Interesting idea for a story. I didn't dislike any character, not even the cult leaders because they were pretty flat. I also didn't really love any of them because of the same reason. Not a bad read but a lot of room to go to make it a really good read. ( )

Read this in one sitting. Not what I expected. Definitely a story of survival, learning about real truth and accepting it. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be ripped from my family and thrown into a cult, only to be pulled away and try to figure out what’s right and what’s wrong, to learn to trust again. Brainwashing someone is wrong on so many levels. The author definitely brings across Pipers voice on the pages. Being divided like that, not knowing what is truth and what is fiction, has got to be horrific. ( )

Piper faithfully believes what Mother, Father, and the Aunties tell her. Preparing for the end of the world, having her husband chosen for her, and staying in the fenced compound that used to be an amusement park will keep her safe from the ‘outside’ where there is violence and evil. She cares for the younger children and does chores, never doubting the authority of Mother and Father who live in another compound far away and only visit infrequently. One day, after she has been given hallucinogenic drugs in an initiation to the adult ‘community’, Child Protective Service agents enter the compound, and take all the children and teens away. Piper is now living in a locked house with a locked fence with a woman, Jeannie. She is determined to escape. Slowly her memories come back to her and challenge the life she thinks she remembers.
Literary Merit: The chapters are divided into ‘Before’ when she is living in the compound, and ‘After’ when she is living with Jeannie. You are never sure if her memories are real or which group are the ‘good guys’, which keeps you guessing right up to the last minute. The author has first-hand experience living in a religious cult so the fear/salvation-based story feels authentic.
Characterization: Piper is at first trusting and responsible then believably panicky and confused wondering why the cult members are not rescuing her. Other characters are faithful and obedient or questioning but all are fearful.
Audience: Older teens and adults who like reading thrillers, about cults or true crime, or liked the book ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover.
Recommended: Yes ( )