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Inside/Outside: One Woman's Recovery from Abuse and a Religious Cult
Jenny Hayworth grew up within the construct of the Jehovah's Witnesses, which she describes as a fundamentalist cult-like religion. She devoted her life to it for over thirty years. Then she left it. The church "unfellowshipped" her-rendering her dead to those family and friends still committed to the church.
Hayworth is a sexual abuse survivor. The trauma changed her self-perception, emotional development, trust, and every interaction with the world.
Inside/Outside is her exploration of sexual abuse, religious fundamentalism, and recovery. Her childhood circumstances and tragedies forced her to live "inside." This memoir chronicles her journey from experiencing comfort and emotional satisfaction only within her fantasy world to developing the ability to feel and express real life emotion on the "outside."
It is a story that begins with tragic multigenerational abuse, within an oppressive society, and ends with hope and rebirth into a life where she experiences real connections and satisfaction with the outside world.
Those who have ever felt trapped by trauma or circumstances will find Inside/Outside a dramatic reassurance that they are not alone in the world, and they have the ability to have a fulfilling life, both inside and out.
Hayworth is a sexual abuse survivor. The trauma changed her self-perception, emotional development, trust, and every interaction with the world.
Inside/Outside is her exploration of sexual abuse, religious fundamentalism, and recovery. Her childhood circumstances and tragedies forced her to live "inside." This memoir chronicles her journey from experiencing comfort and emotional satisfaction only within her fantasy world to developing the ability to feel and express real life emotion on the "outside."
It is a story that begins with tragic multigenerational abuse, within an oppressive society, and ends with hope and rebirth into a life where she experiences real connections and satisfaction with the outside world.
Those who have ever felt trapped by trauma or circumstances will find Inside/Outside a dramatic reassurance that they are not alone in the world, and they have the ability to have a fulfilling life, both inside and out.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
77 people are currently reading
1834 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Hayworth
1 book35 followersJenny Hayworth (1965-) was born in Great Britain and emigrated with her parents to Australia when she was 2 years old. She moved to New Zealand at the age of 9 years. She then relocated back to Australia in her mid 30's. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Psychology in 2010. She currently works with prisoners. She volunteered for a period of time as a crisis counsellor for a suicide prevention hotline.
In her memoir, she combines her professional development and personal experiences with sexual abuse and religious fundamentalism to relate a story of tragedy and sorrow that ends in hope and healing. Her desire is to help others, like her, realise they are not alone in the world and can also recover.
Hayworth lives in Australia with her husband and blended family, and finds joy in both her animals and garden.
In her memoir, she combines her professional development and personal experiences with sexual abuse and religious fundamentalism to relate a story of tragedy and sorrow that ends in hope and healing. Her desire is to help others, like her, realise they are not alone in the world and can also recover.
Hayworth lives in Australia with her husband and blended family, and finds joy in both her animals and garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 28, 2014
I just finished reading Inside/Outside today and am rushing to write a review while the thoughts are still fresh and uncluttered. First off, I want to thank Jenny for providing such an informative insight into how an organized religion like the Jehovah's Witness can cripple individual thinking and freedom. Worse yet, as in Jenny's case, a religion such as this that demands a person's blood family ostracize members and completely turn their backs on them if they decide they cannot accept the religions teachings and beliefs is dangerous indeed. This is a classic case of putting religion above family and on a personal level, I find this unacceptable. I was enthralled and repulsed by what the "elders" demand of the fellowship and how they failed to answer doubts raised by intelligent, questioning minds. Several times while reading the book I had to stop and discuss what I was reading with my own family. I was that appalled. Religious freedom? What on earth is that? Children are born into these religions and given no choice but to follow. And if they don't, their family turns their backs on them. Disgusting.
