A review by mlindsey441
Devoted, by Jennifer Mathieu
4.0
This is a very interesting book about a girl who is part of an ultra-conservative, patriarchal church. For individuals who grew up with a "Church is something we do on Sundays," this will be an eye opener -- because for Rachel's family, church is her life. It isn't a place they go to, but rather reaches in and dictates how a family and community lives and interacts with one another. I was interested in this title because, although I was never directly a part of such a church, I did dance along the periphery of one of these movements, read their literature, and longed to be able to take the plunge into an organization that took the responsibility of making my own decisions and put them into the hands of the men around me.
This book gets it right. The temptation I have seen is for authors to paint these groups in a very negative light. And Certainly there are families within these movements that are abusive -- it is a great place for abusive men to hide how they treat their families. But I've read enough of that and frankly, while very sad, it didn't resonate with what I have seen is the bigger danger of these types of churches. Many of the families that I know who are part of such groups are loving, kind, and provide really safe homes for their families. They are . . . Devoted. They love God and want to do what is right. Their interpretation of the Bible is such that it leads them to follow rigid lines of authority and provide very narrow boxes in which to raise children. And as this books shows, some people thrive in these environments, but for others it is a long slow walk of suffering, even though there is no overt physical or sexual abuse. The abuse in these situations is more subtle, taking on a form of spiritual abuse that I suspect many parents never intended to inflict on their children. They believe what they are doing is right and best for their families.
So what you will experience when you read this book is a very realistic portrayal of a family within a patriarchal movement. You will get a glimpse into the complicated experience young girls have when the choices that are available to them are not sufficient for their curious, questioning minds.
Likable characters, realistic experiences, and strong relationships are the major strengths of this book.
This book gets it right. The temptation I have seen is for authors to paint these groups in a very negative light. And Certainly there are families within these movements that are abusive -- it is a great place for abusive men to hide how they treat their families. But I've read enough of that and frankly, while very sad, it didn't resonate with what I have seen is the bigger danger of these types of churches. Many of the families that I know who are part of such groups are loving, kind, and provide really safe homes for their families. They are . . . Devoted. They love God and want to do what is right. Their interpretation of the Bible is such that it leads them to follow rigid lines of authority and provide very narrow boxes in which to raise children. And as this books shows, some people thrive in these environments, but for others it is a long slow walk of suffering, even though there is no overt physical or sexual abuse. The abuse in these situations is more subtle, taking on a form of spiritual abuse that I suspect many parents never intended to inflict on their children. They believe what they are doing is right and best for their families.
So what you will experience when you read this book is a very realistic portrayal of a family within a patriarchal movement. You will get a glimpse into the complicated experience young girls have when the choices that are available to them are not sufficient for their curious, questioning minds.
Likable characters, realistic experiences, and strong relationships are the major strengths of this book.