I knew of the author from the Kevin Smith God Hates Westboro, but thinks Megan is hot, or however that went. Even in Canada and as a teen there’s some vague associations. It is wild that that teenager arrived at the place she is at now, divorced from indoctrination and, apparently, a pretty great memoirist.

Stories about motivated thinking, cultish behaviours always fascinate. I think because it’s horrific, and a good reminder to think critically. A check-in: what positions do you have that are indelible, and how did you come by them? A woman who grew up in a church that subjugated and molded young women like her is now witnessing in our polarized society, eerily similar rhetorics regarding the way we speak to one another. It really is disturbing.

Good story, probably not a surprise to anyone who had read something similar, but told well, earnest, well structured. It’s a bit unmoored in time and place sometimes, making it confusing. But otherwise she goes far more granular than I had expected and think this is a very smart move by her, since her family who ostracize her may actually read it. I didn’t even know about the whole god hates fangs in True Blood referencing this real life church doctrine. Wild.