The House of My Mother - Shari Franke

The House of My Mother

By Shari Franke

  • Release Date: 2025-01-07
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 5
5
From 601 Ratings
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Description

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.

Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface—Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined.

As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime.

Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: “Finally.”

For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, “ConneXions.” No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.

Reviews

  • Poignant and creative

    3
    By sashasss96
    This memoir kept me hooked beginning to end. The “8 Passengers” case was huge news in Utah, and Shari Franke has spoken out about the dubious ethics around family vlogging. I appreciated the opportunity provided in this book to further explore her point of view, as Franke recounted years of abuse and manipulation while her mother made millions off of presenting a picture-perfect facade on YouTube. I appreciated the clarity and creativity of the writing, and the only reason I knocked off a few stars was because I think a book like this might be even better after the author has had more time to age and gain even more perspective. In other words, I would read another Sheri Franke book if she released one!!! I’d actually love to see her take a pass at fiction because her love of storytelling showed.

  • Couldn’t put this book down!

    5
    By Katrinaraquel
    This story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Exquisite writing and storytelling. I read this entire book in a day!

  • Excellent Read

    5
    By fangurlll
    I have followed Shari’s journey from the very beginning, and hearing her story told in her own words was truly eye-opening. From the outset, it was evident to those who watched from afar that Shari possessed an extraordinary intellect and a naturally compassionate spirit. These qualities shine through in her book, which is not only exceptionally well-written but also deeply introspective as she courageously dissects her experiences. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has followed her story. Shari’s willingness to share her thoughts and experiences, even when she didn’t have to, is a gift to her readers and a testament to her strength and generosity.

  • Sad but very inspiring

    5
    By amazingrayce13
    I finished this book in 3-4 days. It was very intriguing and I couldn’t believe what this poor girl really had to go through. I never watched “8 Passengers” but I have seen clips on how the mother treated those poor children. Those women are mentally unstable and deserve to stay locked up forever! I commend Shari for sharing her story while protecting the privacy of her younger siblings. I wish them the best in their healing journey!

  • Everyday Heroes

    5
    By TFKarl
    I’m so impressed with Shari’s insight, courage and strength. I hope she becomes an inspirational speaker. Her story could lift so many out of dark worlds created by deception. I was also deeply touched by those in her life who had similar strength and courage such as her therapist, the bishop who paved the way to her therapy, and neighbors who loved unconditionally.

  • Brave.

    5
    By srambo22
    A true act of bravery and perseverance.

  • Terrible

    1
    By Sunshine2759
    I wish I could get my money back. I purchased this influenced by the reviews and I don’t see how it’s rated highly. I don’t know the whole story and half way through the book I still don’t. It appears she is an angry, self centered girl. She cites the pain of being in front of the camera yet takes the first opportunity to create her own channel. She berated her mother for falling into the Connexions cult and immediately falls for it herself. She bashes her mother for sending her brother to a wilderness camp yet doesn’t provide any context. There might be more to the story but the author provides no depth or insight, just criticism and anger that reads like a self centered teenager with anger issues. I can’t finish this book it’s so awful. Waste of money.

  • 10/10

    5
    By PoohBoooh
    You are so strong

  • The history

    5
    By Anonymous 123456789109763584
    This book was eye opening, I grew up watching this channel and noticed things here and there. It is crazy when you hear other perspectives. I wouldn’t have imagined the abuse, thank you for telling your story you are brave!

  • Loved it!

    5
    By EmilyJesick
    Really loved this book! Very detailed and answered many questions I have been wondering about this case (and family) for many years.

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