Jenny suffered terribly as a result of being a Jehovah's Witness who could no longer see the sense in what she was witnessing and could get no answers or help when she needed it desperately. She suffered sexual abuse, as did her children. The elders did nothing! When she went outside of that community to get the help she needed ... she was suicidal...she and her children were abandoned by everyone. She found love and help from strangers, the love and help she should have received from her own family, but as she points out toward the end of the book, her own mother was brainwashed too, scared to do anything but follow the tenets of the religion into which she was born.
Thank you Jenny for sharing your story with us. You make me glad that I don't follow any organized religion and have just given me further reason to stay well away. I'm delighted at how you managed to turn your life around and are now helping others. Just as I did in my story, you've taken the bad and turned it into something good to help others. Bravo mate!
Viga Boland
No Tears For My Father
No Tears for my Father: Part 2: Learning to Love Myself
Jenny suffered terribly as a result of being a Jehovah's Witness who could no longer see the sense in what she was witnessing and could get no answers or help when she needed it desperately. She suffered sexual abuse, as did her children. The elders did nothing! When she went outside of that community to get the help she needed ... she was suicidal...she and her children were abandoned by everyone. She found love and help from strangers, the love and help she should have received from her own family, but as she points out toward the end of the book, her own mother was brainwashed too, scared to do anything but follow the tenets of the religion into which she was born.
Thank you Jenny for sharing your story with us. You make me glad that I don't follow any organized religion and have just given me further reason to stay well away. I'm delighted at how you managed to turn your life around and are now helping others. Just as I did in my story, you've taken the bad and turned it into something good to help others. Bravo mate!
Viga Boland
No Tears For My Father
No Tears for my Father: Part 2: Learning to Love Myself
September 16, 2014
This memoir is a harrowing but deeply compelling read, eloquently expressed
without self pity or self-conscious melodrama. The author's readiness to give up on reticence and give an honest account of her struggles and failures is
admirable and reflects the core message of her book, that hurt and abuse should not be covered up and concealed but dealt with openly, with courage and honesty. At times, the catalogue of abuse was almost too relentless, but the impact of this memoir was paradoxically uplifting, portraying the indomitable nature of the human spirit in the author's fight to break free from an oppressive religious regime and to deal with the profound effects of abuse. As a Christian, I've made my own faith journey from the benign tyranny of a fundamentalist evangelical background to the liberating knowledge of a God who's far greater than the spiritual abuse perpetrated by certain power-tripping religious organisations. In this context, I was moved by the author's account of her pre-Christmas prayer, to a God she was no longer even convinced existed, to provide food and gifts she couldn't begin to afford as a single mother of four children. The response to that prayer testified to the real heart of God and symbolised the message of unlikely hope that underpins this painful memoir.
without self pity or self-conscious melodrama. The author's readiness to give up on reticence and give an honest account of her struggles and failures is
admirable and reflects the core message of her book, that hurt and abuse should not be covered up and concealed but dealt with openly, with courage and honesty. At times, the catalogue of abuse was almost too relentless, but the impact of this memoir was paradoxically uplifting, portraying the indomitable nature of the human spirit in the author's fight to break free from an oppressive religious regime and to deal with the profound effects of abuse. As a Christian, I've made my own faith journey from the benign tyranny of a fundamentalist evangelical background to the liberating knowledge of a God who's far greater than the spiritual abuse perpetrated by certain power-tripping religious organisations. In this context, I was moved by the author's account of her pre-Christmas prayer, to a God she was no longer even convinced existed, to provide food and gifts she couldn't begin to afford as a single mother of four children. The response to that prayer testified to the real heart of God and symbolised the message of unlikely hope that underpins this painful memoir.
April 27, 2016
The hypocrisy of churches stresses me out. They talk about how evil gay people are or how trans people will molest kids, but when it comes ot real abuse and molestation they don't want to do anything.
This woman endured generations of abuse. Even her children endured it. It's horrible! The Jehovah's Witness church did nothing. Not one thing. Even SATANISTS are against child abuse. SATANISTS!
Churches of the world, catch up! Let the homophobia and transphobia go and start doing something about children being abused!
