Breaking Free: How I Escaped Polygamy, the FLDS Cult, and My Father, Warren Jeffs

Her strength in leaving and talent for writing kept me glued to the book until I finished reading the whole thing in a single day! Honest about the effects of abusive relationships and control. Gives great insight into both why people are continuing to live in these communities and the struggles of leaving a cult environment. Great read!

I knew Warren Jeffs was evil but until I read his daughter’s story in her own words, I couldn’t fathom just how evil he is. I hope Rachel’s words inspire others to leave and learn to live in freedom.

I found this book after watching the series Escaping polygamy on Hulu…. I read the entire book in 4 days.. I just could not seem to put it down.

I was hooked from the very first page until the very last page. Fascinating, yet heartbreaking, true story of a girl growing up in the FLDS with her father, Warren Jeffs, as the FLDS leader.Rachel Jeff’s describes her harrowing experience growing up in the FLDS, the sexual/emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, as well as an incredibly detailed account of the abuse he inflicted on his followers.I thank Rachel and the others who have bravely chosen to speak freely about their lives. This bravery may inspire others to leave their own abusive situations.10/10 would definitely recommend.

I am so very impressed at Rachel's honest account of her life. It is well written and, well, I do not have a good word to describe the attitude with which she views and writes about her life. There's a blend of honesty, acceptance of the reality, genuine emotions, and an insightful rejection of the dichotomy between the Christian lifestyle she was taught and the FLDS lifestyle she was taught at the same time. She shows us the FLDS world and Warren Jeffs can not be painted as black or white; she sees and shares the shades of gray. I found it compelling; I read this book in one sitting.Rachel openly speaks of the sorrows, but also the joys of her life as a child, as as a sister wife, and of transitioning to a life outside the FLDS world. It would be so easy to let the sorrow and deep pain she went through dominate her thoughts and this account, but she does not. I am also impressed at how Rachel shows us Warren Jeff's profound flaws, yet also shows us a more complete picture of her father, some of the good he was capable of.She writes eloquently of what she lost, but also of what she gained, such as learning to live entirely off the land for a time and becoming a skilled violinist.I learned while going through my own trauma that "despite sorrow, joy remains," as I wrote back then. Soaking up every bit of joy I came across during that time, along with my relationship with God, is how I survived. I can understand why the joys Rachel described mattered so much to her and her sisters. And why her personal understanding of God enabled her to see how wrong things became in the FLDS world over time.Rachel writes of sexual abuse with skill, including some details, but without veering into explicit descriptions, and giving us a clear glimpse into the confusion and the emotions she experienced. She also reveals the saddening pattern of Warren Jeff's behavior gradually worsening over time.Though not part of the FLDS world myself, it overlaps my own world in several places, so I much appreciate Rachel Jeff's well written account. It helps me understand a bit more. It also touches me personally, since some of what I went through over a decade ago mirrors Rachel's experiences. Thank you Rachel.11 February 2020: I just completed Sam Brower's book Prophet's Prey and recommend it for its expanded view of the FLDS world under Warren Jeffs.

Just like new

This book was very well written and also very sad. The woman who wrote it escaped both child abuse and adult mental abuse. My heart goes out to her and anyone else being controlled. The reader will be inspired by this child turned strong woman and mother who becomes a critical thinker despite being brainwashed. Being a motivational speaker, I inspired by any soul who can rise above their circumstances and false ceilings. If Rachel can escape religious prison and become independent it lets me know we serve a big God who cares about the happiness of his children.

I can’t believe how recent this story is!!! It seems like the prison Warren Jeff’s is in should not let him communicate to the outside. He’s still torturing people long distance! These poor families of brainwashed generations. I’m glad the author was brave to leave and share her story.

Oh dear God what a brave girl to squarely face the fact that her father - whilst his cult followers see him as a Prophet of God - is in fact a pedophile and a sex maniac. This is a well paced and at times heartbreaking read, but I wish Rachel Jeffs all the luck in the world now she has emerged from the darkness and I sincerely hope that one day the FLDS will disappear completely.

I liked how the book is based on a true story and goes into depth on how people live and struggle within the Amish community.

Very interesting read. I really enjoyed this book. It’s a whole different world they lived.

Great true story, couldn’t put the book down

Book arrived today, dirty like it’s second hand! Not impressed!!