Shunned

How I Lost My Religion and Found Myself

By: Linda A. Curtis

Narrated by: Emily Ellet

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Linda Curtis was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and is an unquestioning true believer who has knocked on doors from the time she was nine years old. Like other Witnesses, she has been discouraged from pursuing a career, higher education, or even voting, and her friendships are limited to the Witness community.

Then one day, at age 33, she knocks on a door - and a coworker she deeply respects answers the door. To their mutual consternation she launches into her usual spiel, but this time, for the first time ever, the message sounds hollow. In the months that follow, Curtis tries hard to overcome the doubts that spring from that doorstep encounter, knowing they could upend her "safe" existence. But ultimately, unable to reconcile her incredulity, she leaves her religion and divorces her Witness husband - a choice for which she is shunned by the entire community, including all members of her immediate family.

Shunned follows Linda as she steps into a world she was taught to fear and discovers what is possible when we stay true to our hearts, even when it means disappointing those we love.

©2018 Linda Curtis (P)2020 Tantor

Very relatable if you grew up “in the truth” and left

I too, was born and raised as a JW. At 38 I left for the same reasons. It was really reassuring to hear her story and how she thrived after making such a difficult decision. If you’re not familiar with the teachings of the Witnesses, this book is completely accurate in its description of their beliefs and community. Thank you for being brave and telling your story,

Very informative

is excellent information as a previous Jehovah witness I went through all the same feelings are the same
I am so happy and proud that you were able to get out of this situation

Absolutely amazing

I went through a similar faith transition albeit different religion. Listening to this brought back so many memories as well as intense appreciation for my family who did not shun me. I absolutely recommend this book. It’s beautiful and the performance is outstanding.

All the feels

This book brought back all the feelings for me. I smiled and cried throughout the whole book. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Emotionally stirring

I’ve read other books written by shunned JWs. I no longer need to write one myself. Linda Curtis wrote what I have experienced and expressed my feelings so eloquently. I was brought to tears and brought to peace. Thank you.

Honest and Unapologetic

Beautiful story of a woman learning to listen to her inner voice, rather than the voice of an organized religion…

Loved the honesty!

Well explained, as an ExJw myself….i found the intricacy of her unfolding story leaving this religious group and striking out into the ‘world’, well explained and very realistic of the dynamics of a shunned individual. You must be a brave and courageous person to leave your family behind because they will not accept your decision to leave. Life is wonderful being ‘worldly’, because it’s actually a good thing!!!

Humanity wins over rigid religious rules

I grew up with parents who had strong values and morals, yet with no organized religion. I’ve seen positive things that religion has done for people, and I’ve also seen the hatred and fear that it can incite by turning nonbelievers into “others”.

This book gave me insight into a faction of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I always find this type of learning both fascinating and scary… because humans are willing to abandon decency and empathy against other people (in this case their own child) to follow man-made rules that they attribute to a God.

Well Written

This was written in a way that was engaging, relatable, and educational. I know others who have gone through a similar struggle so it was great to hear more in depth from this perspective

Exquisite memoir & left me a better understanding of JWs

Very intricate detail of a beautiful life, despite the pain of the Jehovah Witness cult. Very unusual story as I’ve heard many many Jehovah Witness stories. This one stood out mainly because of the thoughtfulness and of the high degree of sensitivity and intelligence of the writer. This person was not cleaning toilets or washing windows.
Extraordinary story. Well worth the time to listen to it. I learned so much.
Obviously the writer is extra smart anyway I loved the story and will go back and listen again.
Beautiful voice telling the story. I was very relieved to see that the writer didn’t try telling the story herself because it always sounds so much better with a professional voice. Hallelujah for that small miracle; it made the listening experience lovely. Thank you!!!