A review by tayleigh
Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young

Such an important book to read. It’s a personal and heart breaking memoir of a young woman who grew up in a sex cult, she was able to get out, excellent in school then ultimately join the military. Though the military turned into being very similar to her time growing up in the cult. She was trained from childhood to be a soldier so she excelled in that as well. But being a woman in both scenarios she was seen as less than and a body to used. She experienced sexual abuse through out her whole life and is was overlooked in each of the organizations. Each time she thought she caught a break something would come crashing down. 

This book details horrific events and abuse of women and children while also showing systems that allow it to happen. It also shows how strong and important friendships between women can be. Women were the ones who supported her through her journey and saved her life. 

As someone who has experienced sexual trauma it can feel so isolating and overwhelming and it’s a reminder that healing can happen and so many women experience it and it shouldn’t be shameful for the women. And it’s never the victim’s fault. Like Daniella says it’s rarely a bad apple or two but a rotten tree and we should be looking for where the toxins are coming from. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings