"this river is full this river is family this river is forever because this river of course is red"
Giving this a four for the message, even if some poems "this river is full this river is family this river is forever because this river of course is red"
Giving this a four for the message, even if some poems were really close to sounding the same. It's not a lot of them, most are different, but yeah.
The writing style reminded me of Tanya Tagaq, but less graphic. Not a lot of rhyming poetry (the kind I prefer, nothing against this book though), but you can can feel it either way.
My favourite poem was probably "when Louis Riel went crazy", and generally all the longer ones spoke to me more than the shorter ones, that's where this author shines.
I'll have to check out Vermette's non-poetry books, and see how her style translates to fiction....more
This book covers pretty much everything that was skipped over in Spencer's first book, and it jumps around a lot as a result, so I'd recommend you reaThis book covers pretty much everything that was skipped over in Spencer's first book, and it jumps around a lot as a result, so I'd recommend you read Shattered Dreams before this one for a clearer picture.
The first book has a bigger focus on her own experiences, while this one focuses more on Ervil and his crimes. While I liked Shattered Dreams better, and feel like I learned a bit more from it, I still enjoyed listening to this one and will be checking out Irene's third book as well....more
I've read quite a few books about the LeBarons, but I've been looking forward to reading Irene's books specifically, even more so since I read Susan'sI've read quite a few books about the LeBarons, but I've been looking forward to reading Irene's books specifically, even more so since I read Susan's book. Both she and Irene were married to Verlan, so it was interesting seeing both of their perspectives, life wasn't easy for either of them.
I said back in my review of Susan's book, that she made me see why she fell in love with Verlan. Now, for Irene's book, I could still see it, but I was so sad for her, because she had a chance at true, monogamous, love before she ever married Verlan, but she didn't listen and ended up with a lot of pain and heartache as a result.
Irene wasn't meant for polygamy, as shown in the book. It might be a bit of a difficult or annoying read for some people because of it. She constantly complains about it, cries when she doesn't get enough attention from her husband, argues with him about the other wives, thinks about leaving, and yet still stays because he's her salvation.
Add all the poverty on top, constant moving to evade the law, popping out babies and the health risks that come with having that many close together...listen, I WOULD CRY TOO!!!
And mind you, she was only 16 when they got together, of course she's going to be immature??? Having a baby (or several) doesn't magically fix that, or the jealousy. I can't say if she would've been that jealous had she never experienced being loved the way Glen loved her, but I don't fault her for it.
Something else that I found interesting here, is that I saw, through Irene's eyes, that Verlan genuinely believed what he was preaching. I'm not saying it's not coo coo bananas, but I felt that he wasn't taking all these wives just because he wanted to, but because he truly believed he could help them. Like, even past the seven he "needed", it didn't feel like greed. But it's clear everyone suffered regardless.
There were some events that were glossed over here, but I believe Spencer covers them in her next book, so it's okay. This one is a bit long as is, so splitting the story up was a good decision if you ask me.
But it does wrap things up for the most part, there's an update on how she was doing at the time of publication, so you don't have to read her other books if you don't want to. I'm definitely going to, though....more
The story of a family trying (and succeeding) to get their son out of Moonie clutches. I felt the parents' fear as if it were my own, and celebrated wThe story of a family trying (and succeeding) to get their son out of Moonie clutches. I felt the parents' fear as if it were my own, and celebrated with them, even tearing up, when Steve finally decided to come home.
It was an insightful read, giving the reader tips on what to do and what not to do, should your loved one ever join a cult. They were given excellent advice they followed to a T, that eventually brought their son home. Luckily, he wasn't in too deep, but there's a good chance these methods could still work even if someone is in deeper.
We even got to hear why he left, in Steve's own words, while the rest of the book was told from his mother's perspective.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's interested in the Moonies, or looking for a gripping and impactful read. ...more
The right way to experience this book is through audio, we got to hear Lisa, Riley and Julia Roberts telling Lisa's heartbreaking story. Riley masterfThe right way to experience this book is through audio, we got to hear Lisa, Riley and Julia Roberts telling Lisa's heartbreaking story. Riley masterfully used the tapes her mother left her, and filled in the blanks for all of us. It's such a sad read, but I flew through it anyway. I wish it was longer, but it also feels "just enough". I'll definitely be getting a physical copy too....more
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 inNormally 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....more
Like others have already said, a lot of these recipes aren't original or something you haven't seen before, but me (a non-American), I don't really miLike others have already said, a lot of these recipes aren't original or something you haven't seen before, but me (a non-American), I don't really mind.
