Casey L. (casey-sue) -
Helpful Score: 1
After reading Carolyn Jessop's first book, Escape, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second. Instead of putting it on my wish list, I went out and bought it instead. I picked it up many times but eventually it just ended up sitting on my shelf for two months. After trying to read it multiple times, I never progressed past page 50. Escape was so enthralling to read and it was an in depth account of her stories and struggles. In Triumph, I felt like it was just a book of her opinions of the raid in 2008. I felt like it was more about how she felt things were done wrong at that time and she decided to put it in a book. I just couldn't get into the book as much as I wanted to.
LaVonne W. (Grnemae) -
This is a follow-up to Carolyn Jessops 2007 memoir Escape. In April 2008 when the FLDS compound at Eldorado, TX was raided, the man in charge was Jessops former husband Merrill. Carolyn was called as an expert by the TX authorities to help them understand the mind control of the cult as well as the customs and beliefs that would allow sexual and physical abuse of women and children.
Carolyn tells the real story behind the raid - members of her family were involved. Lots of misinformation was given to the media by the FLDS and here she helps to set the story straight while also outlining the setbacks that were faced by the social workers, CASA and police as they tried to determine what was really happening at the cult ranch. She tells about the tragic decision of the Supreme Court of Texas to allow the children in state custody to return to their parents, as well as the successes (the fact that evidence seized in the raid is the basis for the string of criminal trials of FLDS leaders that began in October 2009).
Interwoven with the story of the raid in TX is Carolyns own story and her role as a social critic and a witness in front of Congressional panels attempting to strengthen the laws regarding child abuse. Carolyn also tells of her heartbreak when her eldest daughter decided to return to the cult and her joy in a new love.
Carolyn provides more in depth information regard the sources of strength that allowed her to escape the cult. It was a long and slow process but she provides many tips and suggestions that could be used by any woman in an abusive relationship.
Carolyn also outlines her triumphs escaped with all of her children, was given custody of them and was finally in 2009 was awarded back child support and most of all she is a role model for others.
Carolyn tells the real story behind the raid - members of her family were involved. Lots of misinformation was given to the media by the FLDS and here she helps to set the story straight while also outlining the setbacks that were faced by the social workers, CASA and police as they tried to determine what was really happening at the cult ranch. She tells about the tragic decision of the Supreme Court of Texas to allow the children in state custody to return to their parents, as well as the successes (the fact that evidence seized in the raid is the basis for the string of criminal trials of FLDS leaders that began in October 2009).
Interwoven with the story of the raid in TX is Carolyns own story and her role as a social critic and a witness in front of Congressional panels attempting to strengthen the laws regarding child abuse. Carolyn also tells of her heartbreak when her eldest daughter decided to return to the cult and her joy in a new love.
Carolyn provides more in depth information regard the sources of strength that allowed her to escape the cult. It was a long and slow process but she provides many tips and suggestions that could be used by any woman in an abusive relationship.
Carolyn also outlines her triumphs escaped with all of her children, was given custody of them and was finally in 2009 was awarded back child support and most of all she is a role model for others.
This book is about transformation, how to transform your life into something you didn't even know you wanted. Also how to deal with difficult people and insight into the Texas raid of the Yearning for Zion Ranch.
She lived in polygamous community, that was apart of the infamous Warren Jeff's cult. Her story in this book is more a look back at what where the triggers within her that were alighted by different experiences within and outside her community; and how they could apply to others. Such as her difficulty at having a relationship with family members who are difficult to the point of toxic and how she found a way to rise above and remove her mindset from the argument with them. Knowing that arguing and rationalizing with them was not going to work. I found many of her suggestions and solutions very helpful in dealing with a difficult workplace (even though they come from her experience in dealing with religious cultish fundamentalists). I know it sounds crazy but this book was very helpful. I don't go for feel good or self help books or preachy judgment books either, if you too are like this trust me this is not that kind of book.
As a news junky it was also interesting in giving an insiders view as to why the Texas raid of the YFZ compound did not result in the collapse of the cult and the rescue of its victims. The things Texas officials did right and wrong. If you are a child advocate or an adoptive/foster parent this will give light and strategies into the mindset of abused children that will assist in their care. If you can't tell I thought this book was worth my time and it was a fast read, both that mean a lot to a busy professional.
She lived in polygamous community, that was apart of the infamous Warren Jeff's cult. Her story in this book is more a look back at what where the triggers within her that were alighted by different experiences within and outside her community; and how they could apply to others. Such as her difficulty at having a relationship with family members who are difficult to the point of toxic and how she found a way to rise above and remove her mindset from the argument with them. Knowing that arguing and rationalizing with them was not going to work. I found many of her suggestions and solutions very helpful in dealing with a difficult workplace (even though they come from her experience in dealing with religious cultish fundamentalists). I know it sounds crazy but this book was very helpful. I don't go for feel good or self help books or preachy judgment books either, if you too are like this trust me this is not that kind of book.
As a news junky it was also interesting in giving an insiders view as to why the Texas raid of the YFZ compound did not result in the collapse of the cult and the rescue of its victims. The things Texas officials did right and wrong. If you are a child advocate or an adoptive/foster parent this will give light and strategies into the mindset of abused children that will assist in their care. If you can't tell I thought this book was worth my time and it was a fast read, both that mean a lot to a busy professional.