This woman endured generations of abuse. Even her children endured it. It's horrible! The Jehovah's Witness church did nothing. Not one thing. Even SATANISTS are against child abuse. SATANISTS!
Churches of the world, catch up! Let the homophobia and transphobia go and start doing something about children being abused!
Want to read
January 17, 2015Wow, has my perspective changed. I really want to read this now.
November 22, 2014
Its been said that Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult. I think most religions are a cult. But this is not about Jehovah's Witnesses alone, its about Jenny Hayworth's experiences of child abuse and her life, then her marriage, and her children.
I was raised in the Jehovah's Witnesses from the age of 7 years old. I got out over 20 years ago. For my own reasons. I have not experiences abuse but a friend of mine did. I didn't know anything about it to many years later. Many, many years later. The effects this can have on someone is immense. As anyone who has been sexually abused will tell you.
In the aspect of the JWS, it brings into question the fact that they need two Witnesses to proceed in the allegation. I was appalled in reading this, as we know, crimes like this are committed in secret! there will never be witnesses. Then the fact about not being able to go to the Police, that threw me too. I am not a Jehovah's Witness. I do not uphold any religion at this present moment in time,
Jenny Hayworth put over a story that was heart rending, shocking, if not just the abuse itself but the peoples reactions to it. Not just the religion, but her family itself. You see, the JWS shun people when they oust them from their religion which isolated very vulnerable people at times. Some do not get over it, some have committed suicide.
I was greatly interested in reading Jenny's story, I hated the fact that this happened to her. I hated the fact that no protection was set in place for her and other such vulnerable children within that Organisation. Something has to be done.
I loved how Jenny took the negative in her life and has now made it into a positive. I find that with all that she has gone through, all the deep tunnels, the dark dungeons in her mind, the suicide bids, the depression, out came Jenny at the end.
She was once inside, now she is outside.
Thank you Jenny for an honest and open account of your experiences it told in such a way that it has truly made you a survivor. And someone to be able to help others.
I was raised in the Jehovah's Witnesses from the age of 7 years old. I got out over 20 years ago. For my own reasons. I have not experiences abuse but a friend of mine did. I didn't know anything about it to many years later. Many, many years later. The effects this can have on someone is immense. As anyone who has been sexually abused will tell you.
In the aspect of the JWS, it brings into question the fact that they need two Witnesses to proceed in the allegation. I was appalled in reading this, as we know, crimes like this are committed in secret! there will never be witnesses. Then the fact about not being able to go to the Police, that threw me too. I am not a Jehovah's Witness. I do not uphold any religion at this present moment in time,
Jenny Hayworth put over a story that was heart rending, shocking, if not just the abuse itself but the peoples reactions to it. Not just the religion, but her family itself. You see, the JWS shun people when they oust them from their religion which isolated very vulnerable people at times. Some do not get over it, some have committed suicide.
I was greatly interested in reading Jenny's story, I hated the fact that this happened to her. I hated the fact that no protection was set in place for her and other such vulnerable children within that Organisation. Something has to be done.
I loved how Jenny took the negative in her life and has now made it into a positive. I find that with all that she has gone through, all the deep tunnels, the dark dungeons in her mind, the suicide bids, the depression, out came Jenny at the end.
She was once inside, now she is outside.
Thank you Jenny for an honest and open account of your experiences it told in such a way that it has truly made you a survivor. And someone to be able to help others.
