Vixen: From Mormon Convert To LDS Apostate

by Lindsay Helm

Do you ever wonder what decisions will shape your destiny? For Lindsay, one of those decisions was made at the young age of thirteen, when she converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--known to the world as "the Mormon church." Over the course of a decade, Lindsay would take a journey into one of the most secretive and powerful religious organizations in the world. A journey that would cause her to lose her true self as she submitted to the controversial teachings, culture and doctrine of the Mormon church. Little did she know that two people would come into her life and take her on a new journey. A journey back to herself.

This is her story.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Memoir

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Charisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for every woman, regardless of religion. "Vixen" is so much more than a story of a woman who leaves the Mormon Church; it's a journey of self-discovery and self-love, it's a first-hand account of heartache & healing, it's a poignant message of what can happen when a woman steps outside the expectations that have been set for her and steps wholly into her true self.

Lindsay's writing is captivating, immersive, and relatable. Even if her specific circumstances differ from yours, I have every confidence that "Vixen" will leave you inspired and empowered to step wholly into your true self.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and poignant. I recognized much of my Mormon upbringing and ExMormon experience in these pages.

[Jocelyn Fullmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Let me ask you this… if those around you cast you out and deem you unworthy, did they love you to begin with? Or was their love conditional based on submission and their own ideals of how you should live your life? If they cast you out and deem you unworthy, is it in the name of God or is it based on their own human construct of meeting certain requirements to be worthy of love?
…So let them cast you out. Let them deem you unworthy. Let them talk about you behind your back and pray for you at night. Let them create their own version of you in their minds—after all, none of that is up to you anyway.”

[Mandei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle warning if you're reading or listening to this book while in public areas: you might not be able to resist the urge to exclaim aloud, "YES!" as the validation and shared experience of religious trauma will be so strong and powerful. Lindsay is a succinct and passionate writer, a winning combination in sharing such a personal and yet shared story of finding her true identity outside a controlling system. Her potent grief in leaving a community that offers some illusion of safety in exchange for your soul is beautifully expressed. Her anger is eloquent, her sadness is deep, but her recovery is determined and her healing is inspirational. This is a revolutionary read.

[Kristine Noon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been sitting in my TBR pile for about a year and I’m glad I saved it for this week when I truly needed the stories she had to tell. I’m not a religious or even spiritual person, but I really enjoyed Lindsay’s writing style and her fantastic storytelling. The chapter about the garden bed was my favorite - and aside from some interesting thinking points on human nature, I learned a thing or two about gardening as well! The chapter about parenting without structured religion was also a favorite.

[Brielle Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quotes alone from this book make it a 5/5 rating. Lindsay does a beautiful job of telling her story of learning self love, authenticity, boundaries, unlearning people pleasing, and much more. I think anyone who struggles with any of these would like this book, regardless of experiences or knowledge of Mormonism.

“If I spend my life chasing the validation I crave, I am not truly living. I’m simply running a marathon that I will never win.”

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this but it just wasn’t terribly insightful - I’m sure it was cathartic for her to write this book but there wasn’t much new information shared beyond her personal story.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book puts words to feelings I've been chewing on for years. Thank you to Lindsay Helm for writing this. Couldn't put it down and will read again.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave. Empowering. Inspiration.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lindsay put so many of my feelings into words, and so beautifully. I wish I had read this earlier in my faith journey!

[Cheyenne Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Amazing story and beautifully written! I wish no one had to go through the process of a faith crisis but this book is amazing for anyone feeling like they are alone and no one understands. Truly so helpful!

[Ali Mckiearnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book!

Lindsay really let’s you into her life and journey! It was extremely well written and felt like a quick read without leaving out any details!