mrsjmontalvo's review against another edition
5.0
This was an amazing true story that just makes you think about life after you read it. It makes you go to another place, doesn't seem like it is a true story and you just have to remind yourself that it is. Definitely a worth it to read.
jmooremyers's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this -- but a word of caution, be prepared for a very emotional read!
lynnesane's review against another edition
3.0
A disturbing, haunting story. I read this a couple of years ago and was horrified, but also skeptical about the validity of some of the plot points. I guess I just couldn't wrap my head around Julia's experiences and thought she was exaggerating some of them for effect. Turns out, a good friend of mine is her cousin, and was around during some of the most harrowing experiences. I guess I was wrong--there are some seriously misguided souls out there.
kbrogden's review against another edition
4.0
This was a wonderful book, but not a happy one. The author has a great way of writing about a very sad time in a Christian reform school and about her bond with an adopted brother. Warning: this was maybe the first book ever that I cried at the ending.
rica165's review against another edition
3.0
Amazing memoir of a young girl and her adopted brother raised in an ultra religious household. They are sent to a religious reformatory camp. It's a heartfelt tribute to the bond between sister and brother.
anitaofplaybooktag's review against another edition
4.0
You know, I could almost give this book a heart because I could NOT put it down. It's compulsively readable.
Julia tells us about her unique childhood being raised by very strict Christian parents in the Midwest. Her parents have four children of their own, and they adopt two African American boys. One of the African American boys, David, is the same age as Julia, and this memoir relates their story of growing up together as siblings.
Unfortunately, this tale is not a pretty one. Julia's parents are largely absent, in the case of the father, physically, and in the case of the mother, emotionally. Julia and David truly only have each other, and even their relationship is under a lot of stress as their parents treat them differently, and David struggles as one of the only African Americans at his school.
This memoir is to some degree in the same vein as Mommy Dearest or Dave Pelzer's books. Not quite as graphic and horrible - - but definitely the situation is not good, and you feel Julia's pain throughout the story. The parents really seem to have NO redeeming qualities whatsoever . . .so I didn't find it quite as strong as The Glass Castle where the writing really goes so far beyond a mere characterization and really develops the family dynamics.
Nonetheless, Jesus Land is pretty gripping. You want so badly for things to take a turn for the better for these two children. Unfortunately, things by and large get grimmer and grimmer . . .but underneath all the pain, Julia and David's love and loyalty to one another takes center stage and makes the book more than a parent bashing session.
For those of you who do not like much in the way of sexual content, it should be noted that there is some here. Not unduly graphic and not gratuitous - - but it's there.
Julia tells us about her unique childhood being raised by very strict Christian parents in the Midwest. Her parents have four children of their own, and they adopt two African American boys. One of the African American boys, David, is the same age as Julia, and this memoir relates their story of growing up together as siblings.
Unfortunately, this tale is not a pretty one. Julia's parents are largely absent, in the case of the father, physically, and in the case of the mother, emotionally. Julia and David truly only have each other, and even their relationship is under a lot of stress as their parents treat them differently, and David struggles as one of the only African Americans at his school.
This memoir is to some degree in the same vein as Mommy Dearest or Dave Pelzer's books. Not quite as graphic and horrible - - but definitely the situation is not good, and you feel Julia's pain throughout the story. The parents really seem to have NO redeeming qualities whatsoever . . .so I didn't find it quite as strong as The Glass Castle where the writing really goes so far beyond a mere characterization and really develops the family dynamics.
Nonetheless, Jesus Land is pretty gripping. You want so badly for things to take a turn for the better for these two children. Unfortunately, things by and large get grimmer and grimmer . . .but underneath all the pain, Julia and David's love and loyalty to one another takes center stage and makes the book more than a parent bashing session.
For those of you who do not like much in the way of sexual content, it should be noted that there is some here. Not unduly graphic and not gratuitous - - but it's there.
emsartorius's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Racism, Child abuse, and Self harm
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Animal cruelty and Adult/minor relationship