There's some recipes that I definitely will be trying, I'm the most excited about Cast-Iron Cornbread Sticks, believe it or not. I'm a biiiig lover of all things cornbread, which we always eat salty here, by the way, and I literally never thought to do it like this.
So, here you have appetisers, side dishes, main dishes, desserts and a few drinks here and there. They're split up by the months of the year and pretty on theme with the holidays (Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day etc). I feel like Father's Day specifically is so accurate, my dad would've definitely loved those if he was still alive.
Now, my gripe with this is that some recipes are extremely simple (like a 2 ingredient cocktail or a bucket of beer where you just put beer in a bucket). Or for example 3 different kinds of mashed potatoes taking up space that could've been used for something else. Something similar was done with salads, but I'll give that one a pass.
I listened to both the audiobook, and followed along with the ebook. If you actually want the recipes, you're gonna have to get the ebook or physical because they announce them and talk about them in the audio, but you don't get to hear the actual recipe. There should be an accompanying PDF though, but since my audio copy was from Libby I didn't get that.
What the audio has that the ebook doesn't, is a sort of kitchen interview, and the co-author (Maurice Miner) cooking up some recipes with Rachel live. That was fun, I'd probably go back to that someday and try to cook along with them.
And generally, they talk more about the recipes over audio than they do in the ebook. There's jokes too, and some family lore, so if you can get or borrow both versions I think they're worth it.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm considering making Corn Fritters for breakfast byeee....more
Really fast read, I listened to the whole audiobook yesterday because it was really entertaining. Do I feel like I got to know Jinger or Jeremy a bit Really fast read, I listened to the whole audiobook yesterday because it was really entertaining. Do I feel like I got to know Jinger or Jeremy a bit better though? Ehhh, yes and no.
There were things Jinger opened up about that were previously unknown to me, but the biggest focus was on her relationship with Jeremy. Now, that was interesting by itself, but I was hoping for a bit more background info aside from that.
I did learn a lot about Jeremy though, and I do think he's a good match for Jinger. Somehow, the whole back and forth with Jim Bob didn't surprise me one bit, I'm glad it all worked out in the end.
Now, if you're expecting to read about Josh and how it affected the family, this is not the book for that. His actions are just glossed over like "one family member did something bad and we dealt with it together as a family end of story".
That did disappoint me, but at the same time, I can understand not wanting to talk about that in a book that's meant to be about your relationship with your husband.
Either way, I'm going to be reading Jinger's next book soon, I'm curious to see more about her faith journey....more
I wish I could explain this book in a word other than insane, but I'm afraid I can't.
This case is bananas, and made me glad that even as a young kid I wish I could explain this book in a word other than insane, but I'm afraid I can't.
This case is bananas, and made me glad that even as a young kid who got Facebook just to play games, I decided to deactivate it on my own a short while later and never looked back. Luckily I didn't run into any people like this, but wow.
It's so hard to believe that they exist and that this is real BUT THEY DO AND IT IS!!!
The book is from the prosecutor's PoV so that was new, I didn't mind it.
I really don't know what else to say, just crazy crazy crazy.
Merged review:
I wish I could explain this book in a word other than insane, but I'm afraid I can't.
This case is bananas, and made me glad that even as a young kid who got Facebook just to play games, I decided to deactivate it on my own a short while later and never looked back. Luckily I didn't run into any people like this, but wow.
It's so hard to believe that they exist and that this is real BUT THEY DO AND IT IS!!!
The book is from the prosecutor's PoV so that was new, I didn't mind it.
I really don't know what else to say, just crazy crazy crazy....more
I don't remember where I saw this book (maybe Amazon?) or if I heard about it somewhere (another podcast?), but the title really drew me in. I was expI don't remember where I saw this book (maybe Amazon?) or if I heard about it somewhere (another podcast?), but the title really drew me in. I was expecting something different to what it actually was though.
If you're looking for advice, yes, this is what you want to read, if you're looking for a "tell-all" type of thing, this isn't it. Not in the sense most people will be thinking of, anyway. But these women do share a lot of their lives, situations they've been in and how they dealt with them and what you can do if you find yourself in a similar one.
There's also a big emphasis on being yourself, and that not fitting the mold is totally okay, but you should still do it within reason (as in, if it's a church where everyone wears dresses, you as a pastor's wife can't really wear leggings, etc). I did find that perspective refreshing, as someone who dresses modestly, but is part of an alternative subculture, so I often get judged for not being the right "type" of Christian or for not dressing modestly the "normal/correct" way.
