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Lost Boy Audiobook
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(3.02) - 1,106 listener ratings
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In the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS), girls can become valuable property as plural wives, but boys are expendable, even a liability. In this powerful and heartbreaking account, former FLDS member Brent Jeffs reveals both the terror and the love he experienced growing up on his prophet’s compound—and the harsh exile existence that so many boys face once they have been expelled by the sect. Brent Jeffs is the nephew of Warren Jeffs, the imprisoned leader of the FLDS. The son of a prominent family in the church, Brent could have grown up to have multiple wives of his own and significant power in the 10,000-strong community. But he knew that behind the group’s pious public image—women in chaste dresses carrying babies on their hips—lay a much darker reality. So he walked away, and was the first to file a sexual-abuse lawsuit against his uncle. Now Brent shares his courageous story and that of many other young men who have become “lost boys” when they leave the FLDS, either by choice or by expulsion. Brent experienced firsthand the absolute power that church leaders wield—the kind of power that corrupts and perverts those who will do anything to maintain it. Once young men no longer belong to the church, they are cast out into a world for which they are utterly unprepared. More often than not, they succumb to the temptations of alcohol and other drugs. Tragically, Brent lost two of his brothers in this struggle, one to suicide, the other to overdose. In this book he shows that lost boys can triumph and that abuse and trauma can be overcome, and he hopes that readers will be inspired to help former FLDS members find their way in the world.
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"This is the sad story of Warren Jeffs's nephew who was sexually abused by Warren when he was 5. He tells the story of gowing up in, and leaving, the FLDS church. This book was really informative and eye-opening. Brent Jeffs is a brave man to recount his horrific past in such an honest way."
— Kristi (4 out of 5 stars)
Lost Boy Listener Reviews
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" Very interesting and from a male's perspective. "
— Kathryn, 2/19/2014 -
" I've read Escape and Stolen Innocence about two young women who were raised in the FDLS polygamous cult. This book is from the perspective of a young man and the consequences of abuse he suffered as a young child. "
— Catherine, 2/13/2014 -
" 3 1/2 stars. Escaping from the FLDS from a boys perspective. What a sad life. I had read several others on the same topic so a lot was similar. I was glad to read that one of the girls from a previous book was the one that was able to put Warren Jeffs behind bars where he belongs. "
— Diana, 2/7/2014 -
" If you know me, then you have to know I am facisinated with the whole FLDS cuture and the workings of this "cult". I have read a good number of books on it and Iw as really excited for this one-the author is the grandson of Rulon and was the one who began the law suit against Warren Jeffs. This wasn't as good as I had hoped. Content was interesting, but the writing was not good. "
— Marisacsanderson, 2/7/2014 -
" Well written and interesting throughout! "
— Charlene, 2/1/2014 -
" This is a tough book to read because it is such a heartbreaking story, but incredibly eye-opening as well. To get the real story of what was happening with the Warren Jeffs polygamist clan, this is the perfect book. But it is not for the faint "
— Eric, 1/30/2014 -
" Very easy to read book about the depressing lives of FLDS boys on how they are forgotten and prevented from marrying FLDS girls so they can be saved for FLDS husbands in good standing. "
— Nilla, 1/25/2014 -
" Gripping story of RLDS "Lost Boys" - also alot of background into the RLDS historical rationale justifying polygamy, plus insight into Warren Jeffs, etc. "
— Ruth, 1/18/2014 -
" Good book. Hard to believe that people can be so brainwashed and live such horrible lives...especially in the US. "
— Lorna, 1/18/2014 -
" I felt really sorry for these boys, and think this "church" is a crazy, weirdo one, but there needed to be more details. I do wish for a good future for the surviving children. "
