Cult Insanity

A Memoir of Polygamy, Prophets, and Blood Atonement

By: Irene Spencer

Narrated by: Laural Merlington

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Life for Irene Spencer was a series of devastating disappointments and hardships. Irene's first book, Shattered Dreams, is the staggering chronicle of her struggle to provide for her children in abject poverty and feelings of abandonment each time her husband left to be with one of his other wives. Irene was raised to believe that polygamy was the way of life necessary for her ticket to heaven. The hard knocks of her environment were just the beginning of Irene's shocking tale.

In Cult Insanity, Spencer reveals the outrageous behavior of her brother-in-law Ervil---a self-proclaimed prophet who determined he was called to set the house of God in order---and how he terrorized their colony. Claiming to be God's avenger and to have a license to kill in the name of God, Ervil ordered the murders of friends and family members, eliminating all those who challenged his authority. Cult Insanity is a riveting, terrifying memoir of polygamist life under the tyranny of a madman.

©2009 Irene Spencer (P)2009 Tantor

Why do they do it?

I read these books because I am continually amazed at how these seemingly intelligent people buy in to these wacko cults. In writing these books, it begs the question as to whether they are really completely normal now; how can they be? A good study in abnormal psychology, I guess.

A must read!

Any additional comments?

I didn't think this sequel was quite as enticing as the first but I would highly recommend them both! Irene seems to be an amazing lady that has conquered and acquired much throughout her life and her story needs to be shared. This series really opened my eyes to Polygamy. I am LDS and these books gave me an interesting perspective as to how their religion differed from ours and I am so glad that I read them!

Not as goon as Shatter Dreams, but still good!

What made the experience of listening to Cult Insanity the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the narration. Listened to her read the first book & I enjoyed her voice & inflexion in reading. It never ceases to amaze me that perfectly "sane" people could believe in this movement & follow these prophets & beliefs.

What does Laural Merlington bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I can listen much easier than reading (when I fall asleep).

Not as good as the First

I really wanted to enjoy Irene Spencer's second book; couldn't wait for it to be released. I have to admit, upon completion, that I found it difficult to follow. There were simply too many names and it jumped around too much and then it just dropped at the end. I was, I regret to say, disappointed. This woman has led an incredible life and her first book, "Shattered Dreams," was a treat to listen to. I would have preferred her to share more of her first-hand experiences than quoting other books as much as she did. I would recommend "Cult Insanity" only to die-hard fans of anything to do with Mormon Polygamy.

A First Hand Account

I am really into books about cults, especially mormon polygamy, and this was one of the best ones I have read in a while. I loved Shattered Dreams, so it was no surprise that I added this book to my wishlist. I read a few of the reviews that say this book is not as good as Irene Spencer's other book but I disagree. This book focuses more on the individual events that went on in Irene Spencer's life, rather than it being a broad account of her life. This book is an excellent lead into other accounts of the Labaron family like Ana Labaron's book or Ruth Warner's. If you really love books about mormon polygamy, this helps to fill in gaps in other stories that have been told. Over all, excellent read, and very good information.

irene you wete a very strong woman may you now RIP

this story was ok but Irenes first book was much better im looking forward to hearing the 4 oclick murders!

Pronunciation much?

Couldn’t pronounce basic local or Mormon words throughout the whole story, very distracting to me.

A Tribute to Human Endurance

Irene Spencer's memoir of her life in a polygamous religious cult is truly a tribute to the limits of human endurance and suffering. Although difficult to keep up with the confusingly long list of wives, children and step and half relatives, the story of polygamy, abject poverty, mental and physical suffering and abuse, betrayal, lust and murder is a powerful tale, by turns amusing, depressing, touching and horrifying. It underscores man's inhumanity to man and how people will use manipulation to get what they want and religous zeal to gain power and justify their action. It opened my eyes to atrocities I never knew existed. I would suggest reading Spencer's "Shattered Dreams" memoir first and think both books would be improved if they had been combined together into one instead. My heart goes out to all the women and children ensnared in this lifestyle.

crazy

sad and crazy.i regret there were so many innocent victims.may life get alot better for all

fantastic book I grew up in Hurricane Utah.

I love this book. it brings to light the suffering of so many people still in situations like this. it is real, I remember.