Now, I'm not a pastor's wife, so I'm not the target audience, but I did find value in this read. It was interesting, funny and made me want to check out the podcast. The audiobook was a nice listen as well, I do recommend it....more
I've been following the Epstein case since 2017, and I will never forget how the general public dismissed claims by those who knew what was going on uI've been following the Epstein case since 2017, and I will never forget how the general public dismissed claims by those who knew what was going on until Epstein got arrested. Then it was crickets, and ignoring those same people who were saying this since the beginning.
Anyway, because I've been researching this case for so long, I knew what to expect from this book, and yet there were still scenes that surprised me. Or things I forgot about and got reminded of by listening to this (about Epstein's sexual preferences, what he wanted his young "masseuses" to do to him, I think I willingly blocked that out).
Relentless Pursuit covers the legal angle more than any other and I did enjoy it. The writing style was pretty simple and easy to understand for the average reader, which I appreciate.
And of course, this book made me mad all over again, for all those times Epstein got away with what he was doing because he was rich, he had connections, he was most likely intelligence like Robert Maxwell.
But if you want his full detailed life you'll have to look elsewhere. This wasn't a problem for me, but I've seen a few reviews saying it wasn't explained how he got all his money, what he did for a living etc. And to cover all of that this book would have to be much longer.
And also, this doesn't include a conclusion about Ghislaine Maxwell, but it couldn't have anyway because of when it was published. So be mindful of that when you pick it up.
I have even more thoughts about this, might add them here some other day.
P. S. Living for all the "Stanley Pottinger is also Intelligence" jokes & references.
Merged review:
I've been following the Epstein case since 2017, and I will never forget how the general public dismissed claims by those who knew what was going on until Epstein got arrested. Then it was crickets, and ignoring those same people who were saying this since the beginning.
Anyway, because I've been researching this case for so long, I knew what to expect from this book, and yet there were still scenes that surprised me. Or things I forgot about and got reminded of by listening to this (about Epstein's sexual preferences, what he wanted his young "masseuses" to do to him, I think I willingly blocked that out).
Relentless Pursuit covers the legal angle more than any other and I did enjoy it. The writing style was pretty simple and easy to understand for the average reader, which I appreciate.
And of course, this book made me mad all over again, for all those times Epstein got away with what he was doing because he was rich, he had connections, he was most likely intelligence like Robert Maxwell.
But if you want his full detailed life you'll have to look elsewhere. This wasn't a problem for me, but I've seen a few reviews saying it wasn't explained how he got all his money, what he did for a living etc. And to cover all of that this book would have to be much longer.
And also, this doesn't include a conclusion about Ghislaine Maxwell, but it couldn't have anyway because of when it was published. So be mindful of that when you pick it up.
I have even more thoughts about this, might add them here some other day.
P. S. Living for all the "Stanley Pottinger is also Intelligence" jokes & references....more
Never did I expect that I would cry so much because of a wrestling book, but here we are.
This was beautiful, and when I say that - I mean it. I can'tNever did I expect that I would cry so much because of a wrestling book, but here we are.
This was beautiful, and when I say that - I mean it. I can't find a single flaw because everything was on point.
The writing? Engaging. The chapter length? Not too long, not to short. The story? Truly inspiring.
As a wrestling fan I knew who the Young Bucks were, but I didn't know the full story. Now I do, and all I can say is wow.
Even if you're not into wrestling, you should still give this a try. It's written in a very accessible way so you shouldn't have any trouble connecting the dots. And it's a good time, trust me. I only wish it was even longer.
Merged review:
Never did I expect that I would cry so much because of a wrestling book, but here we are.
This was beautiful, and when I say that - I mean it. I can't find a single flaw because everything was on point.
The writing? Engaging. The chapter length? Not too long, not to short. The story? Truly inspiring.
As a wrestling fan I knew who the Young Bucks were, but I didn't know the full story. Now I do, and all I can say is wow.
Even if you're not into wrestling, you should still give this a try. It's written in a very accessible way so you shouldn't have any trouble connecting the dots. And it's a good time, trust me. I only wish it was even longer....more
Absolutely loved this memoir, there are hardly words to describe how wonderful it was. If you pick this up, you won't regret it, trust me. Especially Absolutely loved this memoir, there are hardly words to describe how wonderful it was. If you pick this up, you won't regret it, trust me. Especially if you're a part of the lgbtqia+ community, and, hell, even if you're not, this might show you a different kind of worldview. I also recommend the audiobook for maximum enjoyment.
