— My thoughts on Shari Franke’s Book —
This was such an amazing and well articulated read. My heart goes to every single one of these kids. I hope their lives moving forward are full of love, happiness, and healing. That being said,
These adults failed all of them. I’ve been following this case recently and I was looking forward to Shari’s story! It’s extremely unfortunate that Ruby’s abuse has been prevalent all throughout their lives. I appreciate Shari taking the time to dive deeper into the abuse, I know it was hard.
The deeper look into the Mormon faith and the toxicity that can come with it was interesting to hear about. I watched so many family vloggers when I was younger, most living in Utah. So that being popular with Mormon families was crazy to learn about.
I admire her strength SO SO much! She’s changing and helping so many kids 🥹
I won’t deep dive into every single instance in the book but personally the connection between Ruby and Jodi was interesting to hear about. Though their abuse is NEVER justified, it doesn’t bring up the topic of how acceptance can help. It’s obvious the self hatred these women felt and how much they felt they had to hide.
Those poor babies. I can’t even imagine the hell they had to go through in those short few months. And before that having to experience Ruby’s normal tirades, so exhausting omg.
If you are interested in this family, I recommend this read. Shari’s POV of it all was so beautifully written. The strength to recall all of it and put it out into the world is IMMENSE. Definitely give this a read.
#bookwormsoflemon8 #lemon8challenge #8passengers #sharifranke
After finishing Shari Franke's memoir, 'The House of My Mother,' I found myself sitting with a lot of heavy emotions, but also a profound sense of admiration. The original review only scratches the surface of how impactful this book truly is. What really struck me was how Shari navigates her past with such raw honesty, offering a window into a world that, from the outside, seemed picture-perfect. Beyond the headlines of the 8 Passengers case, this memoir illuminates the insidious nature of emotional and psychological abuse that can sometimes fester beneath the surface of seemingly normal family life. Shari's account isn't just a recounting of events; it's a journey through trauma, questioning, and ultimately, finding her voice. I think many of us, myself included, have wondered about the 'why' behind Ruby Franke's actions, and while the book doesn't offer easy answers, it provides Shari's perspective on the complex dynamics, including the role strict interpretations of the Mormon faith played in shaping her mother's worldview and actions. It's a nuanced look that avoids simple blame, instead seeking to understand the environment that allowed such a tragedy to unfold. One of the most powerful aspects for me was Shari's incredible resilience. To endure what she did, and then to bravely put it all down on paper in 'The House of My Mother,' is an act of immense courage. She talks about the self-hatred and the need for acceptance that she observed, hinting at the internal struggles that can lead people down dark paths. This really resonated because it makes you think about how crucial early intervention and open communication are in families, regardless of background or belief system. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal and to advocate for change, especially for her younger siblings. The book also made me reflect on the broader issue of 'family vloggers' and the ethical lines often blurred when children's lives are broadcast for public consumption. Shari's memoir is a stark reminder that what appears curated for public consumption can hide profound pain. For anyone who's ever followed these families, or even just wondered about the pressures of online life, her insights are invaluable. She essentially pulls back the curtain, not for sensationalism, but to process her own reality and, in doing so, help others. I wholeheartedly agree with the original post's recommendation. If you're looking for a book that offers more than just a summary of a true-crime case, but rather a deeply personal narrative of survival, introspection, and the quiet strength it takes to break cycles of harm, then 'The House of My Mother' is absolutely a must-read. It's not an easy read, but it's an essential one, offering hope that even from the darkest places, healing and advocacy can emerge.
