Banned

by Weston Brown

BANNED is a raw and deeply personal memoir that takes readers on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and reclaiming identity. Raised in a devout fundamentalist evangelical family steeped in the controversial teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), the author's upbringing was a labyrinth of unyielding rules, ever-changing theology, and a mission to build a "Christian Army.

Friendships with the Duggar family and encounters with other IBLP devotees further reinforced a culture of patriarchal control and spiritual perfectionism. Even after escaping one cult-like group, the author found himself ensnared by the promises of a sprawling megachurch, only to discover a world rife with scandal, hypocrisy, and broken trust.

Against this backdrop of conformity, the author grappled with the weight of faith, shame, and suffocating expectations in a world that left little room for individuality with limited access to information and censoring of other perspectives.

The stakes became even higher when he came out, triggering a devastating rejection by his parents and a painful disconnection from his younger siblings. Through the ache of separation and the bittersweet revelations of love, loss, and healing, BANNED explores the tension between loyalty to family and the pursuit of personal freedom.

The narrative is a tapestry of quiet courage, heartbreak, and hard-won resilience, painting a vivid portrait of what it means to leave behind the only life you've ever known to embrace the one you were meant to live. With unflinching honesty and flashes of humor, the author shares his journey of deconstructing faith, defying expectations, and rediscovering belonging in a world that often feels both overwhelming and isolating.

For readers of Educated by Tara Westover, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, and All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson, BANNED offers a compelling and evocative story of hope, identity, and the courage it takes to reclaim your narrative.

Genres: Religion, Biography, Memoir

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2024

Reviews

[Bethany Harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is so honest and generous when it comes to discussing the complexity of people and high control religion.

[Sarah Megarity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving and exceptionally well written

[Alan Oliveira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banned is a powerful, unflinching book that hit me harder than I expected. As someone who knows Weston personally and witnessed parts of these stories as they unfolded over the years, reading them on the page felt almost overwhelming. There were moments I hadn’t seen firsthand, and realizing the full scope of what he endured left me feeling shocked and, at times, guilty for not being able to help more.

Although my own experiences have been challenging, they pale in comparison to what Weston describes. His writing lays bare the devastating effects that rigid religious environments can have on individuals, families, and communities. It’s heartbreaking to see how deeply ingrained beliefs can shape — and sometimes damage — people’s minds and lives.

Banned isn’t an easy read, but it’s an important one. It offers an honest perspective that challenges us to reflect on the intersection of faith, control, and personal freedom.

[CTrekker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The good: the book is well written, easy to follow and it moves along with a good pace. I've seen enough documentaries on the subject to be familiar with most details presented in this book, and yet there were still small tidbits that had my jaw on the floor. The inner workings of such institutions are truly flabbergasting.

The bad: The majority of this book is unalchemized trauma dumping, with the exception of the skiing trip chapter where it felt like the situation no longer had power over the author. If he feels bad for mistreating his siblings (even if in the name of being gentler than their mother) he'd probably be better off just apologising to them. They have their own trauma, they don't have capacity for yours too, at least not for a while.

I send my best wishes to the author and also my congratulations for being a cycle breaker 🤘

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating for this book is largely based on the content. It is so important, and I hope Weston found the process therapeutic. His grief and trauma were palpable. I appreciate his vulnerability and the risks he took sharing his story so others can learn the dangers of these religious groups. However, the book is self-published, and I noticed some errors. The book could have used an editor. But making the material accessible is so valuable. What is haunting me is if Weston’s parents have been reported for child abuse, because they should be.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became interested in reading this book after seeing scenes of Weston and his mother in the documentary “The Librarians.” The impressions that each makes in the film — Weston earnest, noble, and kind; his mother self-righteous, cold, and malicious — are only heightened by Weston’s recollections. His childhood home was dominated by his mother’s abuse and manipulation, all in the name of religion. It’s a painful story, sometimes clumsily told, but written with honesty and sincerity. It’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of the Christian Nationalist movement for both its members and us all.

[Michelle Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of honesty I hope for in a book. I found myself truly going on this journey alongside Weston, and feeling pain at what he went through. I hope this book finds a publisher. Once cleaned up, it’s going to be a best seller. Honored to have been given an advanced copy. This is what we are up against with the religious right. Seeing it from the inside was disheartening, but seeing that the truth can be found by the youth, gave me so much hope.

[Nancy Ruth Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3.5 - While I don't agree with everything, this book was absolutely heart-wrenching and unfortunately relatable for someone who grew up very approximate to circles that Weston did. I'm incredibly appreciative for his perspective and am in awe of those who have had the courage to share their stories. I don't think the damage that fundamentalism has caused can be talked about enough.

[Am · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very captivating memoir highlighting one man's struggles within the IBLP cult and his family, eventually leading to reconciliation with himself as he finds the right path for him. Wishing all the peace in the world to Weston and his siblings :)

[Bruce Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about a wide variety of matters: religion, being gay, family dynamics, hate, scorn, self-righteousness, anti-science, love, abuse, friendship, and much more. Painful to read but worthwhile. I cannot imagine what the author went through, but at least I got a glimpse into his life.

[Terri's Dangerous When Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. The subject matter is disturbing to the point of terrifying. I thank the author for sharing his story and I wish him well.

[Lisa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read that was powerfully moving, descriptive and heart wrenching alongside moving. So happy to have found this. Great job!

[Ary Chest · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really powerful story, but the author needs to read more memoirs to know how one should be written.

[Paige Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely phenomenal book! Everyone should read it, especially anyone who doesn’t understand the harm of living in extremely controlling religious environments.