Lost Boy

By: Maia Szalavitz, Brent W. Jeffs

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

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.

©2009 Maia Szalavitz (P)2009 Random House

Very interesting to hear a males story

I have listen to a lot of books from former FLDS members I thought this was a good book to see a boys side of the story

Good to get male perspective

I have read a number of books on polygamy and FDLS. This the only I could find from the male perspective. The first half was really interesting to understand what going on in the authors child and adolescent mind from boy rather than a girl

Well written

Very well written and narrated. This story truly told the story of the abuse that occurs in many places that is hidden, or ignored. Should be read by everyone. Very eye opening.

A male perspective and experience in the FLDS

I have read several memoirs written by women who left the FLDS, and this one popped up in my suggestions and I read it. I appreciate that the author covers history of the Mormon church and the FLDS, including some of the experiences of the founders especially pertaining to the women/multiple wives and their feelings. Other things are covered including PTSD from the child’s perspective, as well as his Vietnam veteran father. The author also addresses his steps to overcome what he dealt with. I am being vague so as not to give away too much. It’s worth a read. Definitely recommend.

Impressed

I was very impressed by the detailed writing and explanations in this audio book. Also, the narrator did an awesome job too and was very clear and easy to understand. I have listened to several similar books on this church and I thought this was the best. Best of luck to all involved who suffered.

a story so deep you feel knee deep in it..

loved this book. Obviously you know the tale is truthful, but it is so horrific you have a hard time believing there are monsters like Warren hiding amongst God fearing people. I just feel awful for the people in the FLDS. I couldn't shut it off

intense

This has shocked me to the core, on how the author was brave to tell the story. It takes a lot of courage to do the right things! It important to say that anybody could be a victim and the implications of trauma will last forever. But it is also important to say that in the darkness with help there is some light. Thanks for sharing this, I hope others can see tbis as an opportunity to give themselves a chance to be happy.

Coming from the FLDS myself and, being out as long as I have. I’d just like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart

My name is Shane jessop. I’m from the FLDS cult as well and, though I’ve been fortunate to not have to go through the hell that Brent has, I feel his pain to my core. I’d just like to give a million thanks to you Brent, for putting the time and effort into this book. It’s been very helpful to me.

Eye opening narrative on living in the FLDS

A brave retelling of the firsthand accounts experienced by a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints. Like many cult followings, the FDLS is filled with stories of abuse, molestation, rape, and in some cases, torture and death. This audio experience will captivate your attention from the first 5 minutes and hold your interest through to the final chapter! Although the theme appears dark throughout, the truth eventually hits its mark and provides some degree of relief. This is a true story worthy of being heard.

A male perspective on the FLDS

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lost Boy?

When Brent was talking about his panic attacks and the horrible memories coming to the surface, I could almost feel his fear and dread - I cannot imagine!

Any additional comments?

I have read a few of the books from the former female members of the FLDS and how life was on a daily basis, so it was very interesting to hear a boy's view on it. I was impressed by how highly he thought of his father, and how he said he was taught to treat women with respect. This didn't seem to be the norm in other families, where women were treated as currency, or property. So, I think his father was probably not in agreement with how badly women were treated in other families and that is refreshing to say the least. I enjoyed hearing his story and the journey of healing he had to endure in adulthood.