Leaving the Saints: How I Lost the Mormons and Found My Faith

I found this to be a riveting story and as a third generation Utah Mormon I found her depiction of Mormon culture to be right on. I was raised in Utah, graduated from BYU and served a mission for the LDS Church, and in my opinion, Martha Beck is just telling it like it is. Anyone wanting a glimpse inside the faith will find her account interesting and perhaps disturbing, but just because you don't like the message why shoot the messenger? I found her personal revelations believable and backed up with strong physical evidence despite family denials. I think people should listen to her well written story and decide for themselves.

A lot of this story was about the author’s spiritual journey, love, forgiveness, peace and self-control. She seems to be the “perfect” person, stifling anger, judgment and bittnerness. I found myself both in awe and disbelief at the same time. She was almost TOO perfect a person. After a while all that got old. I enjoy biographical works like this and “Beyond Belief” by Jenna Miscavige Hill was a better read.

I found the book enlightening and a little scary. Riveting story, effective and engaging narration. In short, exactly what I seek in a recorded book.

I'm also not a Mormon. As a reader/listener of this book without an ax to grind, I wonder about the negative reviews I saw here. Was there a separate agenda? Hard to say, but worth consideration.

Order the book and decide for yourself.

I thought this book was fantastic. Brilliantly written and expertly read I found it hard to put it aside. As a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who has begun to seriously question the authenticity of the organization, I found several parallels between my experiences and those of Mrs. Beck. Like the author, my doubts began when I experienced the endowment and marriage rituals in the temple. Also, as time went on I began to realize that the church was organized and run more like a giant corporation whose purpose was to create and sustain a false image rather than a self-sustaining religious organization based on truth. It can be argued that the LDS church was founded with lies and is sustained by lies, hence the great ongoing efforts required by its leaders to sustain it's momentum. This message comes across clearly in this book.

If you are considering becoming a member of the LDS church or if you are currently a member who wants to experience a non-church endorsed viewpoint I highly recommend this book. Also, I would recommend "No Man Knows my History" by Fawn S. Brodie.

This is one of my favorite topics and only one of many books I've read. I admire this author and her dealing with some difficult personal and spiritual dilemnas.

This is a beautifully told, love-filled story. It is exactly what being a beautiful human being can strive for, having a real human life while dealing with the true cruelties of existence. I was touched by Ms. Beck's story. I was raised Mormon and am no longer a member, however it has lifted so many veils of confusion I still sensed but could not explain about where I came from and why my parents were who they were. I feel like I am now part of what is probably Beck's invisible circle of comrads. i'd love to thank her in person for leaving me feeling full of love and understanding for myself, my parents and mormons, and in fact, all people.

One star for the effort.
I became skeptical when her "repressed memories" were discovered. How many psychologists lost their licenses to practice or are in prison for this "diagnosis?" These "repressed memory" cases in the 1990s were debunked by qualified Psychologists shortly after they became vogue and ruined hundreds of innocent peoples lives.
I'm no expert in theology but this is an apparently another in a long list of intellectuals who is incapable of living the tenets of her religion and, rather than simply choosing another direction in life, has chosen to twist truths and cry "poor me" in an attempt to discredit the organization.
Come on Ms. Beck, move on and write something constructive.

Martha Beck's personal story was gripping and fascinating. I suppose she will be shunned by her family for her honest account, but it needed to be told. I admired her exploration and objectivity in discussing secret family matters. Thank you for writing when most people would have stuffed it in their emotions.

If I were a devout Mormon woman, I would be seething over this book. However, I am not a Mormon and still feel quite upset with the way this author takes her "dirty laundry" out for the whole world to read. She implies that the Mormon church is the one that made her father (supposedly) abuse her. I can't think of any religion that has a perfect history. This lady takes things too far. She is sarcastic and is constantly reminding the listener that she has a Ph.D., as though this legitimizes her claims. I feel sorry for her family. She does the craziest things (like chopping down trees in the middle of the night), while her husband and small children are neglected. If Mormon men were so horrible, why did her own Mormon husband put up with her antics? I wanted to listen to this book before visiting Utah to learn something about the "Saints." Instead of siding with her, I think I actually disagree with her. Who knew? Her 9O yr. old father shouldn't have had to put up with all her accusations at that age. It sounds almost evil of her. Her diatribe pleads with the listener that abuse victims should be open about their history, even if it took place decades ago. As the daughter of an abused mother, I wish she never had told me what happened to her in her youth. It never helped me, it only made me angry, and it didn't help my mom either. She grew more depressed in her older years by reminiscing about her horrible childhood. Get the therapy and then REALLY forget about it, I say! Don't live in the past, Martha!! Live, let live and enjoy what you have in the moment.

I got about one hour into this book and couldn't take any more. I thought it would be useful information about the Mormon cult, but this lady is in the clouds. If you were looking for some way to waste $20 or one of your credits then, by all means, snag this one.