Highkey one of the best memoirs ever, I'm not kidding....more
I loved Heather's first book, so naturally I had to pick this one up too. It's a good companion to Bad Mormon, and covers different periods in her lifI loved Heather's first book, so naturally I had to pick this one up too. It's a good companion to Bad Mormon, and covers different periods in her life, with even more interesting stories. There's even a Housewives chapter, which I'm sure everyone has been looking forward to.
I enjoyed listening to her narration once again and I'm seated for whatever she puts out next....more
I recently finished The Witness Wore Red, so naturally I had to read this too. I'd read Cole's book too if it was available still. If anyone knows wheI recently finished The Witness Wore Red, so naturally I had to read this too. I'd read Cole's book too if it was available still. If anyone knows where I could find it I'd be very grateful.
Anyway yes, this is basically Rebecca's father "proving his daughter wrong" about her own childhood. But if you ask me, he's only proving her, and Elissa, right. I'm inclined to side with survivors of abuse over those who didn't protect them from said abuse, sorry!!
The book is often repetitive, I'm assuming to fill up page space, and the rebuttals aren't actually anything huge (like the dining table/eating together or the downstairs/upstairs and TV situations, do you think readers really care about that?), except in the case of Rebecca's CSA.
Mr Wall, please consider that there is a possibility you really weren't told about it and that it really did happen. You believe your daughter about Rulon and Warren, why is this any different just because it happened in your home?
Also saying how Rebecca wanted to marry Rulon because she'd have access to all these things, credit cards, private flights etc, how would she know about that until she was in the prophet's family?
I will say I do believe one thing here, and that's the story of how her parents met, and how her mother was assigned to her father's family. I can see it happening that way, and Mr Wall would probably know that better than his daughter, but the rest......more
Don't have much to say about this that I didn't already say in my review for their first book, but at least in this one they dropped the whole "I, JimDon't have much to say about this that I didn't already say in my review for their first book, but at least in this one they dropped the whole "I, Jim Bob" and "I, Michelle" thing, so it was less confusing. They repeated some stories from that other book too, but most of them were new, occasionally interesting.
I laughed when I got to that "romance books are to women what porn is to men" part and how they give girls/women unrealistic expectations...BYEEEEE. So ridiculous. Like not even "proper" historical romances Michelle? Really now?? What a sad world.
Anyway, another Duggar book done, a few more to go. ...more
I knew Rebecca Musser's book would be exceptional and it sure was! She talks about her life pre and post escape in great detail, giving us yet anotherI knew Rebecca Musser's book would be exceptional and it sure was! She talks about her life pre and post escape in great detail, giving us yet another perspective on the FLDS, from the innermost circle. I read her sister Elissa's book back in 2022, and both accounts match. I'd even suggest you read them one after the other if you can.
The book is hard to read/listen to at times, because Musser doesn't shy away from describing horrific abuse, and, because it's narrated in her own voice, the experience was much more personal.
We also get to hear more about the YFZ Ranch raid (rarely covered in other memoirs), and Rebecca's role in bringing Warren Jeffs down. I greatly admire her courage to keep fighting for all the girls and women who were (and still are) trapped in a society that only views them as cattle, despite how her (now ex) husband didn't seem to be a fan of the idea.
Her family suffered because of it, and she thought about giving up several times, but I'm glad she didn't. Warren Jeffs is behind bars where he belongs (second only to hell). I wish he and the other polygamous leaders got more time in prison though, it doesn't seem like enough for what they put their victims through.
I was also pleasantly surprised that Rebecca found God again after leaving. I completely understand when people who've left religious cults don't want anything to do with religion, but it makes me really happy when they do and when they find something that's right for them....more
I've been meaning to read Jinger and Jill's memoirs since they were announced, but me being me, I can't just start there, I gotta go back to the beginI've been meaning to read Jinger and Jill's memoirs since they were announced, but me being me, I can't just start there, I gotta go back to the beginning. Hence, this book.
I don't know how I would've felt about this had I read it more than a decade ago, when the Duggars were just a quirky family with a bit too many kids, but now, knowing what I do...it's creepy.
And not just because it's narrated by Michelle with her baby voice, but also the content inside, like they literally admit to hitting their kids during blanket training. I know back in the day people couldn't really research that, but that's a baby, you're supposed to nurture it, not hurt it???
