Tag: memoir

Book Review: The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Memoir / True Crime
Length: 320 pages
Author: Shari Franke
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: January 7th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.

Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface—Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined.

As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime.

Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: “Finally.”

For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, “ConneXions.” No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.

THE STRENGTH.

That’s the over arching emotion I had while listening to this book, rage. It’s hard to put into words thoughts about someone’s journey so this isn’t going to be a long review.

I think it was a powerful testament of Shari’s journey and what she went through. It’s incredibly well written and does not shy away from the deep wounds that have been created from this situation. The abuse and manipulation of Shari and her family went through is difficult but important to understand.

This helped me gain an even firmer stance on how I choose to keep my kids offline and the dangers social media and certain personalities can have on those around them.

I hope for peace and healing for all of those involved.

Overall audience notes:

  • Non-fiction memori
  • Language: none
  • Violence: high
  • Content warnings: discussions of multiple types of abuse throughout

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Book Review: Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Non-fiction Memoir
Length: 288 pages
Author: Jill Duggar
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: September 12th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

For the first time, discover the unedited truth about the Duggars, the traditional Christian family that captivated the nation on TLC’s hit show 19 Kids and Counting . Jill Duggar and her husband Derick are finally ready to share their story, revealing the secrets, manipulation, and intimidation behind the show that remained hidden from their fans.

Jill and Derick knew a normal life wasn’t possible for them. As a star on the popular TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting , Jill grew up in front of viewers who were fascinated by her family’s way of life. She was the responsible, second daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle’s nineteen kids; always with a baby on her hip and happy to wear the modest ankle-length dresses with throat-high necklines. She didn’t protest the strict model of patriarchy that her family followed, which declares that men are superior, that women are expected to be wives and mothers and are discouraged from attaining a higher education, and that parental authority over their children continues well into adulthood, even once they are married.

But as Jill got older, married Derick, and they embarked on their own lives, the red flags became too obvious to ignore.

For as long as they could, Jill and Derick tried to be obedient family members—they weren’t willing to rock the boat. But now they’re raising a family of their own, and they’re done with the secrets. Thanks to time, tears, therapy, and blessings from God, they have the strength to share their journey. Theirs is a remarkable story of the power of the truth and is a moving example of how to find healing through honesty.

LOVED.

Jill has always been one of my favorites and I remember watching a lot of this show growing up. I loved the way she wrote about her experiences with her family and the show and how that played into so many aspects of her life.

I also loved how she talked about her changes in faith and how much healthier her relationships are and that Jill has found ways to work on the healing she deserves. I loved hearing about her relationship with Derick and that they seem like a strong foundation.

This was an enlightening read that broke my heart a bit and I appreciate the insights and comments to her growing up years and where she is now.

Overall audience notes:

  • Memoir
  • Language: none
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of past sexual abuse, difficult childbirth (near death experience for baby/mom)

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Book Review: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Memoir
Length: 288 pages
Author: Britney Spears
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: October 24th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

LOVED.

I try to not review a memoir but rather add a few thoughts I had while reading. I loved that this felt like Britney. That the tone and story telling seemed to be authentic to what she wanted and how she wanted to tell her story. It was a tough read at times and I appreciated the enlightening about many different hot topics from her past.

If you’ve been a Britney Spears fan, highly recommend reading this one. I hope she continues to find strength and healing and can finally have some peace in her life.

Overall audience notes:

  • Memoir
  • Language: some strong
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of multiple types of abuse, discussion about her conservatorship, abortion

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Book Review: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Celebrity Memoir
Length: 272 pages
Author: Matthew Perry
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Release Date: November 1st, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell, Matthew Perry takes readers onto the soundstage of the most successful sitcom of all time while opening up about his private struggles with addiction. Candid, self-aware, and told with his trademark humor, Perry vividly details his lifelong battle with the disease and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that shares the most intimate details of the love Perry lost, his darkest days, and his greatest friends.

Unflinchingly honest, moving, and hilarious: this is the book fans have been waiting for.

THOUGHTS.

I don’t really know how to go about a non-fiction review (because I rarely read this genre) but, Friends is my ultimate comfort show and I knew I had to listen to Matthew Perry’s memoir.

What I gathered most from this was the sheer complexity of addiction. And the power it can have over someone. I learned a lot and felt like I came out with a better understanding of this topic and more. I also liked hearing some of the behind the scenes stuff about Friends. It’s filled with Perry’s very highest moments and the lowest.

This book is dark, but with the added levity you’d expect from Perry. I listened to it on the audio (which he narrates) so I didn’t notice as many issues as I’ve seen from other reviewers. What I did notice was some repetitive thoughts and such, but I think that if that’s how he wants to write his book, let him?

It felt honest and raw. The ramblings of someone still hoping for love and connection while dealing with darkness on his shoulders. I do hope he continues to stay sober and content with who he is now.

Overall audience notes:

  • Memoir
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: some mentions of nights with others; innuendo
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: dark discussions of alcoholism and drug abuse, descriptions of medical procedures and other medical incidents

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