— Linda, 1/9/2014 -
" I wasn't to sure about this book at first, but it did give me some insight into the FLDS and what went on there. Reading this book I agree with the author when he said it wasn't about religion it Warren Jeffs turned it into a cult. "
— Angel, 1/1/2014 -
" A very blunt picture of life for a boy growing up in the FLDS who ultimately leaves it. Some heart-breaking moments. Good companion to Escape for a male perspective compared to a female perspective. "
— Jami, 12/21/2013 -
" Once again I'm glad I'm an atheist after reading this. "
— April, 12/19/2013 -
" raises lots and lots of questions...get ready Phoof. :) "
— Mum, 12/6/2013 -
" I liked this book, but it was a bit disturbing. Let's just say that I hope Warren Jeffs rots in prison for the rest of his life. I did think it was sad that in spite of the FLDS having the same roots as LDS, they really don't have a sound understanding of our shared history. "
— Charlotte, 12/3/2013 -
" Jeffs talks about his upbringing in the FLDS church. I found it to be a fascinating study into another culture that lives right here in the US. It is heartbreaking to read what he and many other children endured and wonderful that he persevered to share his experiences with others. "
— Krystal, 10/21/2013 -
" I liked this book. It gives the reader a look into polygamy which for most is a hard to understand and even harder to relate to. "
— Laura, 6/7/2013 -
" You know me...love my FLDS books... "
— Emily, 4/7/2013 -
" stopped reading - not worth it at this time. Loved Escape but did not want to read this. "
— Barbara, 3/26/2013 -
" I don't know why I'm so fascinated with these stories, but I am. So sad and unbelievable, my heart breaks for these kids. Worth a read if you are interested in the FLDS. "
— Stephanie, 1/28/2013 -
" Since moving to this part of the country (Idaho), I've been drawn to learning more about Mormans. This is a very contempory look at Brent Jeffs'experience within his own family of polygamists. Very dramatic, unbelieveable at times. Short book, but a page-turner. "
— Joanie, 12/14/2012 -
" An inside look at the FDLS church, from a child's perspective. I learned quite a bit while reading and can't even imagine growing up in that environment. "
— Mary, 10/27/2012 -
" It's an interesting look into the closed community of the FLDS. Written from the perspective of a 20something guy who grew up in a polygamous family so obviously not unbiased. "
— Rachel, 7/4/2012 -
" OMG what a monster Warren Jeffs is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Hayprell, 6/13/2012 -
" I don't quite understand my own fascination with the FDLS, but I've enjoyed learning more about what former members say happen in their community. "
— Mary, 12/29/2011 -
" Incredibly compelling view of the FLDS. "
— Csillitoe, 12/13/2011 -
" Brent Jeffs was one of the first "lost boys" of polygamy to file suit against Warren Jeffs and the FLDS. Not a big book, but interesting. "
— Cetta, 8/20/2011 -
" I have read Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall. It was interesting getting a point of view from a man growing up in the FLDS. Highly recommended! "
— Megan, 6/28/2011 -
" March book club. Glad I didn't grow up as he did. "
— Audrey, 5/23/2011 -
" Fascinating true story about abuse in polygamous fundamentalist LDS families.<br/> "
— Smehta, 5/19/2011 -
" another more contemporary FDLS book, but written by a DUDE. a lot of the story intertwines with the elissa wall memoir also. "
— Lauren, 5/14/2011 -
" This was very poorly written. I had a hard time finishing this book. His life is interesting but he jumps all over the place in the telling of it. "
— Cindi, 2/17/2011 -
" loving it so far, very interesting!<br/><br/>I really enjoyed this book! "
— Christina, 1/27/2011 -
" Found this book interesting. It has helped reshape my views on polygamy. A worthwhile read. "
— Donna, 11/24/2010 -
" Not well-written but his story is interesting. Would be a decent magazine article. "
— Sarah, 11/14/2010 -
" Interesting insight into what life is really like in the FLDS, why people stay in it. "
— Brenda, 8/22/2010
About the Authors
Maia Szalavitz is an award-winning journalist who specializes in science and health. She is the author of Help at Any Cost: How the Troubled-Teen Industry Cons Parents and Hurts Kids and Recovery Options: The Complete Guide, written with Joseph Volpicelli, MD, PhD. She lives in New York City.