The House of My Mother
From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.
Buy the book on AmazonThe House of My Mother
Shari Franke's memoir, The House of My Mother, reveals the harrowing experiences she endured growing up in a family that appeared perfect on the surface but was marked by severe abuse and manipulation.
Her mother, Ruby Franke, maintained a strict moral code and an image of a flawless family through their popular YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, which attracted 2.5 million subscribers. However, beneath this facade lay a tyrannical parenting style that was far from idyllic. Shari describes her childhood as a "constant battle for survival," where Ruby's wholesome online persona concealed a much darker reality.
The book details how Ruby, influenced by relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, enforced a harsh disciplinary regime that led to significant emotional and physical scars on Shari and her siblings. The narrative culminates in the arrest of Ruby and Jodi in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse, marking a pivotal moment in Shari's quest for freedom and healing.
On the day of the arrest, Shari shared a poignant image of a police car outside their home with the caption "Finally", signifying her relief and the beginning of her journey to reclaim her life.
In this memoir, Shari Franke courageously confronts the complexities of her upbringing and the impact of influencer culture, shedding light on the hidden struggles faced by those behind the camera.
Where Can I Find the Full Text of "The House of My Mother" by Shari Franke
You can find the full text of The House of My Mother by Shari Franke through several sources
- San Diego County Library: The book is available for borrowing as an eBook and audiobook. You can check their catalog for availability here.
- Goodreads: While Goodreads does not provide the full text, you can find reviews and information about the book, which may help in locating it at a library or bookstore. Visit Goodreads.
- Apple Books: The unabridged audiobook version is available for purchase, which you can listen to on Apple devices. Visit Apple Books.
- OverDrive: The Free Library of Philadelphia offers the book through OverDrive, where you can place a hold if it's currently checked out. Visit OverDrive.
- Audible: The audiobook is also available on Audible, narrated by Shari Franke herself. Visit Audible.
These platforms offer various formats, including physical copies, eBooks, and audiobooks, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best.
Are There Any Other Books by Shari Franke That Discuss Similar Topics?
Shari Franke has not published other books as of now, but there are similar memoirs by other authors that explore themes of familial trauma and religious extremism. Here are a few notable mentions
- Jinger Duggar Vuolo: Her book, Becoming Free Indeed, discusses her experiences growing up in the Duggar family, focusing on the impact of strict religious beliefs and the journey toward personal freedom. She has also released another book titled Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations.
- Jill Duggar Dillard: She authored Counting the Cost, which also touches on themes of family dynamics and the challenges faced within a highly publicized upbringing.
These books resonate with the topics covered in Shari Franke's memoir, particularly regarding the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the effects of extreme parenting styles.