July 30, 2016
Bravery Beyond Words
I am not a "traditionally" religious person, but I am quite spiritual. I have known a few Witnesses throughout the years and although most have been seemingly good people, I remember a part gal I worked with. She was a Witness, and although I don't remember her exact circumstances she had become a single parent of a little girl ( it's possible she was widowed). The elders decided it was time for her to remarry and they matched her with a man in her age group and basically gave her no choice in the matter. At first he was a perfect gentleman which lasted until the vows were completed. He started out verbally abusive, next came the drinking. Then the physical abuse! It was actually quite horrifying to watch. When she went to the elders she was basically told it was obvious she was not being a good enough wife! All of the "problems" in her marriage were her fault. Those of us that new her prior to the marriage were appalled by the changes in her personality. She went from a happy well rounded young woman to a frightened mouse. The elders finally let her out of the marriage, but not until he beat her bad enough for her to be hospitalized. Of course after that they bundled her and her daughter off to another congregation in another state. After watching her transformation and many of us "outsiders" attempting to help her I can honestly believe Ms Hayworth's mind boggling emotional journey. Her life story is an astonishing and disturbing look inside the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. Through years of sexual, emotional, and religious abuse, this woman has proven to herself and others that you can survive! To the author, I pray you continue to find peace in your heart a d wish you daily blessings. Thank you for sharing
I am not a "traditionally" religious person, but I am quite spiritual. I have known a few Witnesses throughout the years and although most have been seemingly good people, I remember a part gal I worked with. She was a Witness, and although I don't remember her exact circumstances she had become a single parent of a little girl ( it's possible she was widowed). The elders decided it was time for her to remarry and they matched her with a man in her age group and basically gave her no choice in the matter. At first he was a perfect gentleman which lasted until the vows were completed. He started out verbally abusive, next came the drinking. Then the physical abuse! It was actually quite horrifying to watch. When she went to the elders she was basically told it was obvious she was not being a good enough wife! All of the "problems" in her marriage were her fault. Those of us that new her prior to the marriage were appalled by the changes in her personality. She went from a happy well rounded young woman to a frightened mouse. The elders finally let her out of the marriage, but not until he beat her bad enough for her to be hospitalized. Of course after that they bundled her and her daughter off to another congregation in another state. After watching her transformation and many of us "outsiders" attempting to help her I can honestly believe Ms Hayworth's mind boggling emotional journey. Her life story is an astonishing and disturbing look inside the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. Through years of sexual, emotional, and religious abuse, this woman has proven to herself and others that you can survive! To the author, I pray you continue to find peace in your heart a d wish you daily blessings. Thank you for sharing
April 3, 2014
I won a copy of this book in a first-read giveaway.
Well, what can I say? It’s a very compelling read. You can follow Jenny Hayworth's journey as she finds the courage and will to overcome her abusive childhood and escapes from a cult religion.
Her story can really help anyone who has gone through similar experiences. But even if you have never suffered abuse, been rejected by your family, or been trapped in a cult, it will definitely inspire you. What the author did to escape was truly amazing.
It’s a terrific read, very well written and also very thoughtful. While reading I could almost feel the pain and all the miserable circumstances she has been through. It must have taken a lot of courage to write this book. Reliving every painful aspect of her life and sharing it with the rest of the world. Not everyone can handle this. It’s a very strong memoir.
I highly recommend this book!
Well, what can I say? It’s a very compelling read. You can follow Jenny Hayworth's journey as she finds the courage and will to overcome her abusive childhood and escapes from a cult religion.
Her story can really help anyone who has gone through similar experiences. But even if you have never suffered abuse, been rejected by your family, or been trapped in a cult, it will definitely inspire you. What the author did to escape was truly amazing.
It’s a terrific read, very well written and also very thoughtful. While reading I could almost feel the pain and all the miserable circumstances she has been through. It must have taken a lot of courage to write this book. Reliving every painful aspect of her life and sharing it with the rest of the world. Not everyone can handle this. It’s a very strong memoir.
I highly recommend this book!
October 24, 2014
I have just finished this wonderful book.I could not put it down.It is an amazing journey through the life of a most remarkable and courageous woman.Her story will remain in my heart for a very long time if not forever.I know it will help so many with similar pain as it did me.It had to be very hard for her to share the intimate details of her life and I admire her for doing so.It is eloquently written.
