I started reading Martha Beck's book Leaving the Saints: How I lost the Mormons and Found my Faith late last night and finished it early this morning. I simply could not put it down. I highly recommend it to every Mormon, survivor of sexual abuse, spiritual seeker, feminist, or any person who loves a great read.
Martha Beck is a world-renowned life coach, New York Times best-selling author, O columnist, and Harvard trained Ph.D. sociologist. She's also an insanely intelligent, spirited, fun, and witty writer. Many have attacked her personally for publishing this book for in it she tells her story of sexual abuse at the hands of her deceased father, Hugh Nibley.
She provides compelling factual and circumstantial evidence that her Mormon apologist father did indeed molest her. Additionally, she reveals his tormented and abusive childhood, coupled with WWII PTSD, and professional psychological distress.
It's not a vindictive memoir. Beck is very compassionate in her revelations. Additionally, I found her insights surrounding the September Six purgings at BYU insightful. As one who was raised Mormon, and a devout practitioner for 35+ years, I personally identified with her account. I cried, cursed, and cheered throughout the book--and found the whole experience quite cathartic.
Well done Martha, and thank you for sharing and baring your soul!
Martha Beck is a world-renowned life coach, New York Times best-selling author, O columnist, and Harvard trained Ph.D. sociologist. She's also an insanely intelligent, spirited, fun, and witty writer. Many have attacked her personally for publishing this book for in it she tells her story of sexual abuse at the hands of her deceased father, Hugh Nibley.
She provides compelling factual and circumstantial evidence that her Mormon apologist father did indeed molest her. Additionally, she reveals his tormented and abusive childhood, coupled with WWII PTSD, and professional psychological distress.
It's not a vindictive memoir. Beck is very compassionate in her revelations. Additionally, I found her insights surrounding the September Six purgings at BYU insightful. As one who was raised Mormon, and a devout practitioner for 35+ years, I personally identified with her account. I cried, cursed, and cheered throughout the book--and found the whole experience quite cathartic.
Well done Martha, and thank you for sharing and baring your soul!
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