Also, the audiobook was confusing for the most part, because Michelle and Jim Bob co-wrote this, and would interject constantly like "I (Michelle)" or "I (Jim Bob)" while the other was telling a story. It didn't help at all that she narrated, because my brain would think she was telling us something, and then something Jim Bob-ish would come out of her mouth and I'd realise it was him who took over the reigns mid paragraph.
I got a bit used to it by the last 2 chapters, but still wish they'd picked someone else to narrate (but I'm assuming they had to cut the costs, as with everything).
Now for the book itself, it's fascinating in a way, how they developed systems to keep the household from collapsing. Like the two washers and three dryers plus the closet near the laundry room thing. It's clear though, that nothing would be done if the kids weren't also forced to participate in keeping the house clean, cooking for everyone, taking care of their younger siblings etc. And I know the oldest girls were doing the majority of that labour.
The way they decided to not borrow money again, and God still provided them with the things they needed was really interesting, but it could get annoying how often they repeated that absolutely no money borrowing was to happen!!
The sections about Jim Bob & Michelle's past at the start felt very surface level to me, as if they didn't have much of a life worth telling about before their kids came along.
The ebook also has pictures, recipes, resources, and, of course, they're praising IBLP at the end. I can't even imagine how many fans of the show bought this book, read it, saw the IBLP advertisement and decided to give it a try.
Speaking of trying things, I can't say I'll try all the recipes, but a few seem in line with my tastes, so we'll see.
It's possible some of the tips they gave here are actually useful, but I'd still take them with a grain of salt, knowing where they came from.
Ok well, that's it for book one of six Duggar books currently out, I'm planning on getting through them this year, maybe even by the end of the summer. I can't really recommend this to anyone, unless if you're curious about the family....more
I liked that she read her own audiobook, it made it all feel more real. But I was expecting a bit more from this, like getting to know the author bettI liked that she read her own audiobook, it made it all feel more real. But I was expecting a bit more from this, like getting to know the author better. I haven't seen her show, so I did get introduced to her through this book, but it felt like she kept her readers at a distance, not letting them into her circle.
And she doesn't have to do that, it's her story and she can tell it however she wants, it's just that I don't feel like we got a lot of information in general. Some of it is due to the constant repetition, she'd repeat the same things multiple times in every chapter and it could get tiring.
At first I was a bit sad it's such a short book, but to be honest I'm not sure how much more repetition I could've taken, so it's probably better it was only 6 hours, even less when sped up.
I'd still like to read the rest of her story, if she ever feels like sharing. The parts we got here were interesting, and I'm so glad she managed to forge her own path after the divorce....more
I had no idea what I was in for when I picked up this book. It was disturbing on so many levels that I felt like throwing up. The authors don't shy awI had no idea what I was in for when I picked up this book. It was disturbing on so many levels that I felt like throwing up. The authors don't shy away from describing exactly what these poor boys went through and it was really hard to listen to at times.
I've never heard of this case before, which is kind of surprising considering the scope of the murders. John Wayne Gacy is far more well known, and yet the Houston Mass Murders happened BEFORE Gacy was caught. Really blows my mind.
What's really interesting here is that Dean Corll had two teenage boys he groomed into helping him procure victims. They were also involved in the murders of several, and knew where the bodies were buried. One of them eventually killed Corll, and manged to save some other potential victims, but that doesn't undo the bad he's done.
The first half focused more on this crime, and the second on some other serial killers who had helpers, and how they got them involved, bit by bit. I feel like we got a good idea about HOW it can happen, but I'm not sure I understand the WHY.
Like, it's one thing you go and steal something or sell drugs for someone because you want their approval, it's a completely different thing to walk in on them raping children and then agreeing on bringing them more, knowing exactly what's going to happen to them when you do.
I know it's easy for me on the outside to say "well I'D never do that", but...Brooks and Henley were both victims and perpetrators, they're right where they belong (one in prison, the other one passed away a few years ago). And I mean, I do believe them when they said that, without Corll, they wouldn't have done things like this 100%, but you can't bring those dead boys back to their families so...
The book is extremely well researched, which I appreciate, and I didn't even mind the super long chapters that much (I'm used to it by now). But I agree with someone who said true crime books should have slightly shorter chapters, because this whole book had only eight chapters and the audio was 11 or 12 hours long, I don't remember now. I felt like there were okay places to end the chapters to make them more digestible throughout.
Something that also stands out to me is how useless the police was (what else is new?), and how no one decided to investigate the link Corll had to a child trafficking ring...did no one really care about those poor kids? Clearly not.
Anyway, I'd recommend this book, I learned a lot from it....more