The First 20 Years of My Life, In the FLDS

by Jenelle Jessop

I grew up in the FLDS. My life was hectic and unstable. After leaving, I brought it up I conversation. Some people said I should write a book. This is that book. It is a short, 23,000-word, memoir with my memories about cult indoctrination and the events of my life.

This short book is written in 3 parts. Part 1 is the history, indoctrination, and setting of the church. Part 2 is my story in the church. In part 3, I talk about the struggles I face as a result of my upbringing, what I’ve learned about the world, and where I am now in this journey of life.

Much time and revision went into this book. If I mentioned you and you feel I treated you unfairly, I apologize. If I did not mention you and you feel that I should have, know I did not deliberately exclude you.

I hope you enjoy this short book. Happy reading!

Genres: Cults, Nonfiction

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2022

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I'd give this a three star rating for the writing, but I'm feeling very lenient today, so I'm sticking with a four.

Yes, it was repetitive in parts, and it's novella length so it doesn't have that much story, but considering this is her first book, the fact that she didn't have a formal education, and her age when she published this, it's really not that bad.

I've read FLDS memoirs from people who are older than Jenelle, and who already left by the time Warren Jeffs was arrested (they helped bring him to justice), so it was interesting seeing what life was like on the inside with him gone.

I could relate to Jenelle too, some of the insecurities she deals with I do as well, even if I grew up "on the outside". I really hope she's doing well in her life now, I wish her nothing but the best and I thank her for sharing her story with us.

[Emily Pope · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story, especially because she grew up in the FLDS largely after Warren Jeffs imprisonment. Short and to the point. I understand that the author didn't get a good education as a child, but I really wish someone else had read it and done some editing. So many instances of repeating information she just gave. Overall glad I read it.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was informative on the history of the FLDS and how it differs from the LDS. The writing, though, is hard to read. There is little sentence variety. The book jumps from one topic to the next then back to the first. It was a short read--I finished it in an hour, but I wish I hadn't wasted my time with it.

[Jennifer Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I can appreciate the author wanting to tell her story. An editor should have read the book though.

[R-mig · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's tough to rate and review this book. Because of her background, Jessop did not receive the education that people in the mainstream world do so on a daily basis. I sympathize with her and only wish her well. However, I truly had to force myself to continue reading. Jumping from one idea to the next without a proper transition, various repetitions, spelling and grammatical errors, and so much more... In my head, I'm comparing it to Rachel Jeffs' memoir. Jeffs' book had a direct chronology, an invisible outline (I'm sure), some level of advanced and captivating language. Jessop's version lacks the constituents that mold a great book.

[Reilley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, and I feel weird not absolutely loving somebody’s autobiography. They put themselves out there and here I am not giving it five stars.

Anyways.

Unfortunately the book suffers from a lack of editing and sometimes direction. It feels like an unfiltered train of thought, and leaves me with many questions. How is possibly having appendicitis dropped casually in text and no follow up? This woman obviously has an incredible story that deserves to be told. This is simply a poor execution.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely short and repetitive. While I appreciate the author being willing to try, but this was like a poorly written high school assignment with a required word count. The information given is found in much better, morw detailed books. Hope she's found happiness outside of the cult and very happy she's out and sorry for her traumatic childhood, but as a book, this was not good. Free on kindle unlimited, for those interested, but can't recommend it.

[Bec Bichard Kidd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs work

I found this book to be a little difficult to read. I wondered many times how this book was published with all the errors & I found myself being overly critical of the writing. However, I do congratulate the writer for putting herself & her story out there for all to read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

short memoir

I appreciate the author, Jenelle Jessie, taking a leap of faith (as it were) and sharing her thoughts with us. Anyone who reads this will no doubt end the book rooting for Janelle and her family!

[Honest Mabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

so it’s a novella and rushed

I mean I read it bc I wanted to support her even if it’s only a few Pennies. But I would love to have her really crack open her story and give it more than a rushed summary

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and to the point

Loved this short memoir of this woman who eventually found the wrongs in the FLDS. She explained her upbringing and what the church was like too. It was a heartbreaking short story with a happy ending. Worth the read if you are into learning about cults.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ebook. I wish Jenelle and family the best.

[Angeline Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

I was wondering what happened after Warren's arrest and this book is a first-person account. It is so sad but an easy read.

[Georgia Acker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

Very interesting to see this cult from a child's view. It does need an editor. I wish her and her family happiness.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A raw book written by a young adult about growing up in the FLDS after Warren Jeffs went to prison.

[Krystal Myrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3⭐️ It was very informative and interesting to hear from her POV. I especially enjoy hearing the history lessons.

[Ashley Lagana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though I rated the book 2 stars (the writing and repetition), it is worth the read. It is very short and easy to get through. The story is really good and you learn a lot from and insider perspective post Warren Jeffs incarceration. I have a lot of respect for the author and what she had to endure.

[Nicole Buell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audiobook - this was a fine book. I enjoy learning about the FLDS and it was interesting her personal story.