October 29, 2016
There are essentially two struggles the author deals with in this journal of hers. 1) Living within and then separating from the Jehovah's Witnesses religious cult, and 2) sexual abuse and violent "discipline" that afflicted several generations of her family and the accompanying pressures for all of them to hold their pain, confusion, and fear inside and never express it. Regarding #1, I've always been curious about the Jehovah's Witnesses, and now after reading her account, I know enough. Regarding #2, I found myself feeling disgusted with the general community being described, because the way abuse was handled in the author's family and in her religious community was basically to ignore the trauma that happens to the children and to pay no attention to the abuser. The police are almost never called in; it is handled by the church elders, who seem to find the whole subject distasteful and inconvenient. When finally the author was ejected from the Jehovah's Witnesses community, she had to figure out how to get the psychological and financial support her children needed, to encourage her children to express their feelings, and to learn to experience and express her own life's traumas as well as her everyday feelings. She chronicled the process in detail.
I see so many glowing reviews of this book, but I found it poorly edited. It held my interest for about half of the story. Her writing style is very old-fashioned and somewhat wooden: no contractions, and overly detailed analyses of interactions with family and friends. Then, there was a lot of repetition: the writer described her depression–dozens of times throughout her story. I get it–she was depressed. She also reached out for help to many therapists over many years, which was good, but I sure got tired of reading about it. At the very end, her writing style got more natural and quicker moving, which made me wonder if she wrote it years later, like an epilogue.
I see so many glowing reviews of this book, but I found it poorly edited. It held my interest for about half of the story. Her writing style is very old-fashioned and somewhat wooden: no contractions, and overly detailed analyses of interactions with family and friends. Then, there was a lot of repetition: the writer described her depression–dozens of times throughout her story. I get it–she was depressed. She also reached out for help to many therapists over many years, which was good, but I sure got tired of reading about it. At the very end, her writing style got more natural and quicker moving, which made me wonder if she wrote it years later, like an epilogue.
September 13, 2014
Award winning book - Finalist Beverley Hills Book Awards 2014
Semi-Finalist 2014 Kindle Book Awards
Finalist 2014 Readers Favorite Book Awards
Silver Award winner 2014 Readers Favorite Book Awards in Non Fiction - Inspirational
Jenny Hayworth grew up within the construct of the Jehovah's Witnesses, which she describes as a fundamentalist, cult-like religion. She devoted her life to it for over thirty years. Then she left it. The church "disfellowshipped" her- rendered her dead to those family and friends still committed to the church.
Hayworth is a sexual abuse survivor. The trauma changed her self-perception, emotional development, trust, and every interaction with the world. Inside/Outside is her exploration of sexual abuse, religious fundamentalism, and recovery.
Her childhood circumstances and tragedies forced her to live "inside". This memoir chronicles her journey from experiencing comfort and emotional satisfaction only within her own fantasy world to developing the ability to feel and express real life emotion on the outside.
It is a story that begins with tragic multigenerational abuse, within an oppressive society, and ends with hope and rebirth into a life where she experiences real connections and satisfaction with the outside world.
Those who have ever felt trapped by trauma or circumstances will find Inside/Outside a dramatic reassurance that they are not alone in the world, and they have the ability to have a fulfilling life, both inside and out. GR description
This book was a very interesting and enlightening read. This woman has not had an easy life but I love how she takes her struggles, pushes through them and becomes a better strong person.
Semi-Finalist 2014 Kindle Book Awards
Finalist 2014 Readers Favorite Book Awards
Silver Award winner 2014 Readers Favorite Book Awards in Non Fiction - Inspirational
Jenny Hayworth grew up within the construct of the Jehovah's Witnesses, which she describes as a fundamentalist, cult-like religion. She devoted her life to it for over thirty years. Then she left it. The church "disfellowshipped" her- rendered her dead to those family and friends still committed to the church.
Hayworth is a sexual abuse survivor. The trauma changed her self-perception, emotional development, trust, and every interaction with the world. Inside/Outside is her exploration of sexual abuse, religious fundamentalism, and recovery.
Her childhood circumstances and tragedies forced her to live "inside". This memoir chronicles her journey from experiencing comfort and emotional satisfaction only within her own fantasy world to developing the ability to feel and express real life emotion on the outside.
