Escape Reviews

Religious extremism can take on many forms and most people do not associate Christianity with any level of extremism approaching danger. However, radical elements exist in all faiths and there is one woman who has lived the life of radical religion and lives to tell her story. Her name is Carolyn Jessop and in this book, Escape, Jessop explains how she went from being one of several wives to a man more than thirty years her senior to a free woman in complete charge of her future. — — Book Commentary: — — This begins with Jessop telling her story of escape from her… read full review »

Carolyn gives us insight into the world of the FLDS by telling her story as a wife to a polygamous husband who still leads the YFZ Ranch today. At times it is amusing as she recounts the mental illness that goes on with one of the wives but truly it just makes you shake your head and wonder how these women have gotten to this point where they do not see the rediculousness of the lives they lead. Brainwashing/Religious fanatacism at its' worst. — An eye opener just like Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall but this time from a viewpoint of a wife and mother-still fascinating though-and… read full review »

With the raid in TX of the FLDS bringing their beliefs to light, I bought and devoured the book "Escape." — It is well written and once started, I could not put it down. — I found it eye opening learning that there are people that live like this and follow these beliefs. I feel such empathy for the girls and women from what I call a cult. — Unfortunately, the state of TX jumped the gun and went in without enough evidence to save the children but because they did not collect the evidence, these children were sent back. So sad. — … read full review »

This book is a great informative book about what is actually going on in the FLDS community.  The book was so gripping that I couldn't put it down and I read it on and off over a period of 48 hours! There are parts that are a little more descriptive about the sex lives of the people in the community than I would have liked.  I think this book is a great way to get some insight into this community of people so that those of us outside the community can better help these… read full review »

i loved this book, for several reasons. — — one:  this book should be empowering to all women in ANY relationship that is abused or controlled by her spouse....  these traits that Merril Jessop has are not limited to the Morman relegion, United States Culture, or any attribute... but are standards traits for obessive, manuplitalive, men (or women) who seek to control their spouses, their children, and whatever they view as a possesion to them. — — i speak from experience as having been married to a man who beat me, controlled me, and ruled every part of my… read full review »

I try to keep an open mind to all faiths.  To all communities.  — In today's day and age people choose to live as: single, single parents, married, divorced, separated, life partners, polyamorous.  I am interested in why people choose the lives they live and as such polygamy has interested me greatly.  From watching 20/20 specials to reading magazines; from watching HBO's "Big Love" to reading this book, Escape. — Ms. Jessop is an amazing woman with great courage, strength, tenancity, and fortitude.  This book provides insight not often seen from the… read full review »

I read Escape by Carolyn Jessop a few months before the state of Texas invaded the FLDS site in Texas in a poorly-planned and even more poorly-executed attempt to rescue those children.  If that is the only life they ever experience, what chance will they ever have at real freedom of choice? The book is both revealing and frightening, but also quite enlightening!  Highly recommend it! Hope she writes a sequel regarding her life as it is after having liberated herself and her children!… read full review »

This was a great book!! I would highly recommend it. I couldnt put it down. Its hard to believe that the things that happen in this book still take place now adays, just doesnt seem right. I really felt sorry for her, and glad to see that she escaped. Do feel bad for her one child that went back. I couldnt imagine living that… read full review »

This is such an excellent book to read.  Once I had read the first few chapters I could not put this book down.  It was so unbelievable and aweful and ended up being the most empowering and inspirational story.  I highly recommend this book. … read full review »