An interesting read. This book is much more religious than the synopsis implies. When relaying the trauma and abuse Sheri Franke experienced through the hands of her mothers, Franke heavily relies on God to help her through dark times. I cannot help but wonder if the religious aspect of this memoir was not used in its marketing, because Franke is Mormon, rather than Christian. I’ve read other memoirs where the author is speaking about abuse they suffered and how their religious beliefs helped them preserve, but was surprised at Franke’s connection to her Mormon upbringing due to the lack of references in the summary. 

The book was paced well in the beginning and I liked Franke outlining what she comfortable in discussing in regards to her siblings. Franke makes several artistic decisions such as only referring to her parents as their given names, Ruby and Kevin.  Towards the end of the book there are several time jumps that cause portions of the story to be missing, such as Franke’s reconnection to her eldest brother and Kevin. As well as the disappearance of her new found family, at one point she stop referencing them. 

 Franke only slightly connects religion as a factor into the abuse she and her siblings suffered; however, she quickly dismisses it. She does however, attempt to psychoanalysis Ruby Franke as narcissus after criticizing others who do the same, and then continues to say she will leave the analysis of Jodi Hilderbrandt to the professional. It was a rather odd moment in the book. There is also a part where Franke is criticizing the media and societies interest in the Franke family and her want of people to stop talking about the abuse. I couldn’t help but see similarities between this and religious cover ups of abuse that happen in the book. 

Overall, I think the book could have been better if Franke had written it in another 10 years. The events of Ruby and Franke’s arrest happened only a little over a year ago, September 2023.  It feels like there was a push to publish (probably by the publisher) while the arrest is still on people’s mind. I do hope writing the book , helped Franke heal from the trauma she experienced at the hands of Ruby and Jodi. 
 

Very silly and face paced, but an overall funny read. Exactly what you would expect from the title. 

The author did a good job of removing themselves from the facts. They didn’t really offer any type of insight until the closing chapter of the book. The author did not speak to any of the accused, victims or investigators, causing a lot of the information to come from outside. Overall , it was interesting, but important to acknowledge this is a tragedy.

Absolutely adored this edition the SPYxFamily series. The book was funny and fits perfectly with the manga . My favorite story was mission 3. Yuri and Anya’s interaction were absolutely hilarious. 

Interesting concept, but nothing was developed enough. Reader barely met any of the characters and book was just too rushed. Artwork was pretty nice. 

I enjoyed the final book in this series. The ending did wrap up rather quickly, while the middle of the book dragged on a bit. The series as a whole was good and I'm excited to see what else Robyn Schneider has to offer!