Whispering in the Daylight: The Children of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries and Their Journey to Freedom

by Debby Schriver

Beginning in the 1960s in California, erstwhile music producer Tony Alamo became interested in authoritarian religion and, along with his charismatic wife, Susan, began gathering followers. By the 1970s, Tony Alamo Christian Ministries had established particularly strong footholds in Arkansas, as well as maintaining outposts in California. The ministry gained a legion of followers, with branches not only in the USA but in places as diverse as Africa and Sri Lanka. Even through their leader’s eventual imprisonment under federal charges (related to transporting minors across state lines for sexual purposes), Alamo’s vision survived—and his community survives him today.

Whispering in the Daylight: The Children of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries and Their Journey to Freedom is based on numerous interviews from group members and, more importantly, on interviews with the children—second and third-generation followers. Author Debby Schriver chronicles how this group was formed, documenting its many abuses and its gradual adoption of cult-like behaviors and practices. Like many cult leaders, Tony Alamo had different faces. The public saw him as a somewhat self-important but harmless music promoter and designer of bedazzling denim jackets. Schriver chronicles firsthand the condemnation, rejection, and torment that the second-generation survivors of Tony Alamo’s abuses experienced. Schriver’s interviews, particularly those with children, illuminate the real horrors of the Alamos’ behavior, ranging from economic exploitation, extreme forced fasts, and beatings, that resulted in permanent injury.

Schriver’s extensive research—including interviews with Tony Alamo himself, harrowing visits to Alamo compounds, and witnessing gut-wrenching confrontations between freed children and their unreformed parents—tells the story of a closed group whose origins and history are unlikely ever to be definitively unraveled.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cults, True Crime, Religion

332 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2018

Reviews

[britt_brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sociopath Tony Alamo had a knack for spotting vulnerabilities. After his evangelist preacher wife Susan died, he continued their church with his own disturbing agenda. He and his followers lived communally; the latter cutoff from the outside world. Alamo held complete control by instilling fear and ensuring low self esteem. Members endured beatings and fastings. He practiced polygamy and pedophelia, taking several child brides.

This book was very dry, but Schriver did an amazing job giving us the full picture including timelines and photos. There are a few essays by former members at the end as well. I’m hoping to watch the documentary mini series on SundanceTV soon.

[Laura Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debby Schriver has written a riveting, heart-ripping account of the true stories of child survivors of a religious cult. She has captured the peculiar horror of children born in captivity and torn between their loyalties to the only "family" they have ever known and their innate desire for freedom from abuse and oppression. It's a story of heartbreak and hope, which is the best kind of story.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s brother in law is a friend and we recently discussed the book, which I hadn’t yet read. I have just finished it. I was only marginally aware of Tony Alamo. This thoroughly researched book reveals Alamo’s rise to the leader of a cult (he was born Jewish), begun when he met one of his future wives, Susan, who was actually the preacher in the family. He subsequently “married” girls as young as 9, claiming the Bible permits it. The children worked in Alamo’s businesses, leafletted cars in major cities in the heat, filled orders for his tapes and CDs. The book includes stories from several children and how being raised in a cult, often separated from their parents, affected their lives. It’s amazing how many people fall for the claims of religious shamans.

[Emily Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-researched story about the inner-workings of the Alamo cult and lives of former cult members, including those who were children born into the cult and families who adopted them when they were freed from the cult.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read about the Tony Alamo cult. Very engaging story that is well-told. This book led to a good discussion in our book club about cults and how any of us could get caught up in a 'cause' that leads to cultism.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s dislike of Alamo is ever-present, but it should be. He is as vile and damaging as Trump. One cult is much like another. His sexual abuse of children was protected by church members just as Trump’s vile actions have been protected by the GOP. Going forward means never protecting the vile.

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well researched book concerning the Tony Alamo cult, its various locations, interviews with cult members, law enforcement, one of his many wives, and others. Lots of pics of facilities. This will really let you know what it was like.

[Kim Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in Alma, Arkansas, and was familiar with Tony Alamo, but I learned a lot of things from this book that I wasn't aware of. My heart goes out to all of the children who suffered under his control. May they all find peace and security.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by cults and the narcissistic sociopaths who control them. Tony Alamo was a prime example.