It is a story that begins with tragic multigenerational abuse, within an oppressive society, and ends with hope and rebirth into a life where she experiences real connections and satisfaction with the outside world.
Those who have ever felt trapped by trauma or circumstances will find Inside/Outside a dramatic reassurance that they are not alone in the world, and they have the ability to have a fulfilling life, both inside and out. GR description
This book was a very interesting and enlightening read. This woman has not had an easy life but I love how she takes her struggles, pushes through them and becomes a better strong person.
February 26, 2014
What a great book, Jenny. It is poignant and moving. Jenny Hayworth certainly succeeded, through her extraordinary writing skill, to keep me reading. I related to much of her story and her warmth that is evident in her story telling. The theme is my favorite of all themes and all things - the human condition. With no arrogance, no demeaning, Jenny told her story with a great skill. Much of her feelings and thoughts I could relate to as I was reading. "At the same time, I would sometimes wake in a cold sweat and panic, thinking, What if the Jehovah’s Witnesses are true? What if Armageddon is coming and I am going to die? It would take ages for my heart to stop pounding and for the panic to subside," (p.136) Wao!! How I could see the character as the character and I are no different.
Anyone interested in studying the human condition will find Jenny's book a memorable one.
Dr. Sabri Bebawi
Anyone interested in studying the human condition will find Jenny's book a memorable one.
Dr. Sabri Bebawi
September 20, 2014
The story of multi-generational abuse, you can almost feel the author's pain. The abuse leads to disillusionment and ultimate disassociation with a religion that gives her no comfort. She has been led to believe that the religion holds the answers, yet she finds other ways to deal with the 'inside", and "outside" worlds, often extraordinary and imaginative ways of expressing the inner and outer grief, terror and confusion that she has experienced. She knows that others have had the same experiences, and these stories are told in vignettes and flashbacks. This is a well-written book about ways of sharing and ultimately, hopefully healing from trauma. (Review by PanOrpheus, pen name for Howard Lipman, author of the 'Delphic Oracle' and 'Tesla's Tower' fantasy alternate/history books)
August 7, 2015
This was an extremely depressing book to read. Jenny's experience with the Jehovah's Witnesses took a back seat to the relentless stories of sexual abuse that happened to her, her ex-husband, all four of her children, and many extended family members. While the Jehovah's Witnesses are certainly guilty of not holding their members responsible for these heinous crimes, the majority of the sexual abuse happened from people who weren't in this cult. Australia seems like a scary place to live in regard to safety from this book.
This was heartbreaking to read. It was also quite redundant, as if the author had forgotten she had already told certain stories previously. I was glad to know she is much more at peace with herself now and hope her children will be too.
This was heartbreaking to read. It was also quite redundant, as if the author had forgotten she had already told certain stories previously. I was glad to know she is much more at peace with herself now and hope her children will be too.
May 16, 2014
This book is compelling touching, terrifying, gut-wrenching and other feelings that I could not put a name to. The courage it took to write it is astounding! Ms. Hayworth writes a believable account of plague that has affected an entire generation of women and no one believes us. She brings into the light her story in a way that refuses to be ignored or marginalized. I applaud and thank her for all who never got the chance to tell their stories.
September 20, 2014
Read this book to see how it might compare to my book. At first it was hard to read...so raw, revealing and shocking. What amazes me is that there is so much abuse, secrecy and ignorance and it continues for so many generations. It also seems as though, in my opinion, that Satan continues to use such evil, disgusting actions to try to ruin so many lives. It is well written and a true testament to this woman's strength and wisdom.
March 15, 2015
I don't know if I believe this story 100% How can one family suffer so much abuse? I'm sure it happens, but 5 generations and nobody thought to say anything or do anything. And when some did everyone called that person a liar.
I think I believed her up to the point where a 5 year old got pregnant.
