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Bruce C.

  • 7
  • reviews
  • 152
  • helpful votes
  • 92
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Similarities Leaving High-Demand Religions

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-27-24

I help run a Book Club for those who are Post/Ex-Mormons. We read a lot of non-fiction about science and history. We also read biographies of those who have made it out of high-demand religions.

I loved this book. We have in common the limiting of outside information and what is allowed to be read and even think. Sexual control and purity requirements. There is an “in group” and an “out group”.

Anyone who has been Mormon, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Amish, Mennonite, Seventh-day Adventist, Scientologist will find this book describing similar experiences.

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Gaining insight into someone’s life helps me understand my own.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-03-24

I grew up in a high demand conservative religion. As a gay kid, I had loving involved parents. But their view of me and those like me were that we were fundamentally broken.

I went from very conservative, political and religious beliefs to then much more liberal beliefs.

I am working on trying to understand how the world actually works, what my place is in that world and how I participate with everyone to be more happy and healthy.

This book gave me some new insights into some of the things that I started to believe once I left conservative religious belief.

It was a good read!

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Enjoyed the book!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-16-23

I enjoyed listening. A book that talks about growing up gay in a conservative area, family challenges, sexual discovery all hit home. The added physical challenges and family health challenges added to a remarkable life experience. I share being gay, living for a time as a closeted gay Mormon, spending my college time in Utah. We share some experiences and others were a new view into someone else’s life.

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I loved the longer form reporting of an interesting story

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-22-20

Such an interesting story. With the developments in DNA and a glimpse into the Sperm Donation business it gives you a lot to think about.

How does due diligence play into many parts of our lives?

I would love to hear more of these long-form stories.

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1 person found this helpful

Charming Tale of Pasadena

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-18-20

Many people know of Pasadena from watching the Rose Parade. There is a rich interesting history of this city with characters and events that are fascinating. I have lived in the area for many years. This book makes me want to read more of the local history. As I was finishing the book, I got into my car and drove across the Colorado Street Bridge for the final sentences. I enjoyed the story.

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As an older gay former Mormon this book had me in tears.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-09-19

The message of reconnecting with family even if there are profound differences really hit home. I am inspired to do more to connect with biological family that is quite different from me. I still hold and cherish my Logical Family (See Armistead Maupin).

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2 people found this helpful

I highly recommend this book!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-24-18

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I just finished listening to Educated. Parts of the book left my crying. I grew up in the same high-demand religion. While my family was not as fundamentalist, isolated or controlling, the similarities were there. As a gay man, I didn’t fit in and had to make my break from the culture and set up appropriate boundaries with family. I also had to develop my family and friends of choice.

Any additional comments?

Tara tells the story of fundamentalism, patriarchy and an apocalyptic view of the world intertwined with bi-polar mental illness. The story is inspiring but shows how hard it is to separate yourself from the world view of your childhood and family. She overcame some very limiting views of how the world works.

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131 people found this helpful