into her late twenties. This case became big news after it hit the media and the parents had been arrested and taken to jail.
The book is a short book but plainly tells of Jennifer’s painstaking life of horror. An interesting event in the story is that this family actually lived in Murrieta, my town for a while. I applaud her for telling her story instead of burying it. Her story of how she turned to the Lord for guidance and help was inspiring. Good for her, for being stronger than the evil she found herself in while growing up. She is spending time now encouraging and advising others on life crisis’ that are devastating.

[Mika Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book already knowing about the horrific story about the Turpin family and yet, each word written still broke my heart until the bittersweet end.

At the beginning, Jennifer warns the reader that there will be grammar issues due to her broken schooling, however, to me it read like a mix between a victims statement report and a young girls diary/blog. Which paints the entire book with a type of innocence.

Even as an atheist, I found this read uplifting. Jennifer's perseverance in the face of absolute horror and abuse and determination to be the best she can be whilst helping others despite her pain and abuse is absolutely inspiring. I wish her a new life of happiness and joy and cannot wait to see how her life goes.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't commend Jennifer enough for sharing her story. This raw and unedited memoir makes for a very transparent, vulnerable, and accurate representation of the abuse she survived and the life she has found. As a CA survivor myself, I thought I could bypass the trigger warning she suggests by reading a little at a time. By page 21, I was feeling nauseous with disgust and anxiety for what she went through. (I now also recommend reading a little at a time).

Jennifer - you are so strong and an inspiration. Your story has made me feel like I'm not alone and has also helped me with some imposter syndrome feelings that still pop up here and there. Your faith is so beautiful. Your spirit is infectious - keep letting your light shine! 💓

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and precise book both written by and about the incredible life of Jennifer Turpin. This book goes in depth about her faith and encounters with God throughout her years in hell, and after. You will read a lot about God and Jennifer's faith through some unthinkable abuse and where it has led her today. It was very interesting for me to hear about how strong a person's belief can be despite the torture they've live through, Jennifer's power and strength, along with the way she persevered and fought to be a good person despite how evil her parents were/are and in spite of hos they used God against her. Thank you for sharing, Jennifer and thank you for not editing your work it was beautiful the way it was.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wanted to know what happened in the Turpin "House-of-HELL," this would be the book to read! Jennifer is the oldest of the Turpin children so she was a witness - and most abused - of the Turpin children, but not to dismiss what the others went through. There are 12 more children that have their own story to tell.

This is "A Raw and Unedited Memoir" written with a 3rd grade education level - and yet, well written. She does not hold back - she goes dark and deep!

***WARNING*** skip the Animal Cruelty chapter if you think it will be too hard to read. She added it so the readers can get a full picture of how the torture came from all angles.

Jennifer, thank you for sharing your story.

[Sarah McGinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very hard read, as it should be, and as a social worker I think this an excellent book for those who want to learn about the experience and effects of childhood trauma, both through the book's contents and its style of storytelling. Turpin's decision to not use an editor and write in raw text to show her level of education and perspective is a very enlightened choice - at many points it feels like reading the writing of a child or teenager, even though she is in her thirties, and as she states in the book, that's entirely intentional. Though the prose and structure are far from perfect, in my opinion that only adds to the picture Turpin paints of resilience and finding her way in circumstances no person should ever have to go through.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to preface by saying I don’t think there are many people who have gone through such tremendous trauma and abuse who are able to be such beacons of light and hope in the world. Having only had a formal education until the third grade, and foregoing a ghost writer and editor, these are Jennifer’s words - heartbreaking and raw. I applaud her “braveness” and willingness to share her story with everyone and give her much credit for only speaking of her own personal experiences - not speaking for her siblings or even for her parents. I wish Jennifer and her siblings the absolute best during this new chapter of their lives.