Wednesday, January 8, 2025

The House of My Mother

The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom 
By Shari Franke 
Gallery Books, 2025. 320 pages. Memoir 

Shari Franke's childhood was marked by a constant struggle for survival under her mother's strict and oppressive rule. Ruby Franke, who cultivated a perfect family image on their popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, hid a much darker, tyrannical parenting style behind the scenes. As the family's fame grew, Ruby's delusions of righteousness intensified, leading her to adopt even harsher disciplinary tactics. Influenced by relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby and Jodi implemented a cruel and unforgiving regime on Shari and her siblings. 

Wow. Listening to this audiobook, read by the author, was gut-wrenching. I came across the 8 Passengers channel years ago and fell for the sham. I assumed (wrongly) that the family were all happy and willing participants in Ruby’s vlogs, and now learning the extent of what was happening behind the camera makes me sick. Shari’s raw honesty not just about her family’s actions and inactions, but also the greater psychological impact that had on her, is devastating. Despite the mental and emotional scars that mar her life, Shari’s story is one of strength, resilience, and hope for a brighter future. The short chapters and fast-pace of events makes this hard to put down. Highly recommended. 

If you liked The House of My Mother, you might also like: 

By Jill Duggar 
Gallery Books, 2023. 271 pages. Memoir 

For the first time, discover the unedited truth about the Duggars, the traditional Christian family that captivated the nation on TLC's hit show 19 Kids and Counting, as they share their story, revealing the secrets, manipulation, and intimidation behind the show that remained hidden from their fans. 

By Jennette McCurdy 
Simon & Schuster, 2022. 320 pages. Memoir 

The iCarly and Sam & Cat star, after her controlling mother dies, gets the help she needs to overcome eating disorders, addiction and unhealthy relationships--and finally decides what she really wants for the first time in her life. 

ACS

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