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sandrareilly513's review against another edition
5.0
I was absolutely on-edge with every chapter. As an outsider looking in, I found myself frustrated, devastated, appalled, and angry as Weiss relayed the horrific treatment of Word of Faith Fellowship followers. The child abuse, the "blastings" that were basically beatings conducted by members during what they consider "church services", the arranged relationships and marriages, the strict rules, the failed attempts at escaping, financial fraud, and the obstruction of justice on the part of church officials and what should have been unbiased law enforcement -- all of it had me horrified and wanting to yell. I felt powerless listening to their stories, so I can only imagine how absolutely hopeless these people felt, and how some of them still feel today. To know that this "church" gets away with such abuse of its members and such blatant lawlessness is something I'm still trying to come to terms with, and it in no way personally affects me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with their faith, who is captivated by true crime, and who enjoys investigative reporting. I am forever changed by this book, and now I can't drive by one of those small "homegrown" churches without wondering what exactly is going on behind closed doors...
**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.**
**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.**
theremightbecupcakes's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Toxic relationship, Hate crime, and Physical abuse
elfsteel's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, Violence, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Drug abuse