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Audiobooks > Biography & Autobiography >  General Biography & Autobiography > Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist's Wife
Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamists Wife Audiobook, by Irene Spencer Play Audiobook Sample

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3.0006045949214 out of 53.0006045949214 out of 53.0006045949214 out of 53.0006045949214 out of 53.0006045949214 out of 5 (3.00) - 3,308 customer ratings
Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamists Wife Audiobook, by Irene Spencer Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Irene Spencer Narrator: Laural Merlington Publisher: Tantor Audio Length: Release Date: December 2007 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781400175949
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Publisher Description

Irene Spencer did as she felt God commanded in marrying her brother-in-law Verlan LeBaron, becoming his second wife. When the government raided the fundamentalist, polygamous Mormon village of Short Creek, Arizona, Irene and her family fled to Verlan's brothers' Mexican ranch. They lived in squalor and desolate conditions in the Mexican desert with Verlan's six brothers, one sister, and numerous wives and children. Listeners will be appalled and astonished but, most amazingly, greatly inspired. Irene's dramatic story reveals how far religion can be stretched and abused and how one woman and her children found their way out, into truth and redemption.

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Quotes

  • Engrossing.... An intense story.

    - Kirkus

  • “Spencer writes grippingly…in this brave and honest book.”

    - People

  • “Nothing short of astonishing….Emotional and shocking.”

    - Publishers Weekly

  • “Laural Merlington narrates this unforgettable…book with…intelligence and sympathy.”

    - AudioFile

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Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This lifestyle is horrifying. This is a long memoir, but it kept my attention and made my heart hurt for her, her children and the other wives. I enjoyed Irene's writing style and enjoyed her book. It's difficult to understand why she stayed in such horrific conditions for so long. Men weren't meant to provide for five and six wives and 30 children. It's ridiculous to think that one could have that many children and provide financially, emotionally and physically for each of them. "

    - Julie, 4/22/2019
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " easy read. definitely something to think about. "

    - Julia, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " So this is a heartbreaking book about poverty, control, and a world paradigm filled with religious shoulds and shouldn'ts. It was interesting to compare her belief system as a fundamentalist Mormon to my belief system as a Mormon. What was delightful about this story was how much humor Irene managed to fill her life with. She was a woman who could think on her feet and I loved her fiery temper and her insistence that she was worth something. I do not comprehend how she managed to raise her 13 plus her sister wives' children as well. I can hardly manage my own four so the number seems absolutely astonishing. Well written and I would recommend it to friends. "

    - Marci, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very interesting look into the life of a plural wife. Takes the veneer off the picture painted by the "reality" show "Sister Wives". "

    - Joyce, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Irene was correct. She is a true pioneer. The poverty and suffering was all so sad. The timing of her leaving her husband and his death made me doubtful that she left before he died. And if it was not for that and all that gypsy talk I would of given this book five stars. Also, I didn't like all the other premonitions (baby dying, husband dying) in the book. I like memoirs to stick to solid facts. "

    - Deauxboys_girl, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was good...but I feel that she skipped over a lot of her life after she decided to leave her husband. Amazing how much parts of this story parallel what's going on in TX right now. "

    - Jen, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Can't understand this lifestyle but sometimes get obsessed. "

    - Alicia, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I cannot imagine enduring even a 5th of what Irene went through. Her fortitude is inspiring. I also loved hearing another side of the LeBaron story as I had already read the Favorite Wife. Great series of books from the sister wives! "

    - Erin, 12/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I just can't believe the insanity of fundamentalist religious groups. Especially, polygamists. The story is slightly redundant, but interesting. "

    - Rena, 12/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Very upsetting book. Written well. I didn't know how to rate this book. It was so hard to read, and as a mother I struggled with her life choices. "

    - Melanie, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " WOW!!!! Interesting life story of a Fundamentist Mormon woman. Amazing what can happen when you truely believe in a "idea" or "belief", even if it goes against what you feel in your "gut" is truely wrong! Thank you Mrs. Spencer for writing a great book! "

    - Nick, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Found myself amazed at the human will. Fascinating story... sad story. "

