Another escape from a sect
Banished : Surviving my years in the Westboro Baptist Church
by Lauren Drain
with Lisa Pulitzer
The story of Lauren Drain and how her family got sucked into the Westboro Baptist Church. Children look for their parents' approval, and in this, Lauren was no different than any other child. Her parents, especially her dad, made her strive for their approval. Before joining the WBC, it seemed as though she was getting some of that approval, but once her dad started relating to, and being interested in the WBC, Lauren's ability to win their approval became less and less. Even once they joined, it seemed as though nothing she did made her good in anyone's eyes. Lauren portrays these difficulties very well and with the voice of a teen as she conveys her story. I could remember how I felt as a teen and knew the problems she was talking about.
It was heart wrenching when her family turned their backs on her so that they could remain in the church. This seems to happen in a lot of sects. There's no openness, no desire to keep ties. She became anathema to them. It was a long process, but it was good to read about her getting away from the WBC's teachings as she learned to live on her own. Lauren Drain seems to have a good outlook on life now.
The writing and the way the story was told, sucked me in. I finished the books in two nights. I wanted to know she was safe, that she was able to get away.
by Lauren Drain
with Lisa Pulitzer
The story of Lauren Drain and how her family got sucked into the Westboro Baptist Church. Children look for their parents' approval, and in this, Lauren was no different than any other child. Her parents, especially her dad, made her strive for their approval. Before joining the WBC, it seemed as though she was getting some of that approval, but once her dad started relating to, and being interested in the WBC, Lauren's ability to win their approval became less and less. Even once they joined, it seemed as though nothing she did made her good in anyone's eyes. Lauren portrays these difficulties very well and with the voice of a teen as she conveys her story. I could remember how I felt as a teen and knew the problems she was talking about.
It was heart wrenching when her family turned their backs on her so that they could remain in the church. This seems to happen in a lot of sects. There's no openness, no desire to keep ties. She became anathema to them. It was a long process, but it was good to read about her getting away from the WBC's teachings as she learned to live on her own. Lauren Drain seems to have a good outlook on life now.
The writing and the way the story was told, sucked me in. I finished the books in two nights. I wanted to know she was safe, that she was able to get away.