I unfortunately had to DNF this around the 18% mark. I was interested in the basic premise, of religious extremism and how that can impact families and children.

Unfortunately there were two issues that kept me from connecting with this book. 1. The pace. It's one 40-word sentence after the next. 2. There were no really striking moments of personal connection. It's all just the author's personal musings about politics or the world. As a theologian, I understand that preaching is part of the deal. But it's not what I'm looking for in a first-person narrative.

Although a lot of this "memoir" /help manifesto was fascinating, it became almost impossible to follow because of her non-linear approach to telling this story.

Dr. Jamie Marich's upcoming release, "You Lied To Me About God," is an incredibly brave and honest memoir of her experiences growing up as a highly sensitive, queer child in a mixed Catholic and Evangelical household. In this deeply personal account, Dr. Marich details the impact of religious trauma on her life, the effects of spiritual abuse and the harmful influence of Christosupremacy.

Dr. Marich captivated me with her candid truths on the complexities of her upbringing. Her narrative skillfully weaves together the devout Catholicism of her mother and the anti-Catholic stance of her father, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced in a household marked by religious diversity. The author recounts childhood prayers for the rapture, revealing how, as a trauma therapist, she now interprets those early experiences as desperate cries for help.

The book explores the concept of spiritual bypassing, eloquently explained by Marich through the lens of her own journey. Drawing on Buddhist teacher John Welwood's term, she articulates the pitfalls of relying on religion to evade the emotional work necessary for healing. The author's reflections on the film "Amistad" as a guiding force in writing the book add depth to the narrative, showcasing the interplay between personal experiences and the way the arts help us to process and understand our pain.

Dr. Marich's connection to her roots as a therapist with Croatian, Serbian, and Hungarian heritage enriches the memoir, drawing important parallels between historical contexts and contemporary spiritual bypassing. Her incisive commentary on the intricate relationship between church and state provides a crucial critical analysis of spiritual abuse, contributing to a macro lens conversation on these issues as well.

The author vulnerably shares her journey through substance abuse, offering readers a glimpse into the pain she sought to numb. "You Lied To Me About God" is ultimately a story of found family and healing. Marich honors the journey, her chosen family, and the transcending power of connection and support.

Readers will resonate with the complexities of love and societal expectations as Marich shares her experience falling in love with a seminarian, a relationship thwarted by institutional barriers. The inclusion of expressive arts invitations in the book offers readers moments of reflection, enhancing the reading experience.

Dr. Marich also fearlessly addresses problematic behaviors within 12-step meetings, creating a space for readers to confront and navigate the challenges of recovery. Her compassionate approach makes this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of spiritual abuse and the journey toward healing.