    - Barb, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Deeply disappointing book with such potential. "

    - Don, 8/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very imformative. Did not know she was part of the LeBarons. "

    - Jodi, 8/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Just astounding what she lived through. Astounding. "

    - Laura, 6/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " When she went back to Vernon at the end, I wanted to slap her. "

    - Alycia, 3/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " An amazing read! Brain washing over generations of being a plural wife and what it means in eternity. How she left with her nerves intact is beyond me, how she coped I don't comprehend. Worth a read if religious orders are of interest "

    - Antoinette, 3/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a good memoir by a woman that has gone through so much during her lifetime. At least she has a happy ending. "

    - Melissa, 2/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fasinating story. I recommend to anyone with an open mind. "

    - Jennifer, 1/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Hard to decide how many stars to give this one... I can't really say whether I liked it or not. Her writing was quite good and the story moved along, never dragging. I would not recommend this one to anyone who is not ready to question a bit and or read this as a crazy story and ignore the doctrine. "

    - Lisa, 1/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An amazing story of one strong woman. She lives in Sacramento now. "

    - Sheree, 8/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I can now put this book on the top shelve of my favorite books! This book keeps you wanting to read more & even more. You just cannot seem to put it down or get enough! "

    - Deana, 12/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It never ceases to amaze me what people will accept as normal if it's all they've ever known! "

    - Tracy, 12/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really interesting first person account of growing up in and then marrying into a polygamist family. It was interesting to read what was going on in her head during all of her time in this culture. It helped me understand how people justify this to themselves. Well worth reading. "

    - Alicia, 6/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book. The true story of a Polygamist's wife. Irene was a very sheltered girl raised in the FLDS community when she becomes the 2nd wife of Verlan. What follows is heartbreaking, shattering, and ultimately uplifting. A must-read. "

    - Barbara, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " An interesting read about polygamist lifestyle. "

    - Mindy, 5/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was a fascinating read! I loved it! Crazy polygamy life!!!!!! "

    - Missy, 4/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It really tells exactly what goes on in the polygamist colonies and how demeaning it is for the women. But, it is also a story of hope, love and redemption through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I really enjoyed it. "

    - Tia, 3/29/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I was fascinated with this story! It was so interesting, yet so heartbreaking. I was glad to learn more about polygamy and the Mormon religion. "

    - Amy, 3/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An amazing story of a polygamist wife - number 2 of numerous. Irene Spencer had 13 children by the time she was (??) 35. She lived in extreme poverty, fighting envy and jealousy daily. Amazing, amazing story. "

    - Marilyn, 3/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book was excellent! Way better than I thought it would be. The author was a real saint who survived polygamy and poverty and completely insane relatives. She finally escaped the polygamist lifestyle. "

    - Leanne, 3/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book was fascinating! I was reading the story of someone who is still living, but it seemed as if her life took place on another planet. "

    - Kristina, 3/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I can now put this book on the top shelve of my favorite books! This book keeps you wanting to read more & even more. You just cannot seem to put it down or get enough! "

    - Deana, 2/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Very upsetting book. Written well. I didn't know how to rate this book. It was so hard to read, and as a mother I struggled with her life choices. "

    - Melanie, 2/16/2011

About the Author

Irene Spencer is public speaker, avid traveler, and author of many books. She comes from four generations of polygamy. As the second of ten wives, she was the mother of fourteen of her previous husband’s fifty-eight children—during her twenty-eight years in a polygamous marriage. Irene and Hector J. Spencer, her faithful husband of twenty-two years, travel to spread their love between all of their children and loved ones. Although she had only a ninth-grade education, Irene earned her GED and took a creative writing class at University of Las Vegas. Irene serves as a keynote speaker for “rescue missions,” church congregations, women’s centers, and other groups and events throughout the country.

About the Narrator

Laural Merlington is an audiobook narrator with over two hundred titles to her credit and a winner of multiple Earphones Awards. An Audie Award nominee, she has also directed over one hundred audiobooks. She has performed and directed for thirty years in theaters throughout the country. In addition to her extensive theater and voice-over work, she teaches college in her home state of Michigan.