An amazing story of bravery and endurance - Rated 
Carolyn was born and raised in the Fundamentalist Church of the Latter Day Saints (a religious sect which is in no way connected to the Mormon Faith). At the age of 18 she was forced into marriage to Merril Jessop, a leader within the FLDS and a man who was older than her father. At that time he already had 3 wives and 33 children. In time she would become one of 7 wives and bear him 8 children of her own. Her life was very restricted. She had to turn over any money that she earned to her husband and was dependent on what little he gave her to support herself and her children. She couldn't do anything without her husband's permission - not even calling an ambulance if her child was sick. In the FLDS culture, a man's wife is his property and he can do whatever he wants to her. Abuse is frequent.
In this environment, Carolyn had few friends that she could trust. The other wives were not her friends but her competition for their husband's favour, because even if they didn't love their husband, he had the ability to improve the quality of their lives. Also, members of the FLDS community were actively encouraged to spy on one another. But even though life is immensely difficult, most women stay because they are conditioned from birth to believe that the outside world is corrupt and evil and that they will be doomed to Hell if they leave. (It was interesting to me that they did have some exposure to the outside world: Merril had outside business interests and also took his wives on occasional holidays to other parts of the US. Carolyn also had access to the internet through her work.)
When Carolyn finally does escape, the tension is almost unbearable. I found the final chapters of the book especially interesting and moving, when Carolyn is describing what happened to her family after they left the compound. She found it immensely difficult to adapt to being allowed to do fun things with her children after having been conditioned her entire life to believe it was a sin to enjoy yourself. Even something simple like going to McDonalds was terribly stressful for her. The adjustment to having the freedom to make her own decisions was not an easy one. Her children also struggle in their different ways with the change from the life that they have always known.
The reason that I have given this book only four stars is that I felt that the writing let it down. Carolyn's story feels like it just kind of poured out of her in a carthatic jumble of "this happened, and then this happened". This is perfectly understandable given what she went through, but a better co-author or editor would have pulled it more into shape. At times she repeats things she's already told us, while other parts get confusing (there are, after all, so many family members to keep track of). So it's not the most well written book that I have read this year, but it's still an amazing story and it could well be the book that I will remember the most vividly. Carolyn's bravery is astounding and very moving.
Compelling - Rated 
I actually bought this book for my wife but after about 3 chapters, I was memorised, 'hooked' would be properly better put. This lady expresses herself so well. You go into this 'hidden' world & are taken through every emotion Carolyn Jessop felt. To read the word obedient so often will explain exactly where women 'stand' in this hidden world. Yes, I felt so sorry for Carolyn Jessop but also anger that in this day & age, brainwashing at the highest level still goes on. A book that is Brilliantly written, emotionally received & quite flabbergasting.
Disturbing - a harrowing read! - Rated
I do not usually read this genre of book, but was given it by a friend. I cannot believe how disturbing I found it - it even caused me to evaluate my own beliefs and values. Whilst reading it you have to remind yourself that this was happening in the last few years and not in the 70s. Fortunately the author is wise to this and there are many topical references that keep you focused. A brave woman, who you are willing to escape throughout.
Religious Cults are Dangerous - read for yourself - Rated
This book is about a branch of the Mormon religion and what a damning indictment of cult-type religion this account is. Why anyone would want to involve themselves in this sort of religion is beyond me but I suspect that the main reason for susceptibility is that this religion places no importance on education, thus the members are essentially unenlightened (and even ignorant) and unbeknownst to them, brainwashed. As someone who knows a lot about the Jehovah's Witnesses religion I can see many similarities such as the pursuit of achievement in mainstream education being actively discouraged or even denied, shunning of family members who don't conform, the man being the head of the house no matter what his behaviour or lack of compliance with the laws of the land and teaching that everyone "on the outside" is from the devil and evil and to be avoided at all costs (except when recruiting new members).
I am glad that Carolyn saw through all the hypocrisy and brainwashing.
America is a civilised country? - Rated
You will defintely wonder about the answer to that question after reading this book.
Carolyn was a member of the FLDS - the fundamentalist wing of the Mormons who believe in polygamy. Their attitude to women would put the Taliban to shame. Carolyn tells her story simply and well. She is married at 18 to Merril Jessop, as his fourth wife. She describes life with his other wives - bullying and jealousy. She herself has 8 children before she finally manages to escape the repressive regime where if you dare to question your husband you are branded as rebellious and out of harmony with him. Punishment can vary from physical abuse to depriving you of money and food. Children are ill treated and food is limited because to be fat is a sin.
Carolyn is exceptional in that she managed to escape with all her children and to gain custody of them, when the sect becomes even more extreme under the leadership of Warren Jeffs. He eventually stands trial for underage sex with girls as young as 12. One of Carolyn's friends is threatened with murder because she disobeys her husband. It is not possible to appeal to the local police force if you are being abused as the police are members of the same sect and will ignore your complaints.
The book casts a totally different light on polygamy which tends to be portrayed by its believers as supportive to women and children. It is actually a male dominated world where women have no say and no recourse to the law. They also cannot obtain medical treatment for themselves or their children without their husband's agreement. Women must dress in clothes that cover all of their bodies - they can't even go swimming; makeup and jewellery are forbidden as is having fun in any shape or form.
One of Carolyn's children has serious health problems and they are blamed on her disobedient behaviour. She is told medical treatment won't work unless she changes her attitude. She herself is seriously ill during 4 of her pregnancies but her husband refuses to let her have medical treatment at times.
You will be horrified by some of the things described in this book, and it will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
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