I never watched 8 passengers. I never heard of Ruby Franke until the story popped up on my true crime radar. …well PART of the story, that is. We knew what was seen on body cam, interviews, and police statements. But NO ONE knew the depth of what happened.. what was happening in front of so many people, yet behind closed doors. Media jumped to get every Franke headline out there that they could. But no one cared enough to let those involved choose what could make it out there in the public. No one was delicate in asking questions or trying to put themselves in the survivors shoes. So many demanded answers and wouldn’t let them have quiet or privacy. So many people made documentaries, headlines, and gossip without the family’s approval. I believe this book is the best and perhaps only way that Shari, a survivor, could truly speak the truth of what happened. The only way to satisfy innocent curiosity and vicious invaders of privacy, alike.I pre-ordered the book, despite having not read a hard copy book for a couple of years, perhaps. Even as a busy mother, who took hours away from reading, to play with my child and have dinner with my family, I finished the book in 24 hours after receiving it in the mail.Upon opening the book, I was immediately captured by the writing style, the skill, the verbiage. You feel you get to walk in Shari’s shoes. You see the helplessness, the striving for perfection, constantly being put down, and yet perseverance to save her family and discover how she can help herself.This book works through things chronologically, and although there’s so much I’m sure she had to edit out, it feels complete. It starts back when Ruby and Kevin was born, a brief insight of how they grew up, and the whirlwind of their meeting to marriage.One of the things that impressed me about Shari’s writing is that she managed to bring every different perspective and feeling out in a way that shows the complexity of the dynamic. The fact that she talked about how stunning Ruby was on her wedding day and the vision that she was, how Shari wanted to be her moms friend, how she felt used by her mom, the anger towards Ruby, the compassion she sometimes felt towards her, the fear for her safety, while also wanting her far away. Shari really wrote in each emotion she felt at the time.Before reading, I thought maybe the book would focus fully on how bad her mom is. But really the whole picture is SO much bigger than that. Shari was so genuine and she didn’t just focus on being a victim. Instead you could see her growth, struggle, growth, perseverance , growth throughout the pages.I am a Christian, not LDS, but I wanted to briefly comment that she spoke highly and respectfully of the LDS church. As the Franke family was in the LDS community, I thought some might be concerned this would portray them in a bad light. Instead there is more focus on when Ruby dramatically changes in the conneXions cult as Jodi’s obsessive partner (in more ways that it had appeared from the surface.) And as far as the LDS church goes, it seems Shari is still a part of it, and now realizes more than ever (especially with a couple not-so-good circumstances in the church hierarchy) that God’s word is more important than the way man tries to (sometimes badly) interpret it. She seems to be in a healthy place spiritually, mentally, and physically, with a lot of self awareness and understanding that growing and healing is ongoing.I have included a few pages, sections that jumped out to me, some of which answered questions I had before reading. Just a sneak peak, because you have to buy and read this to truly get the whole picture!To Shari, Chad, and the other children (I am happy have remained anonymous in Shari’s book:)In case you ever see this.. I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, but if we knew each other in real life, I’d like to think we would be friends. We could eat mini corn dogs and watch a show together. But the truth is, you don’t need every person who got a glimpse into your life to be your friend. Because you will slowly grow in (or heal) the relationships with the family/friends you have, and with the loved ones you meet. You will slowly put the pieces (only the ones you choose) together to create your community, family, and life. You deserve for everyone to forget about you, and I mean this in the best way. You deserve the peace that isn’t found in the online chatter. You deserve to find true, unfettered happiness. You all will grow and overcome so much as you continue on. Allow this propel you forward into great things. You no-longer have to live in fear. The Bible says to be of good cheer for Jesus has overcome the world. I know so many chains have been broken, thanks to you guys. You are a generation of change. Your children will be so blessed to have you - when and if that day comes. (And there is so much life to live before then!) Shari’s curiosity, planning ahead, and love for learning; Chad’s carefree spirit; and each and every one of your best traits will be passed on. When the day comes, it is truly SO healing to LOVE, cherish, and treat your children they way you wanted your childhood to be. You get to see the world through their eyes! Your children’s childhood won’t just be theirs. It’ll be yours too. Sending all my love and well wishes! Xoxo