I did think it was an interesting reflection on life as a Jehovah's Witness. It reinforces why I should keep my door closed when they come knocking.
I think I believed her up to the point where a 5 year old got pregnant.
I did think it was an interesting reflection on life as a Jehovah's Witness. It reinforces why I should keep my door closed when they come knocking.
May 18, 2014
An eye-opening book. I had to finish this book but disliked every minute of it. It's hard to believe that one person could ever have to deal with all the atrocities that Jenny Hayworth has encountered in her life. I had no idea that being a Jehovah's Witness controlled your life in such a terrible way.
January 16, 2015
This is a very courageous book. Thank you for writing it and sharing your important and inspiring story. I am disfellowshipped and your story helped me to not feel so alone. I appreciate your openness so much.
February 11, 2014
As a victim of sexual abuse this book caused a lot of tears, as I could relate to a lot of the pain shared. but It is a comfort to know that the things I feel im not alone in.
September 17, 2014
Interesting though long and somewhat repetiitve memoir of a woman dealing with abuse, her experiences with Jehovah Witnesses and mental illness.
October 19, 2014
For this review, and more, please visit us at: http://readingforsanity.blogspot.com/...
October 30, 2014
Long book
this was a very long story and at times
the writer rambled on.it's a good book but you can skip pages and not go anywhere
this was a very long story and at times
the writer rambled on.it's a good book but you can skip pages and not go anywhere
April 2, 2016
Super thankful for the rawness, realness, and compassion of this book.
September 28, 2014
Great read! Very informative and helpful! Thank you Jenny for sharing your life story.
April 25, 2021
An, in depth, book
I have always been curious about the "WITNESSES" when they would come around in my neighborhood when I was a child. I knew my mom would never let them preach to her.
She would only have to mention our religion. Catholic, and they would promptly leave. They were always polite I remember.
After reading this I am very sad for the people who were caught up in this.
I am especially sad for this author. She has gone through an awful lot of sad experiences in her life. I pray for her. And I thank her for counselling others. She has a lot to give.
I have always been curious about the "WITNESSES" when they would come around in my neighborhood when I was a child. I knew my mom would never let them preach to her.
She would only have to mention our religion. Catholic, and they would promptly leave. They were always polite I remember.
After reading this I am very sad for the people who were caught up in this.
I am especially sad for this author. She has gone through an awful lot of sad experiences in her life. I pray for her. And I thank her for counselling others. She has a lot to give.
January 9, 2021
Terrible
Don’t waste your time. Badly written. No continuity. And hard to believe everyone in her family has been sexually abused.
Don’t waste your time. Badly written. No continuity. And hard to believe everyone in her family has been sexually abused.
July 10, 2023
Wonderful read
This book touched on many things and was so emotionally charged, that you can almost feel the deep depression the author experienced.
This book touched on many things and was so emotionally charged, that you can almost feel the deep depression the author experienced.
February 1, 2019
hard to read and shocking though we should not be now - about how closed religious communities perpetrate abuse on each other and treat those who would challenge, confront and escape. Brave read too - inspiring.
April 28, 2014
We’ve all gone through something. We all can recall at least one unfair hand that life has dealt. We know of hurdles mastered, mountains climbed, uphill battles and broken wings. And from a certain vantage point, it’s true—we are all survivors of life. But sooner or later perspective arrives always followed by its fair companion, humility.
Most recently, perspective arrived for me in the form of a new book by Jenny Hayworth, Inside/Outside: One Woman's Recovery from Abuse and a Religious Cult. This gripping story was so poignant simply because it revealed a battle field I have never faced. It shed light on shadowy places I never knew existed; or if I had heard of them, they remained dimly mysterious. Her book put my own painful experiences in perspective.
Inside/Out is unique, gutsy and raw. After growing up intrenched in the doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jenny bravely details her emancipation, the causes that led to it and the painful aftermath. My eyes stung with tears as I read of her sexual abuse, physical and emotional abandonment, clinical depression, suicidal thoughts and loneliness. Jenny shares without reservation about her own shortcomings, stating courageously that her only motive is to spare others her same pain.
