My Review: As a firm believer in non-belief, I feel somewhat obligated to begin my review with a brief disclaimer. Although Catholicism runs in my family, I have spent many years diligently and purposefully distancing myself from fundamental religion. That said, neutrality is not something that comes easily to me in relation to these issues and I must admit that my mind was far from open when I picked this book off the shelf. Unsurprisingly, this terrifying story has not eased my anti-organized-religion rigidity.

In light of my background and personal biases, the story of Elissa Wall’s abuse at the hands of the FLDS church only strengthened my distaste for organized religion. I felt overwhelmed with grief and anger as her harrowing story came to life in my mind. Forced to get married at fourteen years old to a man she despised, Elissa’s experiences highlight the incredible- and easily abused- power of belief.

I know, I know. In many situations belief can have wonderful, positive, healthy effects- or so I’m told. But a bigger piece of me recognizes that when the power of belief morphs into blind, unquestionable faith there are devastating consequences. Child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, oppression, sexism, racism, isolation, theft, fraud- the list of offenses goes on and on. It is important to note that religion itself is not the sole cause of these problems. But the blind faith that often accompanies fundamentalist religion makes unsuspecting believers an easy, vulnerable target for those with highly corrupt intentions.

Exhibit A: Warren Jeffs.

Regardless of religious preference, I do recommend this book as an essential read for anyone motivated to end child abuse and sexual assault. Elissa’s story details the most difficult aspects of an abusive relationship- religiously motivated or otherwise- that can trap women and men in unhealthy situations. This needs to stop- and the more we know, the more empowered we become to stop it.