The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom
INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Heart-wrenchingly personal...dizzying.” -Rolling Stone

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog-now the subject of a new Hulu docuseries-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.
1146419007
The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom
INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Heart-wrenchingly personal...dizzying.” -Rolling Stone

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog-now the subject of a new Hulu docuseries-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.
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The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

by Shari Franke

Narrated by Shari Franke

Unabridged — 7 hours, 9 minutes

The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

by Shari Franke

Narrated by Shari Franke

Unabridged — 7 hours, 9 minutes

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Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

A hard-hitting tell-all that sheds light on a family raised through social media. This honest and at times harrowing account pulls no punches on what was happening behind the scenes of the YouTube sensations.

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Heart-wrenchingly personal...dizzying.” -Rolling Stone

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog-now the subject of a new Hulu docuseries-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.

Editorial Reviews

Page Six

"[A] bombshell new memoir."

USA Today

"Shari Franke is sharing her side of the story...[a] raw retelling."

The Mary Sue

"Searing."

Rolling Stone

"Heart-wrenchingly personal...dizzying."

Variety

"Shari reveals the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers for the first time."

The Guardian

"Absolutely heartbreaking."

People

"In her brave new memoir, Ruby's daughter Shari Franke opens up about the abuse she and her siblings experienced, and her own path toward survival."

Product Details

BN ID: 2940190851113
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: 01/07/2025
Edition description: Unabridged
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