The audience for this book, those who will find themselves in the pages, is vast. Some portion of Jenny’s story will undoubtedly resonate with everyone. And everyone who reads it, will find a second wind beneath their own wings, a new light on their own troubles. Jenny’s bravery, hope, determination and survival will be the encouragement many need to go forward one more day, to reach for the light at the end of the tunnel.
Most recently, perspective arrived for me in the form of a new book by Jenny Hayworth, Inside/Outside: One Woman's Recovery from Abuse and a Religious Cult. This gripping story was so poignant simply because it revealed a battle field I have never faced. It shed light on shadowy places I never knew existed; or if I had heard of them, they remained dimly mysterious. Her book put my own painful experiences in perspective.
Inside/Out is unique, gutsy and raw. After growing up intrenched in the doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jenny bravely details her emancipation, the causes that led to it and the painful aftermath. My eyes stung with tears as I read of her sexual abuse, physical and emotional abandonment, clinical depression, suicidal thoughts and loneliness. Jenny shares without reservation about her own shortcomings, stating courageously that her only motive is to spare others her same pain.
The audience for this book, those who will find themselves in the pages, is vast. Some portion of Jenny’s story will undoubtedly resonate with everyone. And everyone who reads it, will find a second wind beneath their own wings, a new light on their own troubles. Jenny’s bravery, hope, determination and survival will be the encouragement many need to go forward one more day, to reach for the light at the end of the tunnel.
December 21, 2014
Inside Outside is a compelling story written candidly by a brave woman about the short and long term impact of sexual abuse and living within a religious cult on the lives of her family and herself.
Fortunately, to the best of my knowledge, no one in my family has been the subject of physical, sexual or mental abuse. Yes, I was aware of sexual predators and domestic abuse but not personally affected by it and I thank Jenny to opening my eyes to other aspects.
Like many people, the only thing I really knew of Jehovah’s Witnesses was their unwelcome knocking at the door at the most inconvenient times. So I also had no knowledge of the inside workings of a fundamentalist religion.
The author openly writes about her extreme depression, self-harming and difficulty she had with what most people would consider normal social interaction difficulties and that of being cut off from loved family members because she questioned the beliefs of her religion.
Inside Outside refers to her inside self and the outside world in which she must survive. Her inside self with an ‘inside’ mum and dad was a perfect world of love and kindness and it took her many years of therapy to finally let go of that inside world and learn to express emotions.
We all need more understanding of the world we live in and the people we meet. We need to learn not to judge and to be more compassionate and this is one of the many lessons in Inside Outside.
This book gave me an insight into a world I was totally unfamiliar with. I hope to always remember the lessons learned in reading Jenny Hayworth’s book.
This review is also available on my website www.pam.id.au
Fortunately, to the best of my knowledge, no one in my family has been the subject of physical, sexual or mental abuse. Yes, I was aware of sexual predators and domestic abuse but not personally affected by it and I thank Jenny to opening my eyes to other aspects.
Like many people, the only thing I really knew of Jehovah’s Witnesses was their unwelcome knocking at the door at the most inconvenient times. So I also had no knowledge of the inside workings of a fundamentalist religion.
The author openly writes about her extreme depression, self-harming and difficulty she had with what most people would consider normal social interaction difficulties and that of being cut off from loved family members because she questioned the beliefs of her religion.
Inside Outside refers to her inside self and the outside world in which she must survive. Her inside self with an ‘inside’ mum and dad was a perfect world of love and kindness and it took her many years of therapy to finally let go of that inside world and learn to express emotions.
We all need more understanding of the world we live in and the people we meet. We need to learn not to judge and to be more compassionate and this is one of the many lessons in Inside Outside.
This book gave me an insight into a world I was totally unfamiliar with. I hope to always remember the lessons learned in reading Jenny Hayworth’s book.
This review is also available on